Int’l Ice Patrol Resumes Operations for 2019 Season

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February 9, 2019

The Coast Guard International Ice Patrol announced it has commenced operations for the 2019 ice season as of Feb. 5, 2019 and will resume production of the North American Ice Service (NAIS) daily iceberg warning products from its operations center in New London, Connecticut.

The International Ice Patrol generates the iceberg warnings from February through August, when icebergs pose the greatest threat to transatlantic shipping. The Canadian Ice Service generates the iceberg warning products for the remainder of the year. The Iceberg Limit is published in a daily bulletin (NAIS-10) and graphical chart (NAIS-65) and distributed through a variety of methods including radio broadcasts and the internet. Additionally, the Canadian Ice Service will continue their traditional distribution mechanisms.

The NAIS iceberg bulletin and chart advise mariners of the iceberg extent in the vicinity of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Canada, along the Labrador Coast, and the southern end of Greenland, providing both an Iceberg Limit and an iceberg density distribution within the limit. Reports of ice in this area originate from various sources, including passing ships, satellite imagery, and reconnaissance flights. New for 2019, the estimated limit around Greenland will be updated bi-weekly from satellite imagery analyzed by the Danish Meteorological Institute; previously it was updated monthly based upon 30-year climatological averages. Additionally, the use of satellite imagery to detect and identify icebergs will continue to increase around Newfoundland, though aerial reconnaissance will remain the primary method for detection and identification.

Source:marinelink

Steel Cut for Odyssey of the Seas

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February 9, 2019

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Royal Caribbean International has marked the official start of construction of its 27th ship, the new Quantum Ultra ship Odyssey of the Seas at Meyer Werft in Germany.

Sister ship to 4,246-passenger Spectrum of the Seas, she is the fifth ship for Royal Caribbean International within the last few years. Completion is planned for fall 2020, and she will sail from the U.S. Spectrum of the Seas is expected to be delivered this year.

Royal Caribbean took delivery of Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas in autumn 2014, spring 2015,spring 2016 and in spring 2019. Odyssey of the Seas is anticipated to be slightly larger than these vessels: 168,800 gross tons versus 168,666 gross tons.

Additional details on Odyssey of the Seas will be revealed later this year.

In December 2018, for the 16th consecutive year, Royal Caribbean International was named “Best Cruise Line Overall” and “Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean” in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. The line was also awarded “Best Cruise Line Sales & Service” for the 11th year in a row. In addition, Royal Caribbean won “Best Entertainment” ande Harmony of the Seas won “Best Overall Individual Cruise Ship” – both honors received for the second consecutive year.

Also in December 2018, Royal Caribbean International won the “Best Cruises” category of the 2018 National Geographic Traveler Awards Russia. It is the second time in three years that the cruise line has won the award. The National Geographic Traveler Awards is National Geographic Traveler magazine’s annual awards, based on an all-Russian vote for the best tourist destinations among the most popular types of vacation.

Royal Caribbean International also launched a Russian-speaking service on board Symphony of the Seasin 2018, which means the Cruise Compass and menus of all on board restaurants are translated into Russian. This program will expand this year on European itineraries of Oasis of the Seas as well as Dubai itineraries on Jewel of the Seas.

Source:maritime-executive

Aker Solutions Awarded Northern Lights Contract

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February 8, 2019

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Aker Solutions has secured its first contract on Northern Lights, a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project initiated by Equinor with partners Shell and Total. The aim is to develop the world's first storage facility capable of receiving CO2 from various industrial sources.

The Northern Lights project consists of a CO2 receiving terminal, an offshore pipeline, injection and CO2 storage. Aker Solutions will deliver equipment for the subsea infrastructure for an early well development as a call-off from the Equinor framework agreement awarded to the company in December 2017.

"Carbon capture and storage plays an essential role in the industry’s efforts to contribute to achievement of the Paris climate goals," said Luis Araujo, chief executive officer of Aker Solutions. "We will leverage our extensive experience with CCS technologies on this project in our joint effort to reduce emissions."

The Norwegian carbon capture and storage demonstration project will be based on capture of CO2 from two possible capture sites; Fortum Oslo Varme’s waste-to-energy facility in Oslo and Norcem’s cement factory in Brevik, where Aker Solutions is already working on the front-end engineering and design of a carbon capture plant.

The captured CO2 liquid will be transported by ship from the capture sites to a new CO2 receiving terminal at Naturgassparken in Øygarden, outside Bergen. The CO2 will then be injected into a suitable offshore geological storage complex via subsea injection wells and an offshore pipeline from the CO2 receiving terminal.

MSC eyes significant expansion in Italy

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February 8, 2019

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Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is significantly expanding its business in Italy with a brand new logistics and intermodal company called Medlog Italia.

A one stop logistics and supply chain provider, the Genoa-based Medlog Italia will invest in inland logistics platforms, warehouses, trucks, and locomotives “facilitating logistics efficiency for the benefit of customers”.

This new company was founded 12 months ago and since then has been actively recruiting managers and skilled professionals (many from Contship Italia) for the new team, which has a mission to progressively control the logistics chain of cargo shipments both to and from Italy.

Sources tell Splash that the first container train directly controlled and operated by Medlog Italia is expected to be launched in 2020 and should connect the ports of Genoa and Leghorn with the respective hinterlands.

MSC controls or participates in several container terminal in Italy such as Calata Bettolo and Intermodal Marine Terminal in Genoa, La Spezia Container Terminal in La Spezia, Lorenzini Terminal in Leghorn, Roma Terminal Container in Civitavecchia, Conateco in Naples, Medcenter Container Terminal in Gioia Tauro, Adriatic Container Terminal in Ancona, Terminal Intermodale Venezia in Venice Marghera and Trieste Marine Terminal in Trieste.

Source:splash247

Telespazio signs two contracts with Grimaldi Group to upgrade satellite communications capacity on its fleet

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February 8, 2019

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Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%), and the Grimaldi Group recently signed two contracts for the upgrade of the Neapolitan Shipping Group’s satellite communications capacity on its fleet of cargo and passenger vessels.

The first agreement provides for managing on-board communications for RO/RO, RO/RO multi-purpose and PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels in the Grimaldi Fleet that operate between Northern Europe, North and South America, West Africa, and the Mediterranean.

Specifically, Telespazio will take care of the design and supply of on-board systems for satellite communications and related broadband services, including backup, on a multi-regional scale. These services will be provided via Telespazio’s global coverage platform operated by the Fucino Space Centre (L’Aquila).

The second agreement covers renovating basic (voice and data) satellite telecommunication services for crew and passengers, on mixed cargo/passenger ships that the Neapolitan Group currently operates in the Mediterranean, between Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily), Greece, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco and Malta.

The overall value of both agreements signed between Telespazio and the Grimaldi Group is about Euro 5 million.

World’s first hybrid retrofit for short-sea vessel to take place

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February 8, 2019

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Wärtsilä signed an agreement with Hagland Shipping for a hybrid retrofit installation. The project will take place on board the 'Hagland Captain', a general cargo vessel. This will be the first project of its kind ever in short-sea shipping applications. The agreement was signed in December 2018.

The installation of the battery hybrid propulsion solution will improve the ship’s environmental performance by reducing its emissions, fuel consumption, and noise. Included in the solution are a shore power connection to supply power for loading/unloading operations and for battery charging, a new reduction gear with power take-off (PTO) and power take-in (PTI) technology, and a Wärtsilä NOx Reducer (NOR).

It is expected that the total decrease in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions after the retrofit could be as much as 80 to 90%. In the same time, the overall fuel cost savings are expected to be between 5 to 10%. The battery capacity will be enough to sail in and out of harbour on electric power for about 30 minutes, which will reduce noise and pollution levels near the harbour.

Paul Kohle, Director, Sales & Sales Support, Asset Management Services, Wärtsilä Marine, said:"Environmental considerations are increasingly important for fleet owners around the world. The need for the latest smart marine technologies has been seen for some time already in deep sea shipping, and this project is evidence that the need also exists in short-sea transportation."

These hybrid solutions combine engines, an energy storage system using batteries, and power electronics, which aspire to create a newly developed energy management system (EMS).

ICTSI and Navis Enter into New Global Partnership

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February 8, 2019

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ICTSI and Navis Enter into New Global Partnership for N4 to Improve Functionality and Reduce Total Cost of Ownership Across Global Terminal Network.

Navis, a part of Cargotec Corporation, and the provider of operational technologies and services that unlock greater performance and efficiency for the world’s leading organizations across the shipping supply chain, announced a new global partnership agreement with International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ITCSI), around a centralized pooled approach and global volume view that supports ICTSI growth strategies around the world. The partnership allows for Navis’ innovative N4 platform to be adapted more easily to ICTSI’s global footprint.

By leveraging N4 within its 31 terminal network, ICTSI will be able to improve overall site functionality and deploy a global business intelligence solution – bridging data across terminals and connecting to monitoring and reporting functions for increased clarity and insight around business decisions.

With a current focus on improving process and performance, ICTSI, which operates N4 at 17 of its terminals, is also working to further streamline operations and eventually evolve to cloud-based solutions in close coordination with Navis. “This new agreement removes administrative and transactional complexity, focusing the relationship on the delivery of technologies to drive operational results,” said Brian Hibbert, Chief Information Officer, ICTSI. “We have an agreement that puts the focus on moving the products forward into the cloud.”

This scalable approach will allow ICTSI to adjust to the evolving global terminal landscape and reduce the need for localized resources and infrastructure, especially in areas where they are difficult to deploy and maintain. In turn, ICTSI, along with Navis can drive innovation and efficiency across all sizes and scale of terminal operations.

“This agreement allows ICTSI to consolidate the execution of its strategy and address changes and resources on a holistic basis rather than by individual terminal,” said Bruce Jacquemard, Chief Customer Officer, Navis. “ICTSI has been a long-term partner of Navis and we’re excited to help them capitalize on N4 across the network to usher in the next phase of operational improvements.”

Source:hellenicshippingnews

Maersk to introduce a virtual assistant

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February 8, 2019

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New smart technologies and seamless solutions continue to change the shipping industry. In 2019, Maersk will enhance its Remote Container Management (RCM) platform by a virtual assistant, named “Captain Peter”. The avatar will assist customers along the journey of their cargo.

Currently being tested by a group of select customers, technical improvements are being put in place to simplify the processes integrated into the Remote Container Management (RCM) platform. In the first half of 2019, Maersk will release the new platform with a revamped design and new product features which will be enhanced by a virtual assistant named Captain Peter.

“Our goal is for the RCM product to look and feel like your favourite smartphone app. There is still a lot of paper work and difficult processes in global trade. Captain Peter will help take care of some of this complexity, by seamlessly engaging with the customer from end to end in the supply chain,” explains Anne-Sophie Zerlang Karlsen, Head of Global Reefer Management at Maersk.

In the beginning, Captain Peter will follow some simple rules, sending up-to-date information via customers’ preferred channel, for example, SMS or e-mail, on container temperature and atmosphere conditions, as well as a timeline on its end-to-end journey. Should any deviations be observed, or the shipment be delayed, Captain Peter will notify the customer.

Once the container has arrived at its destination, Captain Peter will also check on its state and send an update to the customer. In time, customers will receive information configured to their specific needs.

The RCM technology makes a reefer’s location, temperature, humidity and power status easily available to the customer. Should any issues be detected, the customer can alert his supplier or have the shipment checked by local surveyors, potentially saving the customer millions of dollars in lost cargo.

“With the number of active users of the RCM platform constantly growing, the aspiration is for Captain Peter to gather enough information to be able to predict potential cargo damage and provide configuration suggestions before containers are shipped,” concludes Anne-Sophie Zerlang Karlsen.

Maersk launched RCM for customers in September 2017. It provides transparency on in-formation from 270,000 Maersk refrigerated containers equipped with machine to machine technology. Today, over 2,300 customers have signed up for the RCM solution, translating to more than 70% of Maersk’s reefer volume.

Source:hellenicshippingnews

Subsea lifting system completes second-phase trials

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February 8, 2019

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Ecosse IP Ltd.’s latest subsea lifting product, the Ambient Lifter (AL10T), has completed successful pre-trial tests in Buckie Harbor, northeast Scotland.

This was a follow-up to trials completed last September when the Ambient Lifter lifted a 5-metric ton (5.5-ton) load from the seabed.

Building on the results, EIP’s engineering team scaled up the system by doubling its lifting capacity to 10 metric tons and adding an ROV garage and docking interface.

The company plans full harbor trials next month to demonstrate the system’s lift capabilities to potential customers and other interested parties.

Dorothy Burke, EIP’s managing director, said: “The scaled-up model AL10T performed well, successfully demonstrating it can be maneuvered with the integrated ROV and can lift a 10-metric ton [11-ton] weight…"

“We are delighted The Oil & Gas Technology Centre is supporting our next trials and also look forward to working with Oceaneering and Aleron on the next phases through to commercialization.”

Source:offshore-mag

Orsted offloads 50% Revolution, South Fork stakes

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February 8, 2019

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Orsted has sold 50% of the 704MW Revolution Wind and 130MW South Fork offshore projects off the US east coast to Eversource for about $225m.

A further two undeveloped New England lease areas with potential capacity of over 1GW – Massachusetts North and Massachusetts South – have also been 50% divested to Eversource, New England's large energy provider.

Revolution, located off Rhode Island, will deliver power to that state and Connecticut and is expected to be commissioned in 2023, subject to permitting, power purchase agreements and a final investment decision.

South Fork, which is located off Long Island, is expected online in 2022, subject permit approval and FID.

Eversource and Orsted are already partnering on the up to 800MW Bay State offshore wind farm off Massachusetts.

Orsted offshore chief executive Martin Neubert said: “More than ever, the US offshore wind market has great growth potential with several states committing to significant build out volumes."

I’m delighted to extend our strategic partnership with Eversource in the north-east and welcome them to our new offshore wind projects which will enable the joint venture to harvest synergies across the different New England projects.

Combined, Orsted’s world-leading track-record in offshore wind and Eversource’s strong regional footprint offers a powerful setup for developing offshore wind projects in New England.

Eversource executive vice president for enterprise energy strategy and business development Lee Olivier said: “Orsted continuously proves itself as a leader in the industry it helped to create, and this is recognised in the US with their Revolution Wind and South Fork projects.

We are excited to grow our partnership with Orsted, and we look forward to working with the local communities where these projects exist, where we will honour all existing commitments and work collaboratively to deliver a clean energy transformation to homes and businesses throughout the region.

Source:renews