German research studies offshore impact on grid

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January 24, 2019

A new three-year research project in Germany will explore the impact of offshore wind energy being fed into the grid.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy-funded GEOWISOL2 project will expand upon a database containing information on different geographical locations of various renewable sources feeding into the grid, as well as other data.

The database was established in the initial GEOWISOL project to better understand the delivery of renewable energy in terms of geographical location and impact on the grid.

However, offshore wind is a new addition to the initiative.

The findings will be used to support the development of grid expansion projects and also those that aim to couple renewables with other sectors, such as energy storage and power-to-X.

Offshore wind data will be added to the database via the ‘Integration of Offshore Wind Energy and Definition of Expansion Scenarios’ by the Offshore-Windenergie group.

Bremen Institute for Measurement, Automation and Quality Sciences at the University of Bremen is coordinating GEOWISOL2.

Partners include Deutsche WindGuard, Energy & Meteo Systems as well as Offshore-Windenergie.

Source:renews

UK Launches Huge Marine Smart Tech Strategy

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January 24, 2019

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The UK government has announced it has launched an initiative to make the country a pre-eminent global test bed of emerging technology in order to capitalize on the growing economic potential of maritime innovations.

According to a statement from the Department of Transport (DoT), the government has set out its ambitions in its ‘Maritime 2050’ strategy.

The strategy includes plans to develop autonomous vessels and establish the UK as the world’s foremost testing location and a leading hub for international maritime investment.

Furthermore, the strategy will also look to establish an innovation hub at a UK port by 2030 and pioneer the use virtual and augmented reality in seafarer training.

As well as that, the DoT has also announced that this year it will create what calls a Clean Maritime Plan, which will set out how the UK plans to lead the way in environmentally friendly and zero emission shipping.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling MP hailed the plan and emphasized the importance of shipping to the UK economy.

“Maritime is a vital UK industry, bringing in £14 billion to our economy as well as providing thousands of new and exciting careers for people across the country,” Grayling said.

This strategy is a clear message to the world – we will continue to be a leading maritime nation for the next 30 years and beyond.

“We will be at the forefront of emerging technology and seafarer training and will capitalize on selling this expertise to companies across the world.”

Source:porttechnology

Most British Ports Have Not Prepared for Brexit

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January 24, 2019

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With just 65 days to go until Britain exits the European Union, the UK government has not finalized a transition plan – and, according to a new survey, neither have the majority of the UK's ports.

The executive search firm Odgers Berndtson recently conducted a poll of 100 top decision-makers at almost all UK ports. Out of these industry leaders, only 16 percent responded that they have made "significant or practical" preparations for Brexit. 80 percent said that their ports have done little or no planning, and only 25 percent believe that they are well-positioned for Brexit. A third believe they could cope, and 40 percent either don’t know or doubt their ability to handle the change.

"This is the first real indication of what’s actually happening outside ports like Dover,” said Paul Butterworth, Odgers Berndtson's head of maritime and shipping practice.

The British Ports Association responded to the poll results by noting the continued confusion over Britain's next steps as Brexit approaches. "Given that there is still no certainty around our trading relationship with Europe after Brexit it is not surprising that some ports have been unable to fully prepare,” said Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the BPA.

For years, the association has warned of the dangers of a "no-deal" Brexit with no transition period and no free-trade agreement. Last week, it said that its members remain concerned about the increasing prospect for a sudden, unmanaged exit from the EU. "We are obviously now very close to exit day and many in the ports sector will be seeking guarantees that time will found for further negotiation to avoid the UK leaving the EU on unfavourable terms," Ballantyne said. "We would urge the Government to clarify its alternative plans immediately and do whatever is necessary to avoid a disorderly withdrawal from the EU."

Source:maritime-executive

Solstad Offshore writes down fleet by almost $100m

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January 24, 2019

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Solstad Offshore has retrospectively booked an impairment of NOK850m (US$99.28m) on the value of its fleet in the 3rd quarter of 2018.

When releasing its original 3rd quarter results, Solstad considered it unnecessary to carry out an impairment test on its fleet value, as it matched independent broker valuations. However the company was questioned by Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority Finanstilsynet on the matter last month, believing it did not give enough weight to the issue.

After carrying out the impairment test, Solstad has booked the NOK850m impairment citing the delay in the market recovery and an increase in the company’s cost of capital.

Solstad went further to say that there is a risk of further write-downs being made in its 4th quarter accounts for 2018.

Last month Solstad Offshore secured a suspension of both principal and interest payments with its lenders, having commenced restructuring efforts in October 2018.

Source:splash247

Warrant Issued Against Chairman of Polaris Shipping

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January 24, 2019

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A warrant for the arrest of the chairman of Polaris Shipping has been issued by South Korean authorities, according to local media reports.

Polaris Shipping operated the Stellar Daisy – the very large ore carrier that went missing off Uruguay on April 1, 2017. The 266,000-ton bulk carrier had 24 crew at the time. Their final message was that she was taking on water and listing, and the two survivors of the casualty reported that her hull cracked before she went down. The cause of the loss has not yet been officially determined.

Yonhap News reports that the warrant has been requested against Kim Wan-joong, chairman of Polaris Shipping and two other company officials for violation of shipping safety law. A court hearing is set for Thursday. Further charges may be laid, including negligent homicide. Other media reports state that warrants are also being requested against an inspector of Korean Register of Shipping and two others from another company responsible for inspecting the vessel.

American subsea survey company Ocean Infinity was hired by the government of South Korea late last year to conduct a search for the Stellar Daisy. Ocean Infinity operates high-tech AUVs to conduct large-scale detailed surveys, along with ROVs for specific site inspections. The company was involved in the search for Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370, and it successfully located the missing Argentinian Navy submarine ARA San Juan in November last year.

The 1993-built Stellar Daisy started life as the single-hulled crude tanker Sunrise III. In the late 2000s, single-hulled tankers were being phased out in favor of double-hull designs, and a Korean bulker firm bought the Sunrise and several other VLCCs for conversion to dry bulk ore carriers. About two dozen vessels with similar conversions are still in operation today.

A few days after the Stellar Daisy's sinking, operator Polaris Shipping confirmed that another of its converted ore carriers, Stellar Unicorn, had a crack on the outer hull. She has since been scrapped at Gadani, Pakistan. Hull cracks were also reportedly found on the Polaris-operated Stellar Queen, another converted ore carrier which is still in service.

In May 2017, South Korean Coast Guard investigators raided Polaris' offices in Seoul and Busan as part of an inquiry into the cause of the sinking.

Between 2008 and 2017 there were 53 total losses of bulk carriers of 10,000 ton deadweight and above with the reported loss of 202 seafarers.

Source:maritime-executive

Marine-i event will shine a spotlight on new Wave Energy Technology

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January 24, 2019

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Marine-i will host a special ‘Meet the Buyer’ workshop on 24^th January to showcase the development of AMOG Consulting Ltd’s innovative Wave Energy Converter Concept.

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Marine-i was set up to promote marine innovation in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It has provided funding to AMOG to support the assembly and testing of the new device in Cornwall.

This one-third scale device will be tested at the Falmouth Bay test site in summer 2019, following testing at the COAST laboratory at University of Plymouth and fabrication within the Cornwall Marine Enterprise zone. This workshop will cover some of the challenges faced in the development of this unique marine technology, demonstrating lessons learned and opening discussion amongst industry members to help overcome any limitations and highlight commercial opportunities.

Prof Andrew Potts, CEO and Founder of AMOG says:

"The workshop will be a fantastic opportunity for us to lay out the longer term needs of the supply chain from a developer's perspective, as well as giving an opportunity for members of the supply chain to become more familiar with AMOG and vice versa. Cornwall has established a world class marine renewable energy supply chain that is invaluable to the future of our innovative wave energy converter technology."

Dr George Crossley of the University of Exeter, who is coordinating the event, says:

“This is a great opportunity for businesses, funders and operators within the marine industry to hear about the development of AMOG’s wave energy converter, as well as the South West marine facility and funding environment. The event aims to engage businesses with latest developments in the marine sector. Business will also have the opportunity to be invited to tender for deployment, operations and maintenance work on this wave energy device as well as understand the longer term next generation needs.”

ABS certifies SES’ condition-based monitoring services

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January 24, 2019

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Stress Engineering Services Inc. (SES) has achieved an American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Recognized Specialist certification for its condition-based monitoring (CBM) services.

ABS has certified SES’ process for identifying and tracking damage in drilling riser joints, including the telescopic joint. The certification will move to a life-cycle condition-based monitoring, maintenance and inspection system approach that is deployed and performed on the mobile operating drilling unit.

The CBM approach will remove uncertainties surrounding damage of riser joints and will allow the owner to determine whether the drilling riser should be redeployed or replaced.

An ABS Recognized Specialist performs specific services at the request of equipment manufacturers, shipyards, vessel owners or other clients. They also use the results of inspection, measurements, testing or maintenance in making critical decisions affecting classification or statutory certification or services.

Certification is a five-stage process, which includes feasibility, concept verification, prototype validation, systems integration and operations. The qualifications in each stage include risk assessments, engineering evaluations and document reviews, followed by a facility audit.

The certification is valid for three years, and SES will be listed on the ABS External Specialist database.

Source:offshore-mag

Saudi Aramco Eyes Multibillion-Dollar US Gas Acquisitions

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January 24, 2019

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Saudi Aramco, the world's top oil producer, is looking to acquire natural gas assets in the U.S. and is willing to spend "billions of dollars" there as it aims to become a global gas player, the company's CEO said Jan. 22.

Amin Nasser told Reuters in an interview that his company wants to increase its U.S. investments. It already owns Motiva Enterprises LLC, the biggest U.S. oil refinery.

"We have agreed to bring an additional $10 billion in the Motiva refining complex," said the CEO, attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

"We do have appetite for additional investments in the United States. Aramco’s international gas team has been given an open platform to look at gas acquisitions along the whole supply chain. They have been given significant financial firepower—in the billions of dollars."

Aramco’s gas expansion strategy needs $150 billion of investment over the next decade as the company plans to increase output and later become a gas exporter, Nasser said in November.

Aramco is pushing ahead with its conventional and unconventional gas exploration and production program to feed its fast-growing industries, freeing up more crude oil to export or turn into chemicals.

Investing in the U.S. gas and petrochemical sector has become "very lucrative" due to the large availability of ethane resources, Nasser said. "In gas, we will be one of the main global players," he added.

Source:epmag

Middle East set to receive 20,000 teu ships for the first time

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January 24, 2019

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Ports in the Middle East are set to receive 20,000 teu ships for the first time. Ocean Alliance, the container shipping grouping between CMA CGM, Cosco, Evergreen and OOCL, recentlhy revealed its service changes, effective from April. The Asia – Middle East MEA5 loop will be up-sized to ships of 20,000 teu.

"For the first time ever, container ships of this capacity are thus used outside of the Asia – North Europe route,” Alphaliner noted in its most recent weekly report.

Despite the substantial upgrade of the MEA5, overall Ocean Alliance capacity on the Middle East and Red Sea routes remains unchanged compared to last year’s outlay.

The MEA5 calls at Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha, Singapore, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Port Klang, Qingdao.

The current MEA5-PNW2 pendulum is being decoupled, allowing the upgrade of the MEA5 service to the 20,000 teu scale using seven ships from Cosco.

Eastbound calls at Port Klang and Qingdao are added, at the expense of Singapore, Cai Mep, Hong Kong and Yantian which are dropped.

Commenting on the news, Andy Lane from Singapore-based CTI Consultancy suggested the move could usher in another freight rate war.

“Upsizing services is only bottom line beneficial if you can continue to fill them with good revenue cargo. You do also sacrifice port-pair coverage and sailing frequency. I think that the Asia-Middle East trade is not yet of sufficient scale to host 20,000 teu ships, and a likely outcome is overcapacity and a race to the bottom on rates, at least short term,” Lane said.

Source:splash247

Exxon Mobil, REG Partner With Clariant To Advance Cellulosic Biofuel Research

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January 24, 2019

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Exxon Mobil Corp.and Renewable Energy Group (REG) said Jan. 23 that they have signed a joint research agreement with Clariant to evaluate the potential use of cellulosic sugars from sources such as agricultural waste and residues to produce biofuel, which has the potential to play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The new partnership expands a previously announced agreement for joint research between Exxon Mobil and REG, in which the companies successfully validated the ability of REG Life Sciences bio-conversion technology to convert sugars from cellulosic biomass into biodiesel through a single-step process.

The new agreement with Clariant allows Exxon Mobil and REG to further optimize REG’s bio-conversion process using previously tested and benchmarked cellulosic sugars created through Clariant’s sunliquid process. The companies’ ultimate objective is to combine Clariant’s and REG’s processes into a seamless cellulosic biomass-to-biodiesel technology.

“Over the past three years, our work with REG has led to important advances in genetically improving REG’s proprietary microbes for a beneficial use in facilitating the conversion of cellulosic sugars into biodiesel,” Vijay Swarup, vice president of research and development at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co., said.

Clariant is a leading company offering integrated technologies and solutions for converting agricultural residues such as wheat straw, rice straw, corn stover and sugar cane bagasse. Clariant’s sunliquid process features chemical-free pretreatment, the integrated production of feedstock and process-specific enzymes and thus high yields of fermentable C5 and C6 sugars. Clariant will conduct trials at its pre-commercial plant in Straubing, Germany using different types of cellulosic feedstock that will be converted into sugars for conversion by REG and ExxonMobil into high-quality, low-carbon biodiesel.

REG Life Sciences technology has proven its broad applicability to industries as diverse as flavor and fragrance, specialty chemicals and transportation fuels. Through its partnership with Exxon Mobil, REG has developed proprietary technology that utilizes industrial microbes to convert complex cellulosic sugars into low-carbon biodiesel in a one-step fermentation process.

The partners will also work on a conceptual engineering study to validate the feasibility of the integrated process comprising the technologies of all parties.

Source:epmag