Port of Rotterdam to award nine LNG bunkering licenses until 2020

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December 4, 2018

Port of Rotterdam’s Cees Boon spoke about LNG bunkering licenses that the Port will provide. Namely, he estimates that by 2020, the Port will have granted nine licenses to LNG bunker providers.

The safety advisor at the Port of Rotterdam Authority presented the LNG bunkering audit tool developed by the IAPH Clean Marine Fuels Working Group for port authorities at the LNG Ship/Shore Conference in London and mentioned the licenses which have been granted according to IAPH audit tool.

Furthermore, he pointed out that, by 2020, it is estimated that the Port of Rotterdam will have granted nine licenses to LNG bunker providers to operate at the port which six of the licenses are already granted for regular use in port LNG bunker operations to refuel LNG-powered cruise, cargo, tanker and container vessels.

Moreover, three licenses will be granted for bunker vessels that will operate on the spot market.

The licenses are going to be granted by using theInternational Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) audit tool to make LNG bunkering safe and sustainable. This tool ensures that the responsibilities of bunker facilities operators (BFOs) regarding safe and sustainable business operations are clear and that there is a careful examination of how the LNG bunker operations are set up.

Source:safety4sea

Global Wind joins Borkum 2.2 crew

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December 4, 2018

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Danish outfit Global Wind Service has secured a contract from Jan De Nul Group for turbine installation and completion at an over 200MW offshore wind farm being developed by Trianel in the German North Sea.

The contract covers delivery of technicians to install and mechanically complete 32 Senvion 6.33MW machines at the Borkum West 2.2 project.

Installation is scheduled to start in the spring of next year.

Global Wind Service said it will deliver two teams – one to erect the turbines and the other to perform the electrical and mechanical completion.

Global Wind Service chief commercial officer Michael Hoj Olsen said: “We are very pleased to be able to use our Senvion offshore installation experience supporting Jan De Nul Group and Senvion on this exciting project.“

(The wind farm) is the first offshore installation project we make together with the Jan De Nul Group, and we look forward to a good partnership with both Jan De Nul Group and Senvion on this project.

Jan De Nul was awarded the turbine installation contract by Senvion for the wind farm in February.

Source:renews

Thumbs up for Neart na Gaoithe facelift

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December 4, 2018

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EDF Renewables has gained consent from the Scottish government for a new design for the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm in the Firth of Forth.

The updated consent will allow the project to be constructed using only 54 higher-capacity turbines, rather than the original plan for 75. Overall capacity will remain the same.

Tip heights will be up to 208 metres above sea level allowing the project to “use the latest advances in offshore wind technology”, EDF said.

Neart na Gaoithe is expected to be operational by 2023 and the total investment required to deliver the project is around £1.8bn, it said.

EDF added that the project will be open to other investors in due course.

EDF Renewables UK Neart na Gaoithe project director Matthias Haag said: “This is great news and we are excited to move forward delivering this milestone project for Scotland which will provide low carbon energy for decades to come.”

EDF acquired the wind farm from Mainstream Renewable Power in May.

Source:renews

Siemens Gamesa Firms Belgian Offshore Wind Project

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December 4, 2018

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Spanish wind turbine manufacturer Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) received the order for the 487 MW SeaMade offshore wind power project in Belgium from customer Seamade NV.

The wind turbines and services provider said that it includes supply and commissioning of 58 units of the SG 8.0-167 DD offshore wind turbine and a 17-year Service agreement. The project consists of the two combined sites: Seastar, a 252 MW offshore wind power plant with 30 SG 8.0-167 wind turbines and Mermaid, a 235 MW offshore wind power plant with 28 SG 8.0-167 wind turbines.

SeaMade NV is a partnership formed of the Otary RS NV (70%), Engie Electrabel NV (17.5%) and Eneco Wind Belgium SA (12.5%). Offshore construction is to commence in 2019 and be completed in 2020. SGRE will provide the logistics solution along with remote monitoring and diagnostics for the following 17 years in order to ensure their long-term availability and performance.

“We are very pleased that our preferred supplier agreement announced in March 2018 has now become a fully confirmed order with SeaMade NV. Combining the two project areas into one project shows excellent leadership by our customer to drive down the cost of energy from offshore wind through economies of scale. We look forward to the next steps in the project, helping meet the Belgian government’s 2020 climate objectives,” says Andreas Nauen, CEO of the Offshore Business Unit of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.

The 252 MW SeaMade Seastar site is located 40 km off the Belgian coast, and features water depths up to 38 meters. The 30 SG 8.0-167 DD offshore wind turbines will be installed on monopiles, and supply approximately 260,000 Belgian households with electricity.

The 235 MW SeaMade Mermaid site is located approximately 54 km off the Belgian coast, and features water depths up to approximately 40 meters. The 28 SG 8.0-167 DD offshore wind turbines will also be installed on monopiles. It will supply approximately 230,000 households with electricity.

“After a successful installation of the Rentel offshore wind power plant – our first in Belgium – that we can now start our next project. This will allow us to further expand our service business in Ostend and remain an important Offshore service player in the country,” says An Stroobandt, Managing Director of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy BVBA/SPRL in Belgium.

The SG 8.0-167 DD offshore wind turbine has a rated capacity of 8.0 MW, and a rotor with a 167-meter diameter. It has a swept area of 21,900 m2, and utilizes the SGRE B81 blades, each measuring 81.4 meters. By 2020, more than 1,000 SGRE Direct Drive offshore wind turbines will be installed globally.

Source:marinelink

Hyundai Merchant Marine to Say Good Bye to 2M Alliance?

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December 4, 2018

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South Korea's largest shipping firm Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) is likely to part ways with the 2M Alliance which will expire in April 2020 and join a new ocean alliance said a local media report.

According to a report in Business Korea, the 2M Alliance (consists of Maersk Line and MSC) is disadvantageous to HMM as it is not a full member of the alliance. HMM's status fell as the 2M Alliance inked a partnership deal with Israel's Zim Integrated Shipping Services, the report said.

Under an agreement signed in 2016 2M agreed that it would accept HMM as a full membership company based on an assessment of HMM’s financial structure and liquidity improvement.

The report quoting industry analysts said that given current situations into account, HMM and 2M are highly likely to part ways.

The Korean container carrier has been failing to make money over the past three years as a result of surging costs and stagnant global freight demand, according to Korea Times.

It said that despite a series of rescue loans from the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), the struggling shipper has been unable to get its operations back on track.

HMM's capital could be completely depleted by 2020 on soaring debts. It's debt, currently estimated at 2.54 trillion won, is likely to reach 3.32 trillion next year and eventually top 6.66 trillion won by 2022, said the report.

Regarding mounting worries, HMM stressed that "those are unnecessary concerns." It's targeting a 7% market share in the major deepsea east-west trades as it prepares to take delivery of 20 new ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).

Another silver line is that recently Korea Development Bank (KDB) has vowed to carry out intense reform of Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) to normalize the ailing shipping firm's management.

KDB is HMM's largest shareholder with a 13.13 percent stake.

Source:marinelink

Cosco Shipping’s Piraeus plans dealt a blow

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December 4, 2018

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Greece's Council of State has bowed to the objection of two major Greek construction companies and dealt another blow to Cosco Shipping's plan to further develop the port of Piraeus.

On 30 November the Council froze the tender for the construction of a new cruise terminal in the Greek port, a key pillar port's 'investment master plan' which Cosco is committed to implement under its agreement when purchasing control of the Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) two years back.

Indeed, the Council's decision was the latest in a growing number of reverses for Cosco Shipping-controlled PPA which is struggling to secure government approval of its 'master plan' that aims to attract more business to one of Europe's largest ports.

It also comes amid signs of growing incompatibility between the Greek and Chinese corporate cultures. Investment plans have stumbled on the licensing process and increasing objections, mainly from groups with vested interests in the PPA when it was state-owned.

The Infrastructure and Transport ministry refused to give a license to the PPA for the port's unification with a 90,000 sq m plot owned by the former Public Property Management Organisation for the development of logistics facilities deeming it would compete with the nearby Thriasio zone, one-third of which has been conceded to a private consortium, with the rest going up for grabs by tender soon.

The PPA's application for a shipyard permit was rejected by the Economy Ministry, following strong reactions by Greek contractors and small shipyards fearing the competition would drive them out of the market.

Though the privatisation of the PPA and the 35-year concession granted to Cosco to run container terminals II and III have been hailed, the port's boss Captain Fu Chengqiu has repeatedly complained about the government's foot-dragging over giving the go-ahead for the 'master plan' which has two pillars; the mandatory projects and a voluntary investment programme, the latter including the new cruise ship terminal, a mall and four five-star hotels in the port.

Under Cosco-led management Piraeus has boomed. It has risen to 37th place on the global chart of container ports, and to third in the Mediterranean with the Chinese promising the region's number one spot. However, these achievements do not seem to be making an impression with parties that had expected an instant boost to their takings from the inflow of Chinese capital.

Instead, they see the old status quo collapsing and Chinese plans for shipyards, malls and hotels threatening Piraeus' existing economic landscape. There has been opposition from tradesmen and the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce, which are concerned about competition, while the upcoming general elections see state and local authorities wary about making any major decisions.

Source:seatrade-maritime

Hyundai Heavy wins deal for 2 LNG carriers

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December 4, 2018

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Hyundai Heavy Industries Group said Monday it received an order to build two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers for an unidentified Asian shipping company.

The group said its affiliate, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., won the deal to supply two tankers with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters of LNG.

The size of the contract is estimated at US$370 million. Hyundai said it will hand over the carriers in mid-2021.

Throughout this year, the three shipbuilding arms of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group — Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Hyundai Samho Heavy and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. — won contracts for 145 ships worth $12.4 billion, approaching the target of $13.2 billion set for 2018.

Industry watchers said the demand for LNG carriers has been increasing recently around the globe due to China’s eco-friendly energy policy, coupled with the United States’ aggressive exports of energy products.

Hyundai Heavy Industries said the group is expected to exceed the annual target, as it is currently holding talks on other potential business deals with partners.

Source:hellenicshippingnews

Seafarers’ training: Council adopts its position on streamlined framework

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December 4, 2018

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The Council adopted its position (general approach) on a proposal to simplify and streamline the existing EU regulatory framework on seafarers’ training and certification.

The aim of the reform is to keep EU rules aligned with international rules and to amend the centralised mechanism for the recognition of seafarers from third countries in order to increase its efficiency and effectiveness. It will also increase legal clarity regarding the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates issued by member states.

"The human factor is a vital element for safety at sea, and high-level training for seafarers is essential to minimise all risks. These revised rules will simplify procedures while making sure we maintain the highest standards."
Norbert Hofer, Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austria.

The international framework in this area is the International Maritime Organisation’s International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (‘STCW Convention’). Under the common EU mechanism for recognition of seafarers’ certificates from third countries, the Commission must regularly check that EU member states and third countries comply with the requirements of the EU directive and the STCW Convention. The amended directive would streamline the procedure for recognising new third countries and revise the deadlines.

When it comes to the recognition of other member states’ seafarers, the new rules would clarify which certificates need to be mutually recognised so as to allow seafarers certified by one EU country to work on board vessels flying another EU country’s flag.

Under the Council text, member states would have three years to adopt national provisions to put the new rules into practice.

The general approach adopted today forms the Council’s position for negotiations with the European Parliament. Both institutions have to approve the text before it can enter into force.

Source:hellenicshippingnews

Denmark’s most modern container port

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December 4, 2018

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It will be completed by the end of 2021 – the future-proof, modern, sustainable and automated container terminal in Copenhagen. The terminal substantially strengthens CMP’s role as the leading actor within freight handling in the capital region and throughout Eastern Denmark.

The area in Outer Northern Harbour is fairly anonymous, however, the on-going groundworks are a reminder that this is where the container terminal of the future will be just three years from now.

“We are making a major investment. New technology and modern logistics solutions are paving the way for development of land totalling 450,000 square metres”, reports Povl Dolleris Røjkjær Ungar, COO Cars, General Cargo and Container within CMP.

“Modern logistics solutions refers to a digitalised facility which delivers better and more stable freight flows, in other words, more automated flows with faster, smoother handling throughout the logistics chain”.

CMP has long been supplying Copenhagen and Eastern Denmark with containered cargo and it has a key role in the flow of goods to shops and businesses in the capital region. CMP is thus part of a large transport network, which links the Danish container operation to all major international ports.

“Our geographic location and connection to the world’s largest container lines is a major competitive advantage”, Povl emphasises.

Semi-automated terminal

The new container terminal will be 85,000 square metres in size and have a depth of water of 12.5 metres. This is 2.5 metres deeper than today and will ensure that tomorrow’s feeder ships can also be handled at the terminal. The terminal will be semi-automatic, which means that the handling will to a large extent be automatic.

“It also guarantees our potential for expansion, so the terminal can grow in line with volume developments in the market. At the same time, the technology enables higher productivity compared with today and contributes to the more efficient and stable flows that we want to have”, Povl says.

“In our view, automation also provides more advantages than just better flows – it also enhances safety in the handling process and produces a better work environment”, he continues.

Sustainability issues have a clear place in the on-going work. Cranes, machinery and vehicles will be powered by renewable fuels. The sustainability aspects are also included at all times in the choice of energy solutions for heating, materials and technologies to be used in the construction of the terminal.

“Another environmental benefit is that Outer Northern Harbour is located farther out towards the sea. It shortens turnaround times compared with today and produces less emissions and noise from the ships”.

Right now the authorities are conducting an environmental assessment of the entire project – an extensive task which is expected to be completed during the coming six months.

“The focus here is also on safety issues, technical fire considerations and much more. The collaboration is working well, and means that in several areas we are setting the parameters for the innovative new terminal solution together with the authorities”, Povl concludes.

MJP wins X-series waterjet order for MCM fireboat

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December 4, 2018

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Marine Jet Power (MJP) will deliver two 310 X waterjets to MetalCraft Marine (MCM) for installation on a Firestorm firefighting vessel.

The order is the first MJP has taken for the X Series waterjet, which was announced earlier this year.

The 50-foot vessel is powered by Volvo D13 745 kW diesel engines and was previously installed with MJP Ultrajet propulsion. The X Series, which was developed from the Ultrajet line, will improve the vessel’s top speed and operating efficiencies by 10%, MJP say. The units will be delivered in Q1 2019.

MJP’s chief operating officer Jim Campbell said “We are very excited to work with MetalCraft Marine on this project and are thrilled to offer customers our newest product offering with speed and efficiency improvements.”

Source:osjonline