Maritime ready to ride on Internet of Things

By

-

September 18, 2018

The 4th Industrial Revolution is happening in almost every sector including transportation – where it creates queries with respect to how maritime is investing in Internet of Things (IoT) or whether the industry has the right skills for IoT adoption.

Imagine a network ofphysical devices, vehicles, and other things, embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators and connectivity which enables these things to connect and exchange data. This is the Internet of Things (IoT), also known as IoT connectivity.

A “thing” is any object with embedded electronics that can transfer data over a network, without any human interaction.

When it comes to maritime and offshore industry, Internet of Things sees rising interest and is considered as one of the key digital trends to bring a positive disruption, along with the development of autonomous and unmanned vessels, blockchain, and artificial intelligence.

Did you know that ship operators and managers plan to spend $2.5 million on IoT-based solutions within three years and expect, on average, to achieve IoT-driven cost savings of 14% over the next five years?

A recent research conducted by Inmarsat finds maritime industry more amenable to adopting analytic, management and operational tools applied through the IoT than many commentators have supposed.

Indeed, September 2018 was a clutch month with respect to IoT and other cloud based technologies in maritime and offshore industry. Specifically,

Earlier this month UK-based oil and gas giant BP announced that it has deployed Plant Operations Advisor (POA), a cloud-based advanced analytics solution developed with Baker Hughes, a GE company, across all four of its operated production platforms in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
At the same time, Inmarsat revealed Fleet Data, an Internet of Things (IoT) service, which will enable ship owners and managers to access and analyze real-time onboard. This service will help accelerate the adoption of IoT across the maritime industry.

IoT may create unique opportunities for maritime industry but also challenges to privacy.

Security is an essential pillar of the Internet and maybe the most significant challenge for the IoT. It is of high importance, therefore, to bear in mind that increasing the number of connected devices increases the opportunity to exploit security vulnerabilities. Here are several challenges associated with the use of IoT based solutions in shiping industry:

Insecure storage of data collected
Poor network security
Potential mishandling of data by staff
Risk of external cyber attack
Internal data regulation and compliance requirements
Supplier data regulation compliance requirements
We are yet to experience such risks in the future

Source:safety4sea

Diana Shipping Inc. Announces Time Charter Contract for m/v Artemis with Ausca

By

-

September 17, 2018

0

Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Ausca Shipping Limited, Hong Kong, for one of its Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Artemis.

The gross charter rate is US$12,600 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum twelve (12) months to maximum fifteen (15) months. The charter is expected to commence on September 18, 2018. The m/v Artemis is currently chartered, as previously announced, at a gross charter rate of US$9,000 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties.

The “Artemis” is a 76,942 dwt Panamax dry bulk vessel built in 2006.

This employment is anticipated to generate approximately US$4.54 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.

Source:dianashippinginc

Swan Hunter mobilise carousel equipment spread aboard ASV Pioneer for CWind’s ‘Complete Cable Care’ Service

By

-

September 17, 2018

0

Swan Hunter have completed mobilisation and commissioning of our new modular offshore carousel and associated equipment onboard the ASV Pioneer barge, for client CWind in support of their ‘Complete Cable Care’ service offering.

The new basket carousel, has been mobilised onto the barge in the smallest of four configurations, at 2000Te capacity, but can be extended up to 7000Te due to it’s modular design. In addition to the carousel, Swan Hunter have also provided a loading tower combined with 10Te tensioner, which has been integrated with the client specific cable highway. Completing the cable handling spread is a 15Te deck mounted tensioner.

Swan Hunter’s Director Gerard Kroese stated:“We are very pleased to supply this cable handling and installation spread to the market, supporting CWind’s unique offering to the subsea power cable industry with the ASV Pioneer through their ‘Complete Cable Care’ service. The modular design of our equipment clearly provides the flexibility that is required for a simple and functional deck spread that can be utilised on a variety of power cable installation, repair, and transportation projects”

Source:swanhunter

Bibby SOV dons Dutch kit

By

-

September 17, 2018

0

Dutch outfit Bakker Sliedrecht has been hired by Damen Shipyards to provide the main electrical systems for the under construction Bibby WaveMaster Horizon service operations vessel.

Bakker will deliver technology for the vessel's dynamic-positioning two system. It will also supply the main and auxiliary switchboards, as well as three low harmonic drive systems for the ship's diesel-electric propulsion system.

Bibby WaveMaster Horizon will also be equipped with Bakker’s Bimac vessel management system to manage all the main and auxiliary functions of the SOV.

The vessel will be deployed by Bibby Marine Services for the operations and maintenance of a German wind farm equipped with Siemens Gamesa wind turbines in the North Sea, Bakker Sliedrecht said.

Bibby WaveMaster Horizon will be the sister vessel of the Bibby Wavemaster 1 SOV and is expected to be delivered in mid-2019.

Source:renews

ICS launch free guide on compliance with 2020 sulphur cap

By

-

September 17, 2018

0

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has launched a free guide to preparing for the 2020 Sulphur Cap and using compliant fuels.

Noting the vast majority of ships would comply using 0.5% sulphur fuels the guide is written for those planning to use compliant fuels and explains the complexities they will face.

ICS secretary general, Guy Platten, explained: “Shipping companies may need to start ordering compliant fuels from as early as the middle of 2019, and they are strongly recommended to commence developing implementation plans as soon as possible.”

The ICS noted implementation would be far more complex than the introduction of Emission Control Areas due to its global scale and the availability of compliant fuels.

The ICS says that shipowners need to have a suitably developed implentation plan and be able to demonstrate “good faith” they had made all reasonable efforts to be in compliance.

“This need to demonstrate good faith could be particularly important in the event that safe and compliant fuels are unavailable in some ports during the initial weeks of implementation” said Platten. “And IMO has provisionally agreed that Port State Control authorities may take into account the ship’s implementation plan when verifying compliance with the 0.5% sulphur limit.”

Concerns about the safety and quality issues of blended, compliant fuels remain.

The guide is available for download here

Source:seatrade-maritime

Ingalls Shipbuilding authenticates NSC 9 keel

By

-

September 17, 2018

0

Huntington Ingalls Industries' (NYSE:HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division authenticated the keel of the National Security Cutter Stone (WMSL 758) September 14. It is the ninth Legend-class cutter built at Ingalls for the U.S. Coast Guard.

"NSCs are essential to the Coast Guard and play a significant role in making America safer and stronger," said Kari Wilkinson, Ingalls' vice president, program management. "As Americans and as shipbuilders, this team understands that every day is an important day in completing and delivering this asset to the Coast Guard. It is a mission we hold close and that drives the NSC team to raise the bar from ship to ship."

Laura Cavallo, the great niece of the namesake, will serve as the ship's sponsor.

Demetrica Hawkins, a structural welder at Ingalls, welded Cavallo's initials onto a steel plate, signifying the keel of NSC 9 as being "truly and fairly laid." The plate will remain affixed to the ship throughout its lifetime.

"As I've stated previously, the National Security Cutter is game-changing," said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Travis Carter, commanding officer, Gulf Coast. "The entire Coast Guard team is appreciative of the hard work and dedication of the men and women at Ingalls Shipbuilding. The Coast Guard and the nation depend on your skills to provide the ships we use to complete our missions around the world. I look forward to seeing the continued example of your hard work in the next great ship."

The ship is named in honor of former U. S. Coast Guard commander Elmer "Archie" Fowler Stone. Stone was born in Livonia, NY, and grew up in Norfolk, VA. He became a cadet at the Revenue Cutter Service School of Instruction on April 28, 1910. On April 10, 1917, Stone became the Coast Guard's first aviator upon graduating from flight training at Pensacola, FL. In 1919 Stone was one of two pilots to successfully make a transatlantic flight in a U.S. Navy seaplane, NC-4. Stone died of a heart attack on May 20, 1936, while inspecting a new patrol plane at the Air Patrol Detachment in San Diego.

Ingalls has delivered six NSCs, the flagship of the Coast Guard's cutter fleet, designed to replace the 12 Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters that entered service in the 1960s.

NSCs are 418 feet long with a 54-foot beam and displace 4,500 tons with a full load. They have a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles, an endurance of 60 days and a crew of 120.

The Legend-class NSC an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats and a flight deck to accommodate a range of manned and unmanned rotary wing aircraft.

Source:marinelog

Boston Ship Repair wins $17.4 million Navy contract

By

-

September 17, 2018

0

Boston Ship Repair LLC, Boston, MA, is being awarded a $17,422,472 firm, fixed-price contract for a 75-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul and dry docking of USNS Supply (T-AOE 6).

Work will include furnishing general services for the ship, collection holding tank, piping repairs, steering and rudder indicating checks, life raft certification docking and un-docking vessel, propeller clean and repair, propeller shaft wear down readings, replace rudder stock seal, underwater hull cleaning and painting, freeboard cleaning and flight deck nonskid renewal.

The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $20,679,266.

Work will be performed in Boston and is expected to be completed by Jan. 13, 2019.

Fiscal 2019 Navy working capital funds in the amount of $20,679,266 are obligated and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a small business set-aside, with more than three companies solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website and one offer received.

Source:marinelog

HMS Diamond completes hectic summer period

By

-

September 17, 2018

0

The crew of the Type 45 Destroyer, HMS Diamond, are heading back to home port after spending a busy two months at sea from the Atlantic to the Baltic.

The destroyer has been activated throughout the traditionally busy summer season, barely stopping to take a breather as she monitored Russian naval activity twice, visited four ports, helped train warfare officers and RAF air crew, hosted two ambassadors, represented the Fleet in front of a million people at Bournemouth Air Festival, joined NATO ships in the Baltic and impressed Poles on a rare visit to their country.

The Portsmouth-based warship’s hectic summer began in Ringaskiddy, near Cork where visitors included the Irish Naval College, Britain’s Ambassador to Ireland Robin Barnett and Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney.

Dashing back to the UK to pick up Principal Warfare Officer trainees for a fortnight of non-stop action testing the students’ command of air defence, gunnery, flying, anti-submarine and surface warfare exercises, reaching its climax in the North Sea with RAF Typhoon fighters switching between attacking Diamond or being controlled by her.

Source:royalnavy

Esvagt answers MHI Vestas call

By

-

September 17, 2018

0

Danish shipping company Esvagt is to provide MHI Vestas with two service operation vessels for the 860MW Triton Knoll and 731.5MW Borssele 3&4 offshore wind farms off the east coast of England and off the Netherlands, respectively.

The contracts will run for up to 15 years and include an option for a third SOV for the 950MW Moray East offshore project off the coast of Scotland.

Esvagt will collaborate with Havyard on the 831L design for the two 70.5-metre vessels, which will have accommodation for up to 60 people.

The ships will also be equipped with compensated walk-to-work gangways and daughter craft specially designed by the company.

MHI Vestas chief operating officer Flemming Ougaard said: “We build on many years of strong, innovative collaboration with Esvagt. The combination of our shared knowledge will ensure a competitive and efficient green energy production for many years to come.”

Esvagt chief commercial officer Soren Karas said: “We are proud to continue our close partnership, and together with MHI Vestas set the standard for innovation and long-term solutions.”

“We look forward to presenting 831L as yet another customised SOV, in which we combine the client’s needs with our competencies and experience in order to guarantee the most optimal and cost-efficient solution.”

MHI Vestas and Esvagt have co-operated for the last eight years, including on the Belwind 1 and Nobelwind 1 offshore wind farms off Belgium.

Esvagt currently has five SOVs and a sixth in production. The two new vessels will raise the total to eight.

Source:renews

China overtakes Japan as second largest shipowning nation

By

-

September 17, 2018

0

Greece is still by some way the largest shipowning country, but the gap is closing as China’s fleet expansion continues at a rapid rate as it overtakes Japan for the number two position.

China has just become the world’s second largest shipowning country and the numerous giant ore carriers, tankers and containerships scheduled for delivery to Chinese owners in the months and years ahead mean it is on course to further boost capacity.

Strong and accelerating growth in the China-owned merchant ship fleet has unfolded says Richard Scott, md, Bulk Shipping Analysis and associate, China Centre (Maritime), Solent University.

In 2017 an increase exceeding 9% was seen in the Chinese fleet says Scott and signs suggest this year’s annual rise could be similar. "The extensive orderbook for new vessels due to be delivered through the next two to three years will add substantial tonnage, but other less predictable influences also will determine fleet growth," said Scott.

He said, many new ships will be employed in long-haul international trades where China is the cargo importer or exporter.

For containerships, cargoes both to and from China are likely to provide employment while, for bulk tonnage in the biggest size categories, import trades will be most prominent. Amid vast quantities of manufactured goods and bulk commodities moving, potential for further participation of China-owned ships is clearly visible but, on some trade routes, other nationalities’ ships may be displaced.

Scott’s analysis reveals that in the past three years and eight months, the China-owned fleet has expanded by over one-third, a higher percentage increase than seen in the Greek-owned fleet and much higher than Japan’s minimal growth.

Calling on Clarksons Research, Scott noted, the China-owned fleet recorded growth rates of 6.5% in 2015, 7.5% in 2016 and 9.4% in 2017, before adding 7.1% in the January-August 2018 period.

While the Greek fleet totaled 222m gt, China’s fleet comprised 7,744 ships of 170m gt at the end of August, above Japan’s 167.6m gt. China’s fleet has expanded 34% since the end of 2014, compared with a 23% growth for Greece and just 2% for Japan.

At the end of last year, orders at shipbuilding yards for new vessels to be delivered to China-based shipowners stood at 25.5m gt total, according to Clarksons, equivalent to almost 17% of the existing China-owned fleet as calculated then. Within this orderbook a large proportion was scheduled for delivery in 2018, and a striking feature was the numerous orders for the biggest bulk carriers, tankers and containerships.

Newly constructed capacity is the most visible and transparent growth element in the China-owned fleet. Other influences determining the outcome are secondhand vessel purchases on the international market, sales of vessels to that market and existing tonnage sold to shipbreakers in China or other countries within the global ship recycling market. These transactions are usually more difficult to track and monitor comprehensively, and therefore overall estimates rely to some extent on guesswork.

And much of the Chinese growth has come in the s&p market, with Greeks among the main seller to Chinese interests. This year alone over 20 vessels of 1m gt have left Greek hand for Chinese.

Source:seatrade-maritime