Fugro wins multi-year contract to deliver construction support for European wind farms

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August 22, 2024

This will involve multiple remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems, construction equipment, expert personnel, and related services on board Van Oord vessels, Calypso and Subsea Viking.

Fugro will assist with cable laying, trenching, and survey operations throughout Europe, providing vital Geo-data to inform positioning and construction of the resources to de-risk the projects and optimise future operations. The ROV spreads provided by Fugro will be permanently stationed on the vessels for three years, ensuring continuous support.

This latest contract award comes after successful delivery of survey and positioning services, metocean forecasting and studies, UXO surveys, and geoconsultancy support over the years.

Stuart Hamilton, Positioning and Construction Support Service Line Director, commented,

“We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Van Oord as we both commit to innovative and sustainable solutions to achieve net-zero targets. Our expertise and global support will be crucial to Van Oord in ensuring the efficient and successful delivery of their offshore wind developments to meet the rising demand for renewable energy.”

Visayas Container Terminal gears up for larger ships

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August 22, 2024

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Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation in Iloilo, Philippines, has undergone significant transformation in just six months in preparation for the arrival of two new mobile harbor cranes (MHC).

Following the grant of a 25-year concession by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in April, ICTSI continues to expedite facility upgrades, IT system implementation, and deployment of other modern cargo handling equipment at VCT.

“VCT is far from the terminal we took over six months ago. We’ve not only improved the facilities but also grown our team to over 240 organic personnel, who undergo continuous training to ensure top-tier service. We also continue to expand our equipment fleet, which include the upcoming MHCs and the recently delivered reach stackers, chassis and forklifts – all part of our commitment to transform VCT into a world-class port,” said Timothee Jeannin, VCT executive director.

Scheduled to arrive by the first week of September, the MHCs will enable VCT to handle new generation vessels and cater to the increased volume. The MHCs will be the largest and first such equipment in Panay and the entire Region 6 in the Philippines. Dredging along the berths are also set to commence later in the month to increase depth capacity in preparation for the arrival of larger ships.

VCT’s container yard is currently equipped with 33 reefer plugs, which will double in the next two weeks in anticipation of increased demand for perishable goods and potential exports from Panay. The container freight station bustles with warehousing activities by freight forwarders. VCT currently operates with five new reach stackers, two three-tonner forklifts, six prime movers, two sidelifters, a skid loader and a backhoe. Two five-tonner forklifts are scheduled to arrive also in September, followed by a 30-tonner forklift in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Other projects in the pipeline for the year include further rehabilitation of the container yard, improvement of engineering facilities and offices, and development of multipurpose and recreational spaces for employees.

VCT also launched initiatives like the greening of the terminal, which aims to plant 100,000 trees and plants within the first year. Together with the ICTSI Foundation, VCT partnered with local schools in Iloilo for the training and development of potential manpower.

The terminal’s transformation would not be complete without the cooperation of trusted partners for container maintenance and repairs, cross docking and freight forwarding. These stakeholders serve as lynchpins in consolidating services for the Panay market and will continue to play a crucial role in VCT’s next development phase.

VCT is also currently working with Philippine Ports Authority – Iloilo to remove derelict vessels and materials from the port’s vicinity to maximize space utilization.

Marlink upgrades hybrid network for Solstad Offshore

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August 22, 2024

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Marlink has extended its Sealink NextGen solution for Solstad Offshore to include a flexible fleet agreement for Starlink LEO services. This will increase the flexibility to allocate data according to actual needs at any given time across the fleet.

Marlink introduced its Starlink LEO fleet agreements to meet the growing demand for high throughput services within its smart hybrid network solutions. The agreement enables Solstad to share significant Starlink data allowance across their fleet, with the possibility to easily manage the overall data package.

The new fleet agreements allow customers across maritime, onshore and offshore energy, enterprise and leisure boating industries to benefit from a range of bespoke connectivity plans, ranging from 10GB to unlimited data, depending on their needs.

Solstad Offshore was the first offshore vessel operator on the Marlink network to trial Starlink, integrating the service alongside VSAT and 4G connectivity to deliver enhanced communications for seafarers and use new business applications.

Combining LEO and VSAT in a seamless, end-to-end managed Sealink Nextgen hybrid network enables Solstad to improve user experience, application performance, reliability, scalability and security. Solstad will also benefit from advanced network management tools, including SD-WAN application-based routeing, to optimise reliability of business-critical communications.

Christian Nesheim, ICT Director, Solstad Offshore, said:

“Solstad is always on the lookout for ways to improve our digital possibilities, whether for our crews or business users and the opportunity to share LEO data across the fleet is a natural fit for us. Combining Starlink data in a flexible model enables us to share data proactively and respond to changes in demand as they occur.”

Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime, Marlink, said:

“Marlink is constantly working to develop innovative solutions that meet client needs and the ability to offer added flexibility is a natural extension to our blended hybrid approach. By creating customised solutions that are seamlessly integrated into our hybrid network, we can enable customers to benefit from higher throughput within the reliability of Marlink’s network.”

Kongsberg Maritime completes cyber security testing for digital products

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August 21, 2024

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Kongsberg Maritime has achieved a significant milestone for the cyber security of its products with the completion of testing to comply with IACS UR E27 which is based on IEC 62443, including DNV Cyber Security Profile 1 certification. The testing covers a range of its digital products, including automation, navigation and Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems.

In order to comply with the new Cyber Security Requirements, which were introduced on 1 July, Kongsberg Maritime decided last year to expedite the certification of its product range, starting with the Automation & Control portfolio.

Oscar Kallerdahl, Director Cyber Security, Automation & Control, at Kongsberg Maritime, said:

“We understand the challenges ship owners face in maintaining cyber security over the 25-year operation of a ship, so our focus is to establish a baseline of cyber security for all our digital products”

To achieve the Type Approval certification, Kongsberg Maritime set up an extensive programme, evaluating each product, and implementing the necessary features and documentation to ensure adherence to security, quality, health, safety and environmental standards.

Kongsberg Maritime expects the majority of its digital products to receive DNV Type Approval for compliance, by the end of August. The next step will see the company expand into integration and energy systems, propulsion and cargo handling products.

Oscar Kallerdahl, Director Cyber Security, Automation & Control, at Kongsberg Maritime, says:

“We understand the challenges ship owners face in maintaining cyber security over the 25-year operation of a ship, so our focus is to establish a baseline of cyber security for all our digital products.

“Once it was clear that these new regulations were coming into place, we have moved quickly, working closely with DNV to prioritise products for Type Approval certification.”

Jarle Coll Blomhoff, Head of the Digital Ship Systems section at DNV Maritime, said:

“As vessels become increasingly reliant on digital technology and connectivity, cybersecurity is emerging as a key topic in the maritime industry, fundamental to ensuring safe shipping. We are pleased to continue our close cooperation with Kongsberg Maritime on cyber security which started when we first developed our initial DNV Cyber secure rules back in 2017″

In addition to bringing peace of mind to ship owners, the Type Approval certification will also benefit shipyards, during the design, integration, installation and testing of Kongsberg Maritime technology for newbuild and retrofit projects. With the products already being pre-tested for cyber security compliance, it saves yards time in the engineering and testing stages.

Kallerdahl adds:

“We are in a new era of cyber security and it’s clear that ship owners will need to be proactive in seeking the most resilient and effective security measures to protect their assets against growing and more hostile cyber threats. It is a priority for us to manage risk for our customers, and this certification sets a baseline for our product teams understanding and implementing of the right security features.”

Jarle Coll Blomhoff, Head of the Digital Ship Systems section at DNV Maritime, said:

“As vessels become increasingly reliant on digital technology and connectivity, cybersecurity is emerging as a key topic in the maritime industry, fundamental to ensuring safe shipping.

“We are pleased to continue our close cooperation with Kongsberg Maritime on cyber security which started when we first developed our initial DNV Cyber secure rules back in 2017. This project demonstrates their ongoing commitment to delivering a full portfolio of systems with a strategic and independently verified approach to cyber risk reduction.”

The products in the first phase of DNV Level 1 cyber security certification, are: the K-Pos DP system; K-Steering; K-Chief; K-Safe; K-Bridge; K-Thrust; K-IMS; the Riser Management System; and Kongsberg Remote Services.

SVS Maritime’s fleet set to grow with addition of Med Marine’s MED-A25 tug

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August 21, 2024

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Having officially launched on August 5, 2024, this tugboat embodies MED MARINE’s commitment to exceptional quality in the maritime industry.

At 25 meters long and equipped with a powerful 75-ton bollard pull, the MED-A2575 is designed to meet Class FIFI-1 standards. This versatile RAmparts 2500W series tug handles a wide range of tasks, including ship maneuvering, towing, pushing, mooring, and firefighting. It also features an aft towing hook and capstan, providing additional operational flexibility.

SVS MARITIME’s choice of MED MARINE for this project underscores the robust partnership between the two companies, fueled by a shared dedication to advancing the future of maritime operations. The preference of Greek clientele for MED MARINE further underscores the company’s prestigious standing in the industry, reinforcing its role as a leading innovator in maritime solutions.

Technical specifications of the tugboat:

Length: 25,20 m
Draft: 5.75 m
Depth: 4.60 m
Beam: 12,00 m
Bollard Pull: 75 tons
Speed: 12 knots
Crew: 8 persons

Northland Power confirms Hai Long Offshore Project incident

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August 21, 2024

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Northland Power Inc. confirms that at approximately 10:00 AM local time on August 20, 2024, an incident occurred at the Hai Long Changhua onshore substation, part of its offshore wind project in Taiwan.

While the details of the incident remain under investigation, the preliminary information available cited a leak of carbon dioxide from the fire suppression system, which affected approximately 17 on-site workers.

In alignment with established emergency response protocols, emergency services were immediately notified, and first aid measures were promptly administered on-site. The affected individuals were quickly transported to nearby hospitals, where they are currently receiving emergency treatment.

The project team is fully cooperating with local authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and ensure the safety of personnel and the surrounding community. The incident has been contained, and all work at the onshore substation is suspended until further notice while investigations are ongoing.

“The safety and well-being of our employees and partners remain our top priority,” said John Brace, Executive Chair. “Our current focus is on the well-being of the affected workers and their families. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Seaspan launches fourth ship under the NSS

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August 20, 2024

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The fourth ship designed, built and launched by Seaspan under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, it marks the culmination of years of hard work by our dedicated Seaspan employees and partners, as well as hundreds of others across Seaspan’s cross-Canada supply chain who worked on the vessel.

The Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) is a floating laboratory that will serve as the primary oceanographic science platform for Fisheries and Oceans Canada. As a Polar Class 6 vessel, it will be a highly advanced ice capable ship equipped with the latest scientific research systems. The new ship will provide increased capability and capacity to support marine surveys and scientific research on ocean currents and the seabed in Atlantic Canada. It will also contribute directly to increasing our overall understanding of the impact that climate change has on the oceans.

The future CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is named after a well-respected elder from Nunavik, who was a renowned promoter of the Inuit language and culture. The vessel will be stationed in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and will accommodate up to 34 crew and 26 scientists. The data and samples collected aboard this vessel will support Canada’s domestic and international commitments to ensure that our oceans are sustainably managed. The 88-metre-long vessel is outfitted with a modular working deck, a marine mammal observation station, an ocean sampling room, an oceanographic winch, as well as permanent and portable labs. The ship can also perform search and rescue operations and environmental response when needed.

As part of the ship’s launch celebration, Tsleil-Waututh Nation artist, Olivia George, designed commemorative coins to mark the milestone. The coins titled “Protection and Knowledge” depict images representing the land, sun, waters and our ecosystem, including an orca to symbolize community, protection, harmony, travel and intergenerational knowledge.

The new OOSV is replacing the venerable CCGS Hudson, which entered service in 1964 and was the longest serving ship in the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. CCGS Hudson was decommissioned in 2022 following an illustrious 59 years of service supporting ocean science work in Canada and around the world. In preparation for the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk sea trials and delivery to the CCG, the ship will sit dockside at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards while it undergoes final outfitting.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, said:

“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are revitalizing the shipbuilding industry, creating good jobs, and building new ships to support the Canadian Coast Guard in delivering on its mandate. The launch of the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk marks an important milestone for the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet: as Canada’s largest science vessel, it will support scientific research and missions for decades to come. We thank Inuit Tapiirit Kanatami and the Nappaaluk family for bestowing the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk with its name, and are honoured to continue his legacy of environmental conservation on this new vessel.”

Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard, said:

“With the launch of the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, we’re one step closer to welcoming this modern Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel into our fleet. I know our Canadian Coast Guard personnel look forward to serving aboard the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, supporting vital science research and continuing to serve Canadians proudly.”

Brunvoll contracted to deliver its solutions for Live Fish Carrier

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August 20, 2024

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The contract includes the supply of Brunvoll’s state-of-the-art propulsion system, which is renowned for its reliability and efficiency.

This system will ensure that the well boat operates efficiently under diverse and demanding conditions. Additionally, Brunvoll will provide a set of four thrusters to enhance the vessel’s manoeuvrability and positioning capabilities. The inclusion of the BruCon propulsion and thruster control (PTC) system will offer seamless integration and superior control for both propulsion and thruster units, facilitating optimal vessel performance.

A key feature of this contract is the delivery of Brunvoll’s advanced Dynamic Positioning (DP) system. This system will ensure precise and stable positioning of the wellboat, assisting in complex operations at fish farming facilities. The DP system integrates the latest technological advancements, providing robust performance and safety features that meet the stringent requirements of modern industrial aquaculture operations.

“We are delighted to again partner with AquaShip / Intership on this project,” says Vidar Liaskar, VP Sales at Brunvoll AS. “Our team is committed to delivering a solution that not only meets but exceeds the operational requirements of the new well boat. This contract underscores Brunvoll’s position as a leader in maritime propulsion, maneuvering, and positioning solutions.”

SPIE secures Vattenfall Framework Agreements

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August 20, 2024

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SPIE Global Services Energy, an international subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, announces that its Correll entity, has been awarded two multi-year framework agreements.

Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest producers and retailers of electricity and heat, wholly owned by the Swedish state, has chosen Correll to carry out cable testing and fault finding for its offshore wind farms in Europe (excl. Germany).

As the first entity to join the newly created “Wind Power” business unit, Correll brings to SPIE Global Services Energy its expertise in electrical engineering for the offshore wind industry, reinforcing the company’s strategy of diversifying into renewable energies.

These 2 Framework Agreements cover all existing and potential new build Vattenfall offshore wind farms in Europe (excl. Germany) for an initial 5-year period, in relation to the High Voltage (HV) Submarine Cable System, e.g. pinpointing positions of electrical cable faults in a cable by means of suitable cable testing, cable condition monitoring and/or specific cable testing before re-energization. On these 2 framework agreements, one will cover offshore wind farms in UK and the second one will cover rest of Europe (excl. Germany and UK).

Sam Dowey, Managing Director at Correll, commented;

“The award of these contracts firmly positions SPIE as the leading high-voltage service provider to the offshore wind industry.

Correll has extensive experience in working on many of the most significant offshore wind farms around the world, so the award of 2 multi-year framework agreements from one of the Offshore Industry giants is a glowing testament to the entire team’s hard work and tenacity.”

Gianluca Pettracia, “Wind Power” Business Unit Director at SPIE Global Services Energy, commented:

“The award of these frame agreements highlights our strategic shift towards business diversification to the maintenance activities. This move underscores our commitment to optimizing operational efficiency and creating long-term value for our customers and stakeholders.”

Cadeler takes delivery of state-of-the-art installation vessel

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August 20, 2024

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Cadeler has taken delivery of its first P-class jack-up installation vessel from the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (COSCO) shipyard in Qidong, China. The groundbreaking vessel, Wind Peak, was named in a celebratory ceremony at the shipyard and is now set to go into commercial operation.

Being the most modern and innovative vessel in the industry, the P-class is specifically designed for the needs of Cadelers clients, to handle some of the largest wind turbine components in the offshore wind industry.

Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler, stated:

“To celebrate this impressive vessel coming into operation is a landmark occasion for Cadeler and our great partners on the project. For everyone involved, this is the culmination of years of hard work, planning, and supervision, and I am extremely pleased to take delivery of this remarkable asset to Cadeler, on time and within budget.”

Wind Peak and its sister vessel, Wind Pace, which is currently under construction, are engineered to operate at some of the most challenging offshore installation sites worldwide. With their unrivaled loading, and installation capacity and boasting the industry’s most advanced technology, they are equipped to install the largest wind turbines currently being deployed across the globe.

Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler, added:

“Our customers are constantly pushing the boundaries in terms of size and complexity of the wind turbines being installed offshore. As a trusted supplier to the industry, our success is a measure of our ability to cater to these changing needs both now and in the future. Wind Peak is a representation of this, and we owe our ability to set new standards in the industry to the hardworking Cadeler team, our excellent shipyard, and trusted strategic partners.”

Liang Yanfeng, Chairman of COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry said: “Throughout the project, we have deeply appreciated the professionalism and carefulness of Cadeler as a leading international enterprise. This project pioneers the use of hybrid oil-electric power technology and is among the most advanced offshore wind turbine installation vessels globally. As a crucial piece of equipment in the renewable energy supply chain, its delivery will play a significant role in the current competitive market and support Cadeler in leading the global wind power sector.”