The Moldovan ship was hit by the Russians, according to ZSU

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February 25, 2022

On February 25, around 13:00 CET (14:00 Kyiv time), the following message appeared on the official page of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Zbroini syly Ukraine, ZSU) Valerii Zaluzhnyi:

“Millennial Spirit bunker ship, the flag of Moldova, was hit by a Russian ship 12 miles from the Yuzhny port. The circumstances are being investigated, there is no connection with the vessel.”

This is the second such incident off the coast of Ukraine, which is now defending its territory from the Russian invasion. Recall that yesterday a Turkish-owned ship was hit by a bomb off the coast of Ukraine’s port city Odesa.

Also, 13 Ukrainian border guards were killed yesterday, who were defending Zmiiny Island (Snake Island). The attack from the sea was carried out by two ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet “Moscow” and “Vasily Bykov”. It is possible that these two ships were involved in the incident that happened with the Millennium Spirit.

UKHO announces UK-first S-102 Bathymetric Surface data set sea trial project

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February 25, 2022

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The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has today announced it is kickstarting an S-102 Bathymetric Surface sea trial project in collaboration with the Port of London Authority (PLA) and multiplatform piloting solution SEAiq Pilot .

The S-102 Bathymetric Surface data set is created using the International Hydrographic Office’s (IHO) new S-100 data standard. The new S-102 product specification will enable Hydrographic Offices to create S-100 layers with a far greater granularity of bathymetric information than the traditional ENC, supporting safe navigation and unlocking economic value for ports.

The project is the first real-world S-102 sea trial in the UK and also marks the first time the UKHO has run a S-100 sea trial. Working in collaboration with the PLA and SEAiq Pilot, UKHO will test S-102 Bathymetric Surface product specifications in real-life scenarios with the PLA pilots to understand user requirements of the new data set and collect feedback that will help to influence the S-100 data standard development process, in turn improving product specifications, data coverage and user experience.

The sea trial will take place in spring 2022, when the UKHO, PLA and SEAiq Pilot will carry out a piloted passage on a commercial vessel. The PLA pilots will use SEAiq Pilot software and UKHO’s S-102 Bathymetric Surface data sets in a real scenario at sea. The outcomes of the trial will be monitored from pilot boarding point to berth, using SEAiq Pilot’s Portable Piloting Unit and the UKHO’s S-102 data to monitor the passage. The results will then be assessed to understand the need for potential extensions to S-102 and to feedback into the IHO testbed development process.

The project will also set out to build the safety case for the S-102 data set and provide a real-life case study for how S-102 can improve situational awareness and navigational safety for pilots.

The live sea trial is the third phase of the S-102 Bathymetric Surface collaboration project between UKHO, PLA and SEAiq Pilot. During January and February 2022, the PLA provided the latest hydrographic survey information of the trial area for the UKHO to create and supply the necessary S-102 data sets required by pilots. In March 2022, and before the live sea trial commences, the project will observe a passage planning desk exercise running through different scenarios using the S-102 Bathymetric Surface data.

Commenting on the announcement, Tom Mellor, Project Lead & Head of OEM Technical Support and Digital Standards at the UKHO, said:

“We are extremely excited to kickstart this exciting sea trial with our partners at PLA and SEAiq Pilot. It marks the first time that S-102 will be tested in a real-life setting in UK waters and will provide crucial evidence for how we develop S-102 products in the future.

“S-100 data standards will be transformative for anyone who uses marine navigational data. By conducting this trial we will continue to build the safety case for S-102 and help to support greater commercial, economic, environmental and safety of life at sea outcomes in the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

“We are keen to bring a user perspective to the future of nautical navigation with a small, diverse and highly experienced team of pilots and hydrographers joining this collaborative effort.”

John Dillon-Leetch, PLA Port Hydrographer, added:

“We are keen to assist the UKHO and IHO with the development of S-102. Utilising up-to-date PLA Safety of Navigation survey data in S-102 format in real-world situations will gather important feedback through the whole data value chain, from survey capture to use. In particular, the live onboard testing of the product by experienced PLA pilots will provide valuable mariners’ insights that will help to inform the final product.”

Dr Mark Hayden Founder of SEAiq Pilot, added:

“We are pleased to support this project with our SEAiq Pilot ECS software; the most advanced navigational software specifically designed for pilots. Our software supports S102 data display and we look forward to receiving the user feedback from the pilots in this trial to continue to innovate our system.”

“Russian warship, go f*сk yourself”: final words of 13 Ukrainian border guards

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February 25, 2022

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As Seawanderer reported yesterday, on February 24, Ukrainian border guards on Zmiiny Island (Snake Island) were attacked by Russian forces. In particular, two ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet “Moscow” and “Vasily Bykov” and an aircraft were used. Not a single surviving building remains on the island.

There were 13 Ukrainian border guards on the island. All of them were killed after they refused to lay down their arms.

In a radio message, the soldiers were told by a sailor on board the vessel:

“This is a Russian warship, I repeat. I suggest you lay down your arms and capitulate. Otherwise, you will be hit. Do you copy?”

But the Ukrainian troops defiantly refused to give up the territory and instead replied with a defiant message of ‘Go fuck yourself.’

Soon afterwards, all were killed in an aerial bombardment.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that the 13 border guards will receive a posthumous Hero of Ukraine medal for “heroically” defending the island.

Zelensky said:

“On our Zmiinyi Island, defending it to the last, all the border guards died heroically. But [they] did not give up. May the memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine live forever.”

By late Thursday night, Ukraine’s state border service lost all communication with the guards. The island is believed to now be occupied by Russian forces.

StormGeo launches smart carbon intensity indicator tool for ships

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February 24, 2022

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StormGeo has announced the launch of a new Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Dashboard that provides ship operators with the ultimate digital tool for calculating, reporting, and proactively improving the CII rankings of their fleet.

The new CII Dashboard is a key addition to StormGeo’s innovative software and services suite, s-Suite where it has been integrated into the s-Insight platform.

Developed in response to the industry need for reliable data and calculation methods for the accurate assessment of vessel carbon intensity, the new dashboard will play a vital role in helping ship operators to comply and stay ahead of new CII rules.

The CII is an operational efficiency indicator which measures how efficiently a ship transports goods or passengers in grams of CO2 emitted per cargo-carrying capacity and nautical mile based on its Annual Efficiency Ratio (AER). A CII rating value for all cargo, ro-pax and cruise vessels above 5000 GT must be calculated and reported after 1 January 2023 under mandatory, international rules adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Under the new rules a CII rating on a scale of A to E is calculated, with A representing a very operationally efficient vessel. The operator of any vessels that hold a D or E rating, will be required to submit a plan that outlines how the vessel’s CII rating will be improved to a rating of C, or higher, as part of its Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).

Unlike other CII calculators on the market, StormGeo’s s-Insight combines the provision of CII data for multiple vessels in an intuitive interface, with the expert advice from StormGeo on a consultancy basis on how to improve vessel carbon intensity rankings.

StormGeo’s new tool calculates attained and required CII ratings, and the deviation between the two, for a selected period using necessary vessel factors. Based on the preliminary CII rating, the tool also predicts the year of CII rating deterioration allowing the user to interpret how a vessel is currently ranked versus how it will be ranked in the future when CII rating limits are tightened. A three-day average trend element is also incorporated into the dashboard.

To address the need for critical data accuracy, StormGeo’s s-Insight platform has the reported data in such granularity that even exclusions for distance under defined conditions and corrections for reefer, cargo heating, cooling systems, etc., can be properly calculated and deducted. This makes the tool future-proof and ready for any changes in the calculation methods or exclusions defined by the IMO.

The CII Dashboard is currently available to StormGeo customers subscribed to the full s-Insight platform or users of the IMO DCS module.

Dr. Thilo Dückert, Vice President Fleet Performance Management at StormGeo, says:

“We don’t just offer products, we offer innovative solutions. This tool was developed based on client feedback on what they need to ensure the compliance of their vessels with incoming IMO rules for energy efficiency improvement and carbon intensity reporting and reduction. A simulation feature will be incorporated into the dashboard in the future which ship operators can use to run scenarios that provide insight into how the potential deployment of operational optimization measures will impact a vessel’s CII rating for that year.”

Dr. Dückert concludes:

“Ultimately, we will integrate a voyage efficiency indicator into the tool that evaluates how efficient a voyage is compared to a benchmark. This will take the idea one step further as a more advanced way of looking at vessel or fleet-level CII ratings.”

Kim Sørensen, COO of StormGeo Shipping, says:

“This is a truly unique solution that does more than just calculate CII ratings. Our active consulting, combined with an outlook of current CII rankings versus forecasted rankings offers the ultimate service for fleet carbon intensity improvement. At StormGeo, supporting the decarbonization efforts of the international shipping industry and accelerating the use of digital solutions is a top priority. I am proud that our smart software will play a vital role in enabling decarbonization through digitalization.”

Damen inks contract with ST Marine Support to supply a Multi Cat 3313 SD

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February 24, 2022

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The Harlingen, the Netherlands, based maritime services company ST Maine Support has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards for the delivery of a new Damen Multi Cat 3313 SD workboat.

Based on the proven Multi Cat 3013, the 3313 is a new addition to Damen’s Multi Cat range and, while it has been developed specifically to meet the needs of ST Marine Support, the new design will be relevant to any operator looking for a multi-purpose vessel optimised for dredging operations in very shallow waters.

The 33-metre Multi Cat 3313 SD has a number of features that optimise it for ultra-shallow water dredging. The most significant of these is its ability to operate in depths down to 2.00 metres, an achievement even by Damen Multi Cat standards. The equipment package for this vessel includes substantial deck cranes fore and aft, anchor handling, towing and tugger winches, and a 40-tonne A-frame. The high quality accommodation sleeps nine personnel across four cabins. Three, fixed pitch propellers in Optima Ø 1600 mm nozzles deliver 25 tonnes of bollard pull and a speed of ten knots.

The initial build is currently underway at the Safe Shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, after which it will be moved to Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld in the Netherlands to be completed and fitted out. The delivery is scheduled for March 2023.

The signing ceremony was held before Christmas with Rienk Switijnk and Vasco Tammes representing ST Marine Support, and Managing Director Jos van Woerkum and Commercial Director Jeroen van Woerkum from Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld.

Rienk Switijnk says:

“This new vessel takes our fleet to four Damen Multi Cats, joining our existing two 3013 and one 3515 models. We have been very pleased with their performance and, with Damen willing to work with us to ensure that our latest addition will be uniquely suited for shallow water operations as well as a range of other duties, it was not a difficult decison to retun to them once again.”

The ST Marine Support Multi Cats operate mainly in Europe and Africa and, as well as supporting dredging work, they undertake other projects including cable laying and anchor handling.

Damen’s Jos van Woerkum added:

“We are very pleased to be building another Multi Cat for ST Marine Support. We have been working together for 15 years now and the versatility of these vessels with their cranes, winches and ample deck space mean that they are a popular choice with charterers. We wish them every success.”

Fugro signs framework agreement with Heerema

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February 24, 2022

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Fugro has signed a four-year global framework agreement with Heerema Marine Contractors for survey and positioning support services onboard Heerema’s heavy lift crane vessels.

Fugro’s worldwide reach and technology offers Heerema a solid support base for their global project portfolio, ensuring optimised offshore operations that minimise environmental impact.

Fugro will use their innovative vision technologies, such as QuickVision®, 3Direct® and InclinoCam®, combined with remote services and expert teams to optimise Heerema’s offshore installation and decommissioning campaigns across Europe, the Americas, Middle East, and APAC regions.

Fugro’s survey Geo-data and positioning support will assist Heerema in identifying seabed structures and debris while providing centimetre level precision for installation projects. Real-time touchless inspection and monitoring technology offers a much safer, more efficient, and sustainable solution to offshore operations. Remote support will also enable Heerema to monitor their operations in real-time leading to faster and more informed decision making as their projects progress.

Jan van Akkeren, Heerema’s Director Operations & Equipment and Technology & Heerema Simulation Centre, said:

“We are pleased to partner with Fugro for our survey services. Their professionalism, experience, and ambitions fit very well with Heerema’s objectives, especially in the offshore wind market.”

Thijs Prins, Fugro’s Service Line Director Marine Asset Integrity, said:

“Our vision-based technologies and remote services improve staff safety, significantly reduce project complexity, accelerate turnaround times, and allow operations to be conducted in a wider weather window – critical benefits for Heerema as they complete campaigns over the next four years. We’re proud to be delivering innovative solutions that support the responsible installation, maintenance and decommissioning of offshore energy assets.”

Subsea 7 and FLASC secure UK BEIS funding

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February 24, 2022

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Subsea 7 and technology partner FLASC B.V., are awarded a grant from the UK government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for £471,760, to further develop an innovative offshore energy storage system.

Funding has been awarded as part of the Longer Duration Energy Storage (LODES) Competition. The competition recognises the transition to increasing wind generated renewable energy, which presents growing opportunities for storage systems that support a secure, flexible and reliable electrical power supply.

The PowerBundle concept will combine FLASC’s proprietary Hydro-Pneumatic Energy Storage (HPES) technology and Subsea 7’s proven subsea pipeline bundle technology, resulting in a scalable and robust offshore energy storage solution.

Liam Macintrye, Subsea 7 Strategic Director – Energy Transition, said:

“We are very pleased to have our innovative solution recognised by BEIS, as it builds on our proactive participation in the energy transition. The development of energy storage solutions plays a crucial role in the future of intermittent renewable power sources, and the interconnectivity of our energy systems. We believe such systems will not only unlock additional grid connected offshore wind, but it could also play a valuable role in decarbonising oil and gas assets.”

Daniel Buhagiar, Co-Founder and CEO of FLASC B.V., said:

“This funding support from UK BEIS provides a major boost to our technology development initiatives, and we are extremely proud to have been selected in this pioneering and highly-competitive funding programme; one of the first specifically targeting Longer Duration Energy Storage. Beyond the financial support, this also confirms our view that offshore energy storage technologies have a key place in the energy transition, working alongside onshore solutions towards a cleaner and more robust energy system.”

The competition will be delivered through two phases. In phase 1, projects will be expected to mobilise their proposed technologies to prepare for potential deployment on the UK energy system. Successful proposals will receive further funding for phase 2, to build and test a grid connected full-system demonstrator of the proposed technology and qualify it through testing. A formal stage gate review will take place between phase 1 and phase 2 of the competition. Work has already commenced for phase 1.

Greg Hands, Energy & Climate Change Minister, said:

“Driving forward energy storage technologies will be vital in our transition towards cheap, clean and secure renewable energy.

“It will allow us to extract the full benefit from our home-grown renewable energy sources, drive down costs and end our reliance on volatile and expensive fossil fuels. Through this competition we are making sure the country’s most innovative scientists and thinkers have our backing to make this ambition a reality.”

Turkish-owned ship hit by bomb off coast of Odesa – Turkish authority

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February 24, 2022

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A Turkish-owned ship was hit by a bomb off the coast of Ukraine’s port city Odesa on Thursday, Turkey’s Maritime General Directorate said, adding there were no casualties and the ship was safely en route into Romanian waters.

Russia on Thursday launched a ground and air offensive into Ukraine.

“Upon information that the Marshall Islands-flagged Turkish-owned Yasa Jupiter ship was struck by a bomb off the coast of Odesa, it was learned that the ship has no request for help, is en route to Romanian waters, has no casualties and is safe,” the authority said on Twitter.

Source: Reuters

Ukraine asks Turkey to shut Black Sea waterways to Russian ships

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February 24, 2022

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Ukraine has asked Turkey to close the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to Russian ships, Kyiv’s ambassador to Ankara has said, as Russia launched air and ground assaults on its neighbour.

The request on Thursday puts NATO member Turkey, which shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and has good relations with both countries, in a difficult position.

Under the 1936 Montreux Convention, Ankara has control over the straits and can limit warship passages during wartime or if threatened.

Ambassador Vasyl Bodnar told a news conference in Ankara:

“We are calling for the airspace, Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits to be closed. We have conveyed our relevant demand to the Turkish side. At the same time, we want sanctions imposed on the Russian side.”

There was no immediate statement by the Turkish government. Ankara on Thursday advised its citizens in Ukraine to stay at home or in a safe place and avoid travelling after airlines cancelled flights due to the closure of Ukraine’s airspace.

Turkey has opposed sanctions on Russia, and has been calling for NATO and Russia to tone down their rhetoric. Erdogan said last month Turkey was “ready to do whatever is necessary” to avoid a war, but Ankara has also described Russian steps against Ukraine as unacceptable.

While building close cooperation with Russia on defence and energy, Turkey has also invested in the Ukrainian defence industry. It has also sold sophisticated drones to Ukraine and signed a deal to co-produce more, angering Moscow.

Earlier this month, six Russian warships and a submarine transited the Dardanelles and Bosphorus Straits to the Black Sea for what Moscow called naval drills near Ukraine waters.

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine published today on its Facebook page an audio recording of threats against Ukrainian border guards who are on Zmiiny Island.

Source: Al Jazeera

UPD: Russia has invaded Ukraine: the border guards are threatened from the sea. AUDIO

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February 24, 2022

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UPD: The bad news came from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on the evening of February 24th.

“Infrastructure of Zmiiniy Island was destroyed after shelling by the ship artillery.
Besides, connection lost with border guards and warriors of the Ukrainian armed forces.
According to last information Zmiiniy Island was captured by the enemy.
During the day enemy tried to scare Ukrainian defenders of the island with the requirements to surround.
It should be noted, the SBGSU together with the Ukrainian armed forces and the National Guard of Ukraine continues to fight actively against enemy.
Victory will be ours!”

UPD

The aggressor using aviation against Ukrainian border guards and soldiers of the Armed Forces on the Zmiinyi Island, as well as continues shelling from ship weapons. Not a single surviving building remains on the island. Ukrainian border guards and the Armed Forces hold the defense.

UPD
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine posted new information:

“Zmiiniy Island was attacked from Russian ships.
The occupiers fired on the island from the ship’s artillery.
Border guards and the Armed Forces hold the defense.
Currently, there are two ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet “Moscow” and “Vasily Bykov” near the island.”

In particular, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported:

“Two unrecognized targets threaten border guards on Zmiiny. Border guards took up the defense.
Two unrecognized targets approached Snake Island. The occupiers are threatening to demand that the Izmail Border Troops surrender. The aggressor used an international channel of communication for the safety of navigation.
Border guards took up the defense.”

The message of the Russian occupiers is as follows:

“You are in complete isolation, in the zone of destruction of weapons!
If you resist, you will be destroyed! The chances of survival are zero!
Think about your children, loved ones who need you, who love you and are waiting for you at home alive and healthy!
This will end soon and you will continue your usual life.
Make the right decision – stay alive!
To do so, it is enough to inform via communication channels – channel 16, about the intention to cooperate, stop the operation of the radar station and communications equipment, line up and lay down their arms. Proceed according to further instructions.”

Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a military operation in Ukraine, with explosions heard across the country and Ukraine’s foreign minister warning a “full-scale invasion” was under way.