Saab Seaeye’s new underwater robot to join Ocean Infinity’s Armada

By

-

November 15, 2021

Saab Seaeye has agreed a deal to sell 10 of its new electric work remotely operated vehicles (eWROV), including further options, to leading marine robotics company, Ocean Infinity.

Due to this and further future contracts Saab Seaeye is also to expand by 70% to an additional 3,236m2 (34,832 ft2) site in Fareham, UK, by March 2022 and is currently recruiting.

The new eWROV product, is the world’s most capable and intelligent all-electric, work-class underwater robot, that will be built in Saab Seaeye’s new facility in Fareham within the Solent Freeport.

The eWROV is the latest addition to Saab Seaeye’s underwater portfolio used across a variety of offshore energy sectors, ocean science and defence. It is the culmination of four years of research and development, resulting in a larger and more powerful ROV compared to those designed for light work and observation tasks.

Saab Seaeye is among the first companies to produce a full-size electric work-class vehicle that can deliver the same overall performance as a 250 horsepower hydraulic vehicle, while offering a lower lifetime cost and reduced environmental impact.

Ocean Infinity is developing the world’s largest fleet of uncrewed robotic vessels and will be the eWROV’s launch customer. The eWROV will play its part in Ocean Infinity’s mission to use innovative technology to transform operations at sea, enabling people and the planet to thrive. Armada is set to revolutionise the maritime industry, delivering sustainable services that offer up to 90% emissions savings over a conventional vessel performing a similar offshore task.

The eWROV’s electrification is the key to its improved performance and sustainability-related attributes. As well as being more efficient, electric systems use little or no oil, making the eWROV significantly more environmentally friendly than equivalent hydraulic work-class systems.

Most important, eWROV benefits from Saab Seaeye’s iCON™ intelligent system architecture, making it capable of fully autonomous operation.

Magnus Lewis-Olsson, Chairman of Saab UK, says:

“Ocean Infinity’s order is the largest in Saab Seaeye’s history and highlights the need for intelligent, adaptable and flexible underwater robotics. The eWROV is more efficient and cleaner than the hydraulic alternatives and it also requires less human involvement and will play an important role in future autonomous vessel fleets. We are confident the eWROV will serve Ocean Infinity well.”

Dan Hook, Chief Technology Officer, Ocean Infinity, says:

“Lessening the environmental impact of operations at sea is the main driver behind the development of Armada. The all-electric eWROV, in addition to our already low-emission vessels, will enable us to support our customers with infrastructure integrity projects in the most environmentally responsible way. The eWROVs will form an important part of our Armada architecture; through integration with our dynamic payload controller, we’ll be able to deploy and operate them anywhere in the world from our Remote Control Centres.”

Shoreham Port one step closer to being converted into a hydrogen hub

By

Chief Editor

-

November 15, 2021

0

When operational the hub will provide clean fuel for locally based fleets and be a catalyst for the decarbonisation of transport across the region.

The creation of a green hydrogen hub will integrate with renewable onshore wind and solar power generation. The production process is almost silent, produces no waste and emits no pollutants. The first phase would see green hydrogen being used in the Port’s own operational fleets.

Shoreham Port have brought together H2 Green who will be producing the hydrogen, Local Fuels who will bring their fuelling infrastructure and distribution expertise and Ricardo, who will impart their world leading engineering experience and pioneering leadership in hydrogen conversions.

Tom Willis, Chief Executive at Shoreham Port commented:

“The hub will be a significant economic uplift for the area, creating local jobs and improving air quality. The production process is quiet, odourless and the clean fuel produced will reduce emissions across the region as transport operators convert large fleets to run on hydrogen. As a community organisation we intend to work with all of our stakeholders to make this new stage of Shoreham Port’s development a success”

Luke Johnson, Managing Director of H2 Green, a Getech business said:

“We have worked closely with Shoreham Port to develop a bold vision that delivers significant emissions reductions, supporting its net zero goals and benefiting the Port’s customers, community and wider region economy. Decarbonisation of the HGVs and forklift trucks entering and using the Port would save 45,000 tonnes of CO2 each year. As a trusted developer of hydrogen hub infrastructure, H2 Green is proud to be involved in this transformational integrated green energy development.”

Anthony Salvidge, Managing Director of Local Fuels said:

“We will leverage our knowledge and expertise in downstream fuel distribution to explore and implement opportunities to deliver green hydrogen to the local market. In addition, we will play our part in the energy transition through the importation and storage of synthetic zero carbon fuels”.

Adrian Greaney, Technology Director for Ricardo Automotive and Industrial EMEA said:

“We are pleased to be supporting this collaboration. Ricardo is already applying our expertise across the hydrogen value chain to support customers around the globe with the decarbonisation of transport and energy for land, sea and air. Through this collaboration, we hope to contribute to the development of zero emissions solutions which are critical to our local and national economy.”

800 HGVs enter the Port each day, and our long-term ambition is to scale up production to power these vehicles as well, reducing emissions and noise. Eventually H2 Green will be facilitating the importation of ammonia, which is used to carry hydrogen, increasing our capacity and connecting us to green energy projects worldwide, delivering lower cost green fuel to benefit local users.

ABB to equip twelve Himalaya Shipping bulk carriers with shaft generator solutions

By

Chief Editor

-

November 15, 2021

0

ABB’s equipment package for Himilaya Shipping’s ultra large bulk carriers will feature innovative shaft genorators with a Power-Take-Off (PTO) solution, comprising new drive systems and permanent magnet technology, improving the energy efficiency of these vessels by up to four percent while enhancing operational flexibility. ABB’s full scope of supply for the Himalaya Shipping vessels also includes low-voltage drives and transformers, as well as engineering, project management and commissioning services.

The ships’ energy systems align with goals set out in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Carbon Intensity Index (CII).

Shaft generator performance gains exploit the inclusion of permanent magnet technology and new ACS880 single drive systems from ABB, the drive system delivering greater responsiveness for the changing power needs of a bulk carrier depending on the speed, bulk freight weight, and electrical load changing.

The possibility to choose the most efficient operational option from several alternatives allows reducing fuel costs by 3-4 percent, while the footprint of the equipment package is approximately 20 percent smaller compared to equivalent units featuring synchronous excitation machines. In addition, higher power density enabled by ABB’s solution allows reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Jan Andersson from SeaQuest, Himalaya Shipping consultant, said:

“ABB’s latest series of shaft generators support our initiatives to ensure optimized ship efficiency, reduce CO2 / NOx emissions and deliver maximum performance using less power in a package that is compact, robust and easy to maintain.”

Qiaohua Dong, Deputy Director of Ship Design Institute of Jiangsu New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., said:

“We are honored to build these innovative dual-fuel bulk carriers. With more strict emissions regulations and requirements, our shipyard should also adapt to new technologies and solutions. It is the first time for us to install ABB’s latest shaft generator system. By utilizing this energy-efficient system, it will also help us to develop the capability of building an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly future.”

Michael D. Christensen, Global Segment Manager Dry Cargo, ABB Marine & Ports, said:

“This contract marks a significant milestone for our new generation of permanent magnet shaft generator-based solutions, with improved energy efficiency. The solution offers a range of benefits to help shipowners and operators enhance efficiency and reduce emissions without the need for additional investments compared to a standard synchronous excitation machine. Furthermore, the ABB ACS880 drive system ensures supreme performance and the very best uptime in class.”

Based on simplicity in construction, integrating permanent magnet technology onboard a vessel is straightforward, while reducing maintenance costs due to the absence of the carbon brushes which need frequent replacement in synchronous excitated machines.

ClassNK grants Innovation Endorsement for solutions to “SEAWALKER web platform”

By

Chief Editor

-

November 15, 2021

0

Leading Classification Society ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to “SEAWALKER web platform”, the software solution for remote assistance and complex maintenance operations developed by SEAHARMONY LP.

In July 2020, to promote the spread and development of innovative technologies, the Society launched Innovation Endorsement as a swift certification service in cooperation with technological front runners to establish appropriate evaluation criteria. Among the certification categories, “Products & Solutions” covers digital equipment and software technology installed for use on vessels.

SEAWALKER web platform is a software solution for remote assistance and complex maintenance operations. It allows a field technician to receive audio/video streaming support from remote experts, via a secure and reliable network or satellite connection.

ClassNK has verified the functions of SEAWALKER web platform:

1. Provision of remote support capability connected with remote devices.
2. Smart Glass capability which allows hands-free in complete freedom and safety.
3. Seaharmony SME remote support via this platform and Smart Glass capabilities.
4. Reduction of carbon intensity via these solutions, and issued a certificate to SEAHARMONY LP.

Boskalis and Keppel to sell KST and Maju to Rimorchiatori Mediterranei

By

Chief Editor

-

November 15, 2021

0

Boskalis and its co-shareholder KS Investments Pte. Ltd. (Keppel) have signed an agreement relating to the sale of their harbor towage activities in Singapore and Malaysia to Rimorchiatori Mediterranei S.p.A.

The sale transaction relates to Keppel Smit Towage Private Limited (KST) and Maju Maritime Pte Ltd (Maju). Under the terms of the agreement, Boskalis expects to receive approximately EUR 80 million in cash for its 49% equity stake. The contribution of KST/Maju to the net profit of Boskalis over the last two years was EUR 4 million per annum.

Keppel Smit Towage (KST) was established in 1991 as a joint venture between Keppel and SMIT, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boskalis. Over the past thirty years, KST has developed into one of the largest and leading harbor tug service providers in Southeast Asia. KST operates a combined fleet of 58 tug boats in Singapore and through its joint venture in Malaysia.

The sale of KST follows the strategic decision taken by Boskalis in 2019 to divest its harbor towage activities. Boskalis divested its stakes in Saam Smit Towage and Kotug Smit Towage in 2019.

Rimorchiatori Mediterranei S.p.A. is a subsidiary of Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group, a leading maritime service provider headquartered in Genoa, Italy established in 1922. Rimorchiatori Mediterranei operates a fleet of more than 100 modern vessels in more than 20 major ports employing approximately 900 people.

The agreement is subject to approval from the regulatory agencies in Singapore and the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022.

Saipem awarded two new offshore T&I contracts

By

Chief Editor

-

November 15, 2021

0

The first contract was awarded by Chevron Australia Pty Ltd for the Jansz-lo Compression Project, the gas field located around 200 kilometres offshore the north-western coast of Australia, at water depths of approximately 1,400 meters.

Jansz-lo is part of the Chevron-operated Gorgon Project, a grouping of different fields and one of the world’s largest natural gas developments.

Offshore operations are planned to start in 2024 and they will be conducted by the Constellation vessel.

The second contract regards the Sakarya Gas Field Development project, the first deepwater natural gas field discovered in Turkey in the Black Sea, about 175 km offshore the coast of Eregli. The contract entails the transportation and installation of pipelines to 2,200-meter water depth. The offshore operations are to begin in spring 2022 and will be conducted mainly by the Castorone vessel.

Francesco Caio, CEO and General Manager of Saipem, commented:

“The award of these two important contracts highlights our solid expertise in subsea installation and our world-class assets as well as being a tangible sign of recovery of the offshore market. These new contracts in the gas sector, a fundamental element of the energy transition, provide solid indications of the improvement in demand and testify to Saipem’s capability of offering solutions in line with its clients’ needs”.

Aberdeen Harbour receives green funding

By

Chief Editor

-

November 12, 2021

0

Aberdeen Harbour has received more than £400,000 from the UK Government to fund a joint demonstration project aimed at providing shore power within the existing Aberdeen North Harbour.

The partnership with Connected Places Catapult will act as a blueprint for other UK ports to introduce the sustainable fuel alternative for vessels berthed alongside.

The grant was part of the UK Government’s £20 million Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition which was introduced to drive innovation for clean maritime and shipping projects.

Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board, said:

“This funding will be critical as we work with Connected Places Catapult to undertake a Feasibility Study for a demonstration project to provide green shore power in our existing port.

“Our extensive research and data show that 70% of CO2 emissions in the port comes from vessels berthed alongside the quays. Ultimately, this demonstration project could reduce the port’s emissions by up to 50%.

“Shore power to avoid vessel emissions at berth is an established technology, but significant technical differences exist within the appropriate physical infrastructure and system specifications. With this feasibility study and demonstration project, we will be looking at small to medium vessels, such as Platform Supply Vessels and Offshore Service Vessels, which regularly visit our busy port.”

Connected Places Catapult will support Aberdeen Harbour by connecting with other UK port regions and providing a place-centred blueprint of the future green port that can be utilised by other ports across the country. Buro Happold and Tyndall Centre will also provide support to the project.

Connected Places Catapult connects businesses and public sector leaders to research, helping to develop, implement and commercialise the latest technology and innovation for existing markets, as well as create demand and growth new markets in the UK and globally.

Paul Wilson, Chief Business Officer at Connected Places Catapult said, “The UK is a maritime nation, and our ports and coastal communities are at the heart of that ecosystem. Connected Places Catapult is pleased to be working with Aberdeen Harbour to establish a green port blueprint that delivers impact for the port and the region, building on the already excellent initiatives in Aberdeen to create a greener, re-energised future for coastal communities across the UK.”

Silversea Cruises takes delivery of 10th ship Silver Dawn from Fincantieri

By

Chief Editor

-

November 12, 2021

0

Luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises has taken delivery of new ship Silver Dawn at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy.

Executives from Silversea Cruises and Fincantieri today attended an intimate delivery ceremony to welcome the 10th ship to the cruise line’s fleet.

Following a video screening of the official coin and flag ceremonies, Roberto Martinoli—Silversea’s President and CEO—penned his signature to officially take delivery of Silver Dawn. Richard D. Fain—Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group—and Jason Liberty—Executive Vice President and CFO, Royal Caribbean Group—each connected via video feed to deliver a speech. Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, was also in attendance.

Roberto Martinoli, President & CEO, Silversea Cruises, said:

“As well as the tireless efforts of the teams at Fincantieri and Silversea Cruises, I would like to recognise the great contribution of the Royal Caribbean Group. I am grateful for the Group’s continued support, which has proven invaluable once again. Silver Dawn represents an evolution of luxury cruise travel; she builds on the innovations of her sister ships, Silver Moon and Silver Muse, with Otium – our pioneering new wellness programme.”

Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, stated:

“In spite of the pandemic, we have been able to keep all deliveries in line with the contractual dates. That’s why I am particularly pleased to celebrate the delivery of Silver Dawn, just a few months after the successful delivery of her sister vessel, Silver Moon.”

The third ship in the Muse-class series and the fourth ship to result from Silversea’s longstanding collaboration with Fincantieri, Silver Dawn is a sistership to Silversea’s Silver Muse—built at the Fincantieri shipyard of Sestri Ponente (Genoa) in April 2017—and Silver Moon, which was delivered in Ancona in October 2020. Silver Dawn accommodates just 596 guests in 298 ocean-view suites – 96% of which have a private veranda – and has a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.45.

In total, over 390 companies contributed to Silver Dawn’s construction. In the peak months, an average of 1,000 professionals were working simultaneously on the ship. Over 15,000 steel plates and profiles were cut for her construction, approximately 95,500 litres of paint were applied, and 18 contractors installed approximately 1,690,000m of electric cable.

Radio Holland and Neptune Marine sign agreement for an extensive navigation

By

Chief Editor

-

November 12, 2021

0

During Europort 2021, Radio Holland and Neptune Marine signed an agreement for an extensive navigation and communication package for hull number NP-554, a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger.

Besides the equipment, Radio Holland also takes care of the installation and commissioning.

In addition to the delivery of the nav-com package, a Rhodium DP and associated sensors such as Gyro, DGPS, MRU and an anemometer are also supplied.

Furthermore the ship will be equipped with a magnetic compass, sea radar, river radar, plotter system, echo sounder, speedlog, BNWAS, AIS, Navtex, GMDSS communication and safety equipment, a WiFi network and a Multibeam sounder.

UPDATES: Telford Offshore`s ship under arrest in Nigeria

By

Chief Editor

-

November 12, 2021

0

Nov 12, 2021. Updates.

Today, November 12, 2021, the vessel’s arrest was lifted. Law enforcement agencies left the ship.

As the sailors informed us, the crew is doing well. The conditions of stay on the ship are normal, there are no problems with food and salary delays.

However, the reasons for the arrest of the ship are still not known. Seawanderer has contacted Telford Offshore and Raytheon for clarification but has not yet received any comment on the situation.

Nov 11, 2021

According to Seawanderer sources, the vessel Telford 31 was arrested on October 14, 2021.

One of the sailors, on condition of anonymity, said:

“On that day, our ship went to an anchorage in the port of Lagos, Nigeria. Law enforcement officers unexpectedly boarded and said that the ship had been arrested. We asked what was the reason for the arrest. They said they would explain later. A month has passed, and we still have not received an answer. “

The accommodation barge Telford 31 is on Raytheon charter. The vessel performs subsea and accommodation works for SNEPCO (Shell Nigeria).

The sailor added:

“The conditions on the ship are normal, we have food. However, no one explains to us what is happening and when we will be able to go ashore. So far, only clients have been allowed to go ashore. Yesterday there were 120 of us, and today there are 55 left. Only the crew of the vessel is on board. As far as we know, there is an instruction not to change the crew.”

Seawanderer will monitor the situation and provide new information about the vessel.