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Kongsberg launches digital toolbox for ocean data management and analysis

October 17, 2021

Focusing on marine and meteorological information, the Blue Insight ecosystem is of key value to both scientific and industrial users of the maritime environment.

Blue Insight provides an open, modular platform for the processing, visualisation and sharing of ocean data. The core module contains the cloud framework – which has been built to the highest cyber security standards – and an application-specific dashboard, teamed with data storage and management functionalities. Additional modules can be added to this framework to tailor Blue Insight’s functionality to suit all projects, however large or small.

Key to Blue Insight’s data-streaming functionality is the concept of sensor fusion, by which data is streamlined from various onboard sensors and a local database for seamless transmission into the cloud. In addition, the module serves as a link with KM onboard sensors for remote operation.

Data can be collected from any platform, ranging from crewed to autonomous surface vessels or even underwater vehicles such as AUVs or gliders. Through ongoing delivery projects, several modules already exist to assist customers in obtaining the best results from Blue Insight, including Remote, a module that enables remote access to a KM echosounder via a web interface; Ocean View, a powerful and comprehensive web-based visualisation tool for historic and real-time sensor or database data; and Data Forwarder, enabling data conversion into any common format and automated data forwarding to external cloud systems or databases.

Science Analytics supplies an infrastructure for more in-depth data-handling capabilities, such as the implementation of machine learning and AI-enhanced data analysis on board or in the cloud. As an example, one of the first delivery projects has seen the module providing a framework on unmanned surface vehicles for the automated onboard classification of fish. The portfolio of modules and support for specific instruments will be continuously expanded, consistent with KM’s aim to provide customers with unprecedently swift access to data, even in heterogenous environments.

One of the first projects to take advantage of the functionality provided by Blue Insight is a collaboration between KM and Akvaplan-niva, gathering meteorological, oceanographic, biological and chemical data from unmanned autonomous glider vehicles. The project has been under way for several years, but recent funding from the oil & gas company ConocoPhillips Norway has focused efforts towards understanding the impact of offshore oil & gas facilities on selected marine species in the North Sea.

The project is continuing to evolve the glider concept into an operational system for research and industry while advancing the digital environment to introduce new, cutting-edge management and analysis features.

Lionel Camus, Manager for Digital Solutions at Akvaplan-niva, says:

“Blue Insight has been an invaluable aid for managing the vast amount of data we collect at sea with our fleet of gliders, often for months at a time. This innovative digital toolbox has enabled Akvaplan-niva to deliver professional solutions and to share an unprecedented common experience via the cloud with our customers during each survey.”

Tonny Algrøy, Sales Director Ocean Science, Kongsberg Maritime, adds:

“We’re very excited to be able to bring Blue Insight to market. Our primary focus in developing this powerful, cloud-based framework for data collection, sharing and analysis has been to increase our knowledge of the ocean environment and act as a digital enabler for sustainability. It’s great to see that vision now becoming a reality. Collaborations such as the glider project demonstrate how research institutions and industry can work together to benefit from contextualised data, furthering the joint aims of conservation bodies and global business operations.”

Jan De Nul signs T&I contract for Gode Wind 3 & Borkum Riffgrund 3

Chief Editor

October 17, 2021

Ørsted Wind Power A/S and Jan De Nul Group announce the signing of the final contract for the transport and installation of 107 monopile foundations and one offshore substation topside at Gode Wind 3 and Borkum Riffgrund 3 Offshore Wind Farm.

The transport and installation will start in 2023 and will be the first assignment for Les Alizés, the next generation offshore installation vessel of Jan De Nul Group.

The 242 MW Gode Wind 3 and 900 MW Borkum Riffgrund 3 Wind Farms are owned and developed by the Danish renewable energy company Ørsted Wind Power A/S.

Both wind farms will use 11-MW Siemens Gamesa turbines and are located in the German North Sea. The Borkum Riffgrund 3 more particularly will be located adjacent to Ørsted’s existing offshore wind farms Borkum Riffgrund 1 and Borkum Riffgrund 2. Gode Wind 3 will be close to Ørsted’s Gode Wind 1 and 2.

Jan De Nul’s scope includes the transport and installation of 106 wind turbine monopile foundations and one offshore substation foundation, including associated topside. For the first time, Ørsted will be using monopiles without the need of installing a transition piece for connecting turbine and foundation. Before installation, scour protection will be installed at all 107 monopiles locations.

Delivery is foreseen to be completed in 2024. Once completed, these wind farms will generate enough electricity to power approx. 1.2 million German households every year. The projects are subject to Ørsted’s final investment decision.

Peter De Pooter, Manager Offshore Renewables at Jan De Nul Group:

“This contract is an important milestone for us, it will be the maiden project for our new NextGen Heavy Lift Vessel Les Alizés. We are most pleased having signed this contract with industry leader Ørsted Wind Power A/S and are looking forward to jointly develop both wind farms. Together with other projects in preparation by Jan De Nul, we are proud to contribute to the global transition to renewable energy by installing foundations and wind turbines in the most efficient way using the best environmentally friendly technologies.”

MOL, SoftBank and e5 Lab start studies for maritime satellite communications

Chief Editor

October 16, 2021

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (“MOL”), SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”), and e5 Lab, Inc. (“e5 Lab”) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the use of a next-generation high-speed communication satellites, offered by UK-based OneWeb Ltd. (“OneWeb”), to provide maritime broadband communications on vessels at sea. SoftBank and OneWeb are currently collaborating on the development of the OneWeb’s satellite communication services.

MOL, SoftBank, and e5 Lab will promote the “introduction of maritime broadband communications” and secure, safe and efficient “digitalization of the maritime industry” by using OneWeb’s next-generation high-speed satellite communication service at sea, where communication infrastructure lags far behind what is available on land.

The three companies are planning to launch the following initiatives to introduce maritime broadband communication and digitalization.

Study of various use cases related to digitalization of marine transportation. Study various use cases and effects of introductions related to the digitalization of marine transportation, which will be realized by introducing the satellite broadband communications.

Demonstration of satellite communication services by OneWeb. Conduct demonstrations using of OneWeb satellite communication services at sea by installing OneWeb’s satellite antennas on “Sunflower” ferries, which are operated by an MOL subsidiary.

MOL, SoftBank, and e5 Lab will leverage their varied technological expertise and knowledge and foster the sustainable growth of the maritime shipping industry by using Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solutions such as next-generation communication satellites and stratospheric communication platforms.

Naval Group awarded design contract for the French Navy’s future ocean patrol vessels

Chief Editor

October 15, 2021

This award follows on from the signature of the framework agreement carried by the French Defence Procurement Agency on 23 October 2020 for the study, development, production and initial operational maintenance of ten ocean patrol vessels for the French Navy.

A first contract had been awarded to Naval Group for the design and value analysis and was approved by the French Defence Procurement Agency on 23 June 2021. The company has now been awarded a second contract for the preliminary and detailed design of the Ocean Patrol Vessels. Another contract will then be awarded to Naval Group for a ship construction monitoring service.

The Ocean Patrol Vessels program aims at the renewal of the patrol vessels stationed in mainland France, namely the high seas patrol vessels (ex-avisos A69) based in Brest and Toulon, and the public service patrol vessels based in Cherbourg. The mission of these ocean patrol vessels will include support to deterrence, autonomous situation assessment in areas of sovereignty or interest, escort, evacuation of nationals, sovereignty and protection of national interests in the maritime approaches.

This program is part of an innovative industrial scheme involving collaboration between civil and military entities. Naval Group, as overall project architect, is in charge of the design of these ships. The French Defence Procurement Agency will then entrust the construction to all or part of the production shipyards who were awarded the framework agreement for deliveries between 2025 and 2029.

Naval Group welcomes the launch of this second phase of the Ocean Patrol Vessel program and states:

“Faced with the increase in maritime traffic and the proliferation of threats at sea, Naval Group is proud to contribute to the renewal of France’s naval capabilities by designing multimission vessels that offer the French Navy genuine operational superiority with a situational awareness capability superior to that of the patrol vessels currently in service.”

SMI signs MoU with Kongsberg, RightShip and Wärtsilä

Chief Editor

October 15, 2021

Under this agreement, SMI and the industry partners will:

Promote data-driven research and innovation in the maritime industry
The industry partners will support SMI’s call for proposals under the Maritime AI R&D programme; to identify industry challenges that can be resolved through data-driven tools and applications and to avail relevant sanitised data to resolve the industry challenges.

The Maritime AI R&D Programme was established following recommendations from SMI’s International Advisory Panel (IAP) meeting which convened in March 2021. The programme hopes to address industry-wide gaps and concerns arising from increased use of automation and autonomy in the maritime industry such as data quality and integrity, systems security and integration and the need to build up talent for modelling, simulation and AI for the maritime domain. The programme also aims to develop new algorithms, tools and applications that can be utilised by the industry to enhance decision-making, support the drive towards sustainability and optimise operations.

Mr Tan Cheng Peng, Executive Director of SMI said:

“The digital transformation of the maritime industry has accelerated in the last few years. With the vast amount of data available now, it is opportune for the industry to harness technologies such as big data analytics and artificial intelligence to further optimise operations and enhance productivity. The new Maritime AI R&D programme will help to support this transformation and I am glad to have like-minded partners, Kongsberg Digital AS, RightShip and Wärtsilä Voyage Limited, to come onboard the journey with us.”

Hege Skryseth, President, Kongsberg Digital said:

“Digitising the maritime industry is becoming increasingly important to stay competitive while at the same time reduce emissions in shipping. Kongsberg Digital is honored to be recognised by SMI as a trusted and reliable partner, and we are excited to support SMI in the Maritime Artificial Intelligence R&D Programme. The foundation of digitalisation at scale starts with access to quality data, contextualisation and standardisation. Kongsberg Digital will through this program contribute with advice and competence. In addition, we will facilitate access to structured and contextualised data through our data infrastructure Vessel Insight and provide insight and access to the Kognifai Services. Through our Kognifai Marketplace, SMI Cohorts can ultimately scale their applications and reach a bigger market. We are looking forward to contributing to this journey pushing the industry to a higher level of digitalisation.”

Steen Lund, RightShip CEO, said:

“The maritime industry is experiencing a tectonic shift, driven by the need to urgently decarbonise and unlock maximum efficiencies through digitalisation and innovation. SMI’s new Maritime AI R&D program comes at an opportune time, with us seeking to accelerate our industry contribution, primarily at our Singapore-based innovation hub. This MOU enables the maritime ecosystem to harness our expertise, which has been at the centre of maritime technology adoption since RightShip was founded 20 years ago. Our digital Platform built on robust cloud technology harnesses the power of data science and AI to deliver outcomes to support a maritime industry that causes zero harm. Our ambition is to collaborate with SMI and IHLs in Singapore to further accelerate adoption of ground-breaking research for the maritime industry in the domain of AI.”

Chris Chung, Director, Ecosystem Development at Wärtsilä Voyage, said:

“This MoU with SMI is a collaboration between strategic partners, academia, and innovation enablers. Maritime by nature expands borders and boundaries. We will collaborate to challenge algorithmic AI bias or ‘data bias’ and to ensure it is mitigated to drive impact beyond Singapore’s waters, and contribute to solving real world challenges globally.”

Fincantieri: Star Pride delivered in Palermo

Chief Editor

October 15, 2021

“Star Pride”, the third ship of the extension and modernization Star Plus Initiative project of Windstar Cruises, one of the main operators in the field of high-end small ship cruises, was delivered at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo.

The program, worth 250 million dollars and involving the cruise ships “Star Breeze” and “Star Legend”, delivered respectively in 2020 and last May, and “Star Pride”, envisaged three main complex activity areas: installation of a new 25.6 meters mid-body section; the total renewal of the propulsion engines and diesel generators for a more environmentally responsible navigation; and extensive modernization of public areas, passenger cabins and open decks.

Before the start of extension works, “Star Pride” had a length of 134 meters, with a tonnage of approximately 10,000 tons and a capacity of 212 passengers. Now, after its completion, the ship has a length of approximately 160 meters, a tonnage of around 13,000 tons, and a capacity to accommodate 312 passengers on board.

Subsea 7 confirms contract offshore Turkey

Chief Editor

October 15, 2021

The award was announced on a redacted basis on 29 September 2021 and the contract was recorded in the backlog of Subsea and Conventional in the third quarter.

The contract is awarded to Subsea 7 and Schlumberger, as part of a consortium. The integrated project scope of the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contract will cover the subsurface solutions to onshore production, including completions, subsea production systems (SPS), subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF) and an early production facility (EPF).

The scope of work to be executed by Subsea 7 comprises the EPCI of the subsea pipelines and associated equipment to connect the subsea wells in approximately 2000 metres water depth to the EPF. The project includes the provision and installation of infield flowlines, control umbilicals, tie-in connections, associated subsea equipment, 170 kilometres of gas export pipeline and monoethylene glycol injection pipeline to the EPF.

Project management and engineering has already commenced and will be managed from the Subsea 7 office in Istanbul, Turkey.

Olivier Blaringhem, CEO Subsea Integration Alliance said:

“This combined offering provides our customer with a truly integrated solution for field development. A strong, collaborative early engagement process led by Turkish Petroleum has enabled an industry-leading timeline from discovery to first gas for a project of this scale and complexity.”

John Evans, Subsea 7 Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Subsea 7 has a long track record of providing optimised solutions for deepwater developments and we are pleased to be working, through Subsea Integration Alliance, on this important project. Subsea 7 looks forward to building a long-term relationship with Turkish Petroleum and to making a significant contribution to the development and growth of the Turkish energy industry.”

IQIP and EnBW silencing German North Sea waters with NMS 10,000

Chief Editor

October 15, 2021

EnBW has selected IQIP for providing the world’s largest Noise Mitigation System (NMS 10,000) for the installation of EnBW’s He Dreiht Offshore Windfarm in Germany. IQIP will engineer, develop and build the NMS 10,000 at its yard in The Netherlands.

He Dreiht is located in the German North Sea, 90 km northwest of Borkum and about 110 km west of Heligoland. The 900 MW offshore wind project is one of the largest planned offshore wind projects in Europe and is scheduled to go into operation in 2025. Monopile foundations with a diameter of up to 10 meters, strict German noise legislation, together with water depths of approximately 40 meters in He Dreiht’s project area ask for a combination of the most efficient noise mitigation measures.

EnBW sought a partner with an offshore noise mitigation track record and experience with German Noise legislation. IQIP has been building a track record for offshore noise mitigation solutions for years. With smaller versions of the Noise Mitigation System (up to 8,800 Millimeter), the company has successfully installed over 500 monopiles in nine European offshore wind projects, including EnBW’s Hohe See and Albatros.

Max van de Kemenade, Sales Director IQIP:

“We are delighted to partner with EnBW and to be working together at the forefront of innovation. We look forward to contributing to the success of the He Dreiht project with another state of the art piece of equipment, and supporting the installation contractor with complementary installation equipment.”

The engineering phase of the NMS 10,000 has already started. IQIP will deliver the Noise Mitigation System in early 2024.

Maersk Drilling awarded contract extension to drill world record well in Angola

Chief Editor

October 15, 2021

The contract extension has an estimated duration of 54 days, which means that Maersk Voyager is now contracted until February 2022. The work on Ondjaba-1 commenced in October 2021, after which the rig is scheduled to move to Namibia to drill the Venus well. One one-well option remains on the contract.

The Ondjaba-1 well will be drilled at a new world record water depth of 3,628 m. The current world record is 3,400 m, set by Maersk Voyager’s sister drillship Maersk Venturer when it drilled the Raya-1 well for TotalEnergies offshore Uruguay in 2016.

COO Morten Kelstrup of Maersk Drilling says:

“We’re thrilled to be able to confirm that we indeed will be drilling for a new world record. Ondjaba-1 was part of Maersk Voyager’s original contract in Angola, but the rig’s drilling programme has undergone several changes due to the unprecedented circumstances the world has faced since early 2020. With this contract option called, we’re now looking forward to proving that Maersk Drilling and the highly capable Voyager crew can once again break existing boundaries in close collaboration with TotalEnergies.”

Maersk Voyager is a high-spec ultra-deepwater drillship which was delivered in 2014. It is currently operating offshore Angola for TotalEnergies.

Solstad Offshore, Aker Solutions and DeepOcean create offshore renewables alliance

Chief Editor

October 15, 2021

The new partnership aims to provide the world’s most cost-efficient and complete product supply, fabrication and marine services offering within offshore wind. The alliance will also pursue other offshore renewables segments.

Windstaller Alliance will combine the already well-established capabilities and expertise of the three offshore industry leaders. This will form an integrated and highly flexible one-stop-shop provider. The alliance will be able to offer product deliveries, fabrication services as well as marine and subsea operations and associated engineering services within offshore renewables industries.

Lars Peder Solstad, CEO of Solstad Offshore, says:

“In terms of competence, size and asset base, Windstaller Alliance’s offering is probably unrivalled in the marketplace. However, it is how we will integrate and join the three companies’ offerings that will create the real value for both operators and us suppliers.”

The Windstaller Alliance will market the three companies’ offering, identify and pursue business opportunities where they cost-efficiently can combine their technologies, capabilities, experience and resources to deliver an unrivalled service to the offshore renewables sector.

The Windstaller Alliance aims to cut the amount of supplier interfaces, thereby reducing technical and commercial project risk as well as execution time through better integration of services, project management and maritime asset utilization.

Guro Høyaas Løken, Head of the Windstaller Alliance, says:

“Today’s supply chain for the offshore renewables market is highly fragmented and, in our view, sub-optimal in terms of efficiency, cost, risk and environmental footprint. Windstaller Alliance is able to take an integrated approach where appropriate, while unlocking value for both operators and suppliers, at the same time reducing the total carbon footprint of offshore renewable projects.”

The alliance members will cooperate to jointly identify market opportunities and agree on a case-by-case basis which prospects and solutions to pursue. The exact execution scope and cooperation model on a specific project will be set up based on client preferences and market conditions.

In the preparatory phase for marine operations of offshore renewables projects, Windstaller Alliance will deliver engineering services as well as subsea survey, inspection and site preparation services.

The alliance may also provide product deliveries such as subsea technologies plus fabrication of substructures carrying wind turbines, plus yard services such as logistics, site management and crane operations. The alliance will furthermore provide services to optimize product designs from a marine operations perspective. In the installation phase, Windstaller Alliance has the specialist competence to provide trenching and inter-array cable lay services, and to conduct towing, mooring, hook-up and commissioning operations.

During the operations phase of an offshore renewables field, the alliance will offer life of field IMR (inspection, maintenance and repair) services, CSOVs and maintenance, modification and operations support for offshore structures.

Øyvind Mikaelsen, CEO of DeepOcean, says:

“Windstaller Alliance can also offer project management capabilities. We believe we have an ideal set-up to tear down existing efficiency silos, reduce project risk and client cost. However, we will of course also provide a fully flexible delivery and contracting model tailored to clients’ needs. The difference is that they can obtain life-of-field support in one place.”

Windstaller has also outlined a commitment to reach a zero emissions target.

Supporting this goal, Solstad Offshore, Aker Solutions and DeepOcean have all announced targets to cut emissions by 45-50 percent by 2030.

A third of DeepOcean’s fleet is aimed to be on hybrid power by 2022, and the company considers a pilot upgrade to hydrogen fuel cells. Solstad Offshore’s fleet currently has 15 vessels on battery or shore power, and the company expects to upgrade 30 percent of its 90-strong vessel fleet to hybrid solutions by 2025.

Aker Solutions, meanwhile, aims to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030.

Windstaller Alliance will be a non-incorporated, asset light alliance, with no joint ownership or liabilities for vessels or other assets, except for specifically agreed projects.

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