Port of Long Beach increases Green Ship Incentive

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May 26, 2021

Ocean carriers bringing the greenest ships to the Port of Long Beach can earn the world’s most generous sustainable vessel financial incentives, beginning July 1, 2021.

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners earlier this month approved changes centered around incorporating the international Environmental Ship Index (ESI) into the Port’s Green Ship Incentive Program, which began in 2012. A voluntary system, the ESI identifies seagoing ships exceeding the current emission standards of the International Maritime Organization.

The Green Ship Incentive Program has helped improve air quality, encouraging shipping lines to send their newest, cleanest oceangoing vessels to the Port of Long Beach. More than $1.7 million in incentives were paid to participants in 2020.

Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna said:

“Our goal is to increase participation in the already successful Green Ship Program by aligning it with international sustainable maritime transportation efforts. These incentives are the largest offered to vessels and Tier III ships of any seaport, and we expect the update will have positive impacts in Long Beach and around the globe.”

Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero noted more than 50 ports worldwide and more than 8,000 vessels participate in the Environmental Ship Index.

Cordero said:

“This change and offer of financial rewards gives operators even more reasons to be socially responsible and make investments in cleaner fuels, ship modifications or on-board technologies that improve air quality beyond required standards.”

The updated program includes three incentive levels ranging from $600 to $6,000, depending on a vessel’s ESI score. Vessels with main engines meeting International Maritime Organization’s Tier III standard, which require dedicated NOx emission control technologies, are eligible for an additional $3,000 credit, meaning a vessel could be eligible for up to $9,000 on every call. Read the fact sheet on the program updates.

Equinor bringing in a third Odfjell rig

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May 26, 2021

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The contract includes continuing options after the initial phase. The contract value is estimated at around USD 40 million for the fixed part of the contract. Drilling services and other additional services, such as running casing, treatment of wastewater, handling of cuttings, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and fuel, are included in the contract.

Erik G. Kirkemo, senior vice president of drilling & well operations, says:

“This rig is a sister rig to the other two Odfjell rigs; Deepsea Atlantic, which has drilled for us for many years, and Deepsea Aberdeen, which will drill on the Breidablikk field. We expect to gain experience across the three rigs, helping us reach our goals of ever safer and more efficient operations.”

Plans call for drilling three exploration wells in the North Sea, estimated to take around four months. The operating rate is at the same level as the other two rigs.

Mette Ottøy, chief procurement officer, says:

“Having had an excellent cooperation with Odfjell over time, we are now further strengthening this cooperation by adding one more rig. Even though we are bringing in this rig on a short-term commitment, our objective is to achieve a more long-term programme, also for this Odfjell rig.”

Eco Marine Power receives AiP for Renewable Energy System for Ships

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May 26, 2021

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Leading Classification Society ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Eco Marine Power for the development of a renewable energy system for ships, “Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy with EnergySail”.

Environmental technology is being actively developed in the maritime industry for the realization of a decarbonized society, as the IMO has set out a vision which confirms its commitment to reducing GHG emissions from international shipping and to phasing them out as soon as possible. To contribute to the swift and safe social implementation of these initiatives, ClassNK has been providing safety standards applicable to a variety of new technologies based on knowledge obtained by collaborating with front runners.

“Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy with EnergySail” is a system that utilizes a combination of renewable energy (wind and solar) obtained by a rigid sail and solar panel deployed on the deck. Having received an application from Eco Marine Power, ClassNK confirmed the design’s feasibility based on its Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships and guidelines for “Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships” and “Large-capacity Storage Batteries”, and granted the AiP upon completion.

The main features of the system announced by Eco Marine Power are as follows:

“Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) is an advanced integrated system of rigid sails, marine-grade solar panels, energy storage modules, charging system and marine computers that enables ships to tap into renewable energy by harnessing the power provided by the wind and sun. The array of rigid sails are automatically positioned by a computer system to best suit the prevailing weather conditions and can be lowered and stored when not in use or during bad weather.

The rigid sails are based on EMP’s EnergySail technology and these renewable energy devices can even be used when a ship is at anchor or in harbour. Each EnergySail can be configured with a mix of sensors, photovoltaic panels or other power generation devices.”

Included in the scope of the AiP certification from ClassNK are two main sub-systems:

The EnergySail: a rigid sail type wind-assisted propulsion system that includes the sail structure, driving system and automated control system.
Aquarius Marine Solar Power: an energy management system to utilize solar power that includes photovoltaic (PV) modules, batteries, electrical system and control system.

Together these sub-systems are integrated to form Aquarius MRE and within this system architecture various other equipment and sensors can also be connected.

DNV awards AiP to Keppel Offshore & Marine for its digital asset lifecycle solution

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May 26, 2021

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The AiP award follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DNV and Keppel in April 2020 to further contribute to the marine industry’s ongoing digital transformation.

As part of the MOU, the two companies have been collaborating to develop digital transformation projects. The aim of the collaboration is to improve overall efficiency of the design and construction process, and of the asset lifecycle support services for projects in the offshore and marine industry.

Tan Leong Peng, Managing Director (New Builds) Keppel O&M, said:

“As a world leader in providing sustainable solutions to the offshore, marine and energy industries, we are at the forefront of harnessing technologies to support our customers in meeting their assets’ lifecycle needs. Our AssetCare system will be a key enabler in the digitalization of assets and processes that can improve efficiency and advance the energy transition in support of Keppel’s Vision 2030. We are delighted to partner with DNV to spearhead digital solutions for greater sustainability.”

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager for Maritime, South East Asia, Pacific and India at DNV Maritime, commented on the AiP award: “We are pleased to partner with Keppel to leverage on the opportunities that digitalization creates to enhance quality and unlock efficiencies in the maritime industry. At DNV, we are committed to offering innovative solutions and new ways of working to help our customers in their digital transformation journeys. As the industry pushes forward with the adoption of new technologies, it is important for cross-sector collaboration to ensure safe and sustainable operations.”

The AssetCare system was assessed by DNV and found to comply with the principles described in DNV rules for fleet in service as well as for service suppliers engaged in condition monitoring of machinery onboard ships and mobile offshore units.

The AiP verified the AssetCare solution and validated that the data collection infrastructure complies with the general principles of DNV’s class notation D-INF, qualifying Keppel O&M as a service supplier. The AiP also concluded that the services provided by the AssetCare solution can be used to qualify both in-service and newbuild vessels for the new DNV Smart notation, with the D-INF notation as basis.

The D-INF (Data Collection Infrastructure and Vessel Connectivity) notation sets out the requirements for the complete data collection infrastructure, including an onboard data server, a data relay component and remote data server, as well as the connection to shore. This applies to onboard equipment delivered by both the yard and the owner.

The MOU has led to the establishment of various joint development projects (JDPs) to promote the use of new digital technologies in the next two years. In addition to the DNV approval of the AssetCare digital solution both parties will also explore:

Process Digitalization, specifically looking into construction and inspection processes to develop a more efficient and productive yard facility.
Digital Class for Offshore and Marine, using DNV’s Open Class 3D Model Exchange, an open industry standard for the exchange of design information between designer/yards and classification societies to explore ways to improve the process for future newbuild projects.

Equinor, RWE and Hydro team up for offshore wind in the Norwegian North Sea

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May 26, 2021

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Equinor, RWE Renewables and Hydro REIN have signed a collaboration agreement for offshore wind in Norway. The partners will jointly prepare and submit an application to the Norwegian authorities to develop a large-scale bottom-fixed offshore wind farm in the Sørlige Nordsjø II area in the Norwegian North Sea.

The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has opened two areas for offshore renewables (Utsira Nord and Sørlige Nordsjø II) and is currently working on the licensing process for offshore wind power projects in Norway. The area borders the Danish sector in the North Sea and is ideally located for supply of electricity to Europe.

The partnership between Equinor, RWE and Hydro represents a strong combination of experience and expertise from offshore wind development, energy market insight and large-scale industrial project execution. Together, the three companies have the complimentary capabilities as well as experience needed to develop a large-scale offshore wind farm at Sørlige Nordsjø II.

Pål Eitrheim, Equinor’s executive vice president New Energy Solutions, says:

“The North Sea has among the world’s best wind resources. A large-scale offshore wind farm at Sørlige Nordsjø II could play a key role in expanding the North Sea as an offshore energy hub and create new industrial opportunities for Norway as an energy nation. Between Equinor, RWE, and Hydro we have the industrial capabilities, from the turbine to the consumer, to create value and supply renewable power to Europe.”

Anja-Isabel Dotzenrath, chief executive officer RWE Renewables, says:

“Offshore wind is key for meeting the increasing demand for renewable power, supporting local industries and creating new, future-proof jobs. We will bring our 20 years of experience and expertise in the offshore industry together with our partners Equinor and Hydro to contribute in delivering Norway’s offshore wind ambitions.”

Arvid Moss, Hydro Energy’s executive vice president, says:

“Offshore wind will be an important component in the future energy mix to decarbonize Europe and reach the 2050 targets. For Hydro, this cooperation is part of our strategy to diversify and explore growth opportunities in new energy. Through Hydro REIN, we bring our industrial capabilities and energy markets knowledge to the partnership, and we are happy to cooperate with RWE and Equinor. Together, we form a strong partnership for developing Sørlige Nordsjø II.”

The Sørlige Nordsjø II area has among the best wind resources in the world with water depths between 53 and 70 meters. The area has a potential to deliver a significant amount of renewable energy to countries aiming to transform their energy mix, following EU’s and the UK’s stated ambitions for 300 GW and 100 GW respectively of offshore wind capacity by 2050 to reach their net zero ambitions.

Both Equinor and RWE have strong track records in developing large offshore wind infrastructure projects and operate them efficiently while achieving the highest standards in safety. They have jointly developed the 385-megawatt Arkona offshore wind farm in the German part of the Baltic Sea. This was successfully commissioned in 2019 and is delivering sustainable renewable electricity for the equivalent of 400,000 German households.

With its world-wide industrial operations, top-three position on renewable power production in Norway and large-scale power market activity in the Nordics and Brazil, Hydro’s participation in the partnership brings extensive experience in large-scale project execution, industrialization, and power market optimization. Hydro has over the last years been one of the world’s largest corporate buyers of renewable power, and it has been central in shaping commercial concepts which has contributed to wind power development in Norway and Sweden. Hydro’s participation in the partnership will be organized through its newly established company for renewables development, Hydro REIN.

Wärtsilä selected to supply world’s largest bioLNG production plant

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May 26, 2021

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The 25 tons per day capacity plant will extend an existing bioLNG production plant at Skogn in Norway, also supplied by Wärtsilä, to a combined total of 50 tons per day making it by far the largest facility of its kind in the world. This latest order was placed with Wärtsilä in April 2021.

The market for liquefied biogas continues to expand along with the increase in global efforts to restrict the use of fossil fuels. BioLNG is an abundant renewable energy source that is used as ‘green’ fuel in transportation, industrial, and marine applications.

Maria Ortiz, Sales Manager, Biogas Solutions in Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, said:

“Wärtsilä’s latest mixed refrigerant – MR – technology used in our liquefaction plants is extremely reliable, and offer the lowest operating costs for liquefying biogas. We are proud to have once again been selected by Biokraft since it represents a clear endorsement of customer satisfaction.”

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery in May 2022.

VIDEO: Sri Lanka rescues foreign crew from burning cargo ship

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May 25, 2021

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The container ship X-PRESS PEARL registered under the flag of Singapore, was carrying 1,486 containers with 25 tons of nitric acid and several other chemicals and cosmetics from the port of Hazira, India, on May 15, according to the Navy.

The vessel sent out a distress call while being close to the Colombo Port on May 20, and soon caught fire. The Sri Lankan Navy dispatched vessels to bring the fire under control.

By Tuesday morning, eight cargo containers had fallen into the sea and the vessel was reported to be unstable, the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) said.

The Sri Lanka Navy said it had rescued 25 crew members from the cargo ship. Two injured Indians among the rescued had been hospitalized for treatment, according to the Navy.

The distressed container ship had a crew who are Philippine, Chinese, Indian and Russian nationals.

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) said it had deployed Bell-212 helicopters to drop dry chemical powder on the X-Press Pearl to douse the fire.

While these operations were ongoing amid inclement weather, the MEPA urged citizens in capital Colombo to avoid going to the beaches and touching any floating objects in the water as they might be chemicals from the burning fire.

The MEPA has launched a probe to assess if there has been any environmental destruction due to the fire.

Source: Xinhua, CTV News

HMM and five Korean partners launch consortium to explore green ammonia supply chain

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May 25, 2021

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HMM has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with LOTTE Fine Chemical, Lotte Global Logistics, POSCO, Korean Register (KR), and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) to seek feasible solutions on the green ammonia supply chain.

Under the terms of the MoU, each member pledged joint efforts to form the end-to-end supply chain for ammonia bunkering, including production, storage, and transportation of green ammonia.

More specifically, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) plans to develop an ammonia-powered ship, which will be certified by Korean Register (KR). HMM and Lotte Global Logistics take charge of testing and operating the vessel. Once POSCO produces green ammonia overseas, LOTTE Fine Chemical will transport the fuel and perform a bunkering operation.

As an environmental initiative, in 2019, HMM unveiled its target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 for its entire fleet. As part of achieving the target, HMM has been seeking multiple sustainable energy sources, including biofuels, LNG, hydrogen, and green ammonia.

An HMM official said:

“We simply can’t decide and select one single carbon-neutral fuel at this moment, considering commercial viability, availability, and scalability. HMM will spearhead an effort to promote the use of a range of alternative fuels in cooperation with top-rated industrial players with experience and expertise.”

OneOcean acquires further voyage planning capability

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May 25, 2021

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The Guide to Port Entry intelligence will be integrated into the OneOcean platforms, further enhancing OneOcean’s voyage planning capability.

Guide to Port Entry data has been built up over the last 50 years and is globally recognised as the favoured source of static and dynamic data for almost 15,000 ports worldwide. Today, it is trusted by over 10,000 maritime stakeholders who interface with it via a range of web-based solutions and APIs.

This acquisition further enhances OneOcean’s voyage planning capability, allowing our customers to make better decisions and to save both money and time. The proprietary data includes pre-arrival information and intelligent geographical polygons for all port areas, including port limits, anchorages, pilot areas and environmental information. This data complements the voyage planning and decision-making workflow, particularly in the areas of port congestion, environmental monitoring and global information on shipping activities.

Martin Taylor, CEO of OneOcean, comments:

“There is much debate and discussion about the best methods of optimisation in the maritime industry. At OneOcean, we believe having the best data to start the analysis is an essential first step to power the algorithms and give the best quality outputs. The Guide to Port Entry data will sit alongside our already comprehensive information on compliance, navigation and environmental factors to provide our customers with the best tools to enable decision making.”

Feargal Hogan, Technology Director responsible for Guide to Port Entry adds:

“I am really excited by this acquisition. OneOcean will help us move further forward in providing the infrastructure and expertise for our customers to use our data through the considerable OneOcean digital footprint. The quality and capability of the data will now be even more accessible within the sector and we look forward to building further on the next level of intelligence and integration.”

OSM chosen as Ocean Infinity’s New Build Site Supervision partner

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May 25, 2021

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The Vessels will contain a unique multi-purpose platform with custom design and technology features allowing onshore remote control, light crew or un-crewed operations, and the introduction of alternative fuels such as green ammonia.

With a length of 78 meters, the vessels will be the first of their kind and represent a giant leap forward for the Maritime sector, providing sustainable services to all corners of the industry from offshore energy, to logistics and transport.

The series of eight vessels will expand Ocean Infinity’s newly launched Armada fleet, comprising the latest in technology and marine robotics including autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated surface vessels. The new vessels are specially developed to serve as multi-role vessels and will support Ocean Infinity’s operations worldwide from its control centers.

Douglas Dalli, Managing Director in OSM Project and New Building Supervision, said:

“We are honored to be chosen as Ocean Infinity’s New Build Site Supervision partner in such a prestigious and technically innovative and Challenging project.”

Andy Holt, Fleet Director, Ocean Infinity, said:

“We are pleased to be working with OSM, an industry-leader in ship build management. Sharing our passion for innovation and operational excellence, they are ideally placed to oversee the build of these highly innovative, first-in-class vessels.”

The vessel’s design is developed with a customer committed to, and with high ambitions, for delivering low environmental impact marine services. In close cooperation with regulatory bodies, the vessels are designed for an ultra-low carbon footprint and they are among the first vessels to be prepared for green ammonia as a fuel with fuel cell and battery technology.

Furthermore, the vessels will provide safe launch and recovery platforms for ROVs and other robotic systems through two large moonpools arranged with an optimized and well-proven damping system.

The series of eight vessels will be built at VARD’s shipyard, Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam, with the first vessel expected to be delivered from mid-2022.