Svitzer takes delivery of new tugboat for its Germany and Scandinavia cluster

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November 26, 2020

Leading global towage operator Svitzer has today announced that is has taken delivery of Svitzer Vestri, a MED-A2360 series tug design from leading Turkish shipbuilder Med Marine.

Svitzer Vestri, an azimuth stern drive (ASD) tug with 62tons bollard pull, will be deployed in Svitzer Europe’s Germany and Scandinavia cluster. The new addition to the fleet will primarily support Svitzer’s recently announced expansion into Germany’s Port of Emden, where the company will commence operations from 1st January 2021.

Compared to many other 60-ton bollard pull vessels, Svitzer Vestri’s design makes it compact yet robust, enabling greater manoeuvrability without compromising on power, even in narrow and shallow ports. The tug’s capabilities will be of great advantage to Svitzer’s crews operating in Emden, as they handle its unique geographic challenges and outer and inner ports.

On a wider basis, Svitzer Vestri may be called on to support other towage operations throughout the Scandianvia and Germany cluster as part of Svitzer’s flexible operating model.

Commenting on the delivery of the vessel, Mattias Hellström, Managing Director Scandinavia & Germany, said:

“We are delighted to be taking delivery of Svitzer Vestri from Med Marine. The new tug’s versatility and power makes her an ideal addition to our fleet, particularly as we embrace a new challenge in 2021 by commencing operations in Emden. We look forward to operating Svitzer Vestri in Emden seaport, delivering first-class towage services and helping to underpin operations in one of Europe’s largest RoRo hubs.”

In early 2021, Svitzer Europe is also set to take delivery of two TundRA 3000 ice breaking tugs currently being built by Med Marine, which have been designed to tackle a range of environments across Svitzer’s Scandinavian operations.

Project Greensand: North Sea reservoir and infrastructure certified for CO2 storage

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November 25, 2020

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The mission to store CO2 beneath the Danish North Sea has cleared the first major hurdle after the intended subsea reservoir was confirmed feasible for CO2 injection by independent certification body DNV GL to the endorsement of Danish authorities.

With this certification of feasibility to DNV GL’s Carbon Capture and Storage certification regime and the international standard, Project Greensand has successfully completed the first phase of validation of the project aiming to develop capacity to deliver a significant part of Denmark’s CO2 reduction target by reusing discontinued offshore oil fields.

The certification of feasibility issued by DNV GL concerns the Nini West reservoir operated by INEOS Oil & Gas Denmark which is leading the Project Greensand consortium, partnered by Wintershall Dea and Maersk Drilling. DNV GL confirms that the Nini West field is conceptually suitable for injecting 0.45 million tonnes CO2 per year per well for a 10-year period, and that the subsea reservoir can safely contain the CO2 in compressed form. Further, the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) acts as research partner to the project and is in the process of performing laboratory experiments of core material from the actual Nini West reservoir.

Project Greensand targets having the first well ready for injection from the Nini platform in 2025. Longer term, the ambition is to develop the capacity to store approximately 3.5 million tonnes CO2 per year before 2030. Like the majority of carbon capture and storage projects currently being developed within Europe, the establishment of a funding model is required to mature Project Greensand to a state where CO2 injection can commence.

Maersk Drilling expects that Project Greensand will provide important learnings about how offshore drilling rigs and capabilities can be used to repurpose existing oil wells for CO2 injection and handle well modifications during the injection period.

Mick Cramer Jakobsen, Director Capital Projects, DNV GL, says:

”As a trusted voice to the industry, DNV GL is pleased to participate in a project with an important objective to significantly reduce the CO2 footprint by issuing this industry certification following our CCS certification scheme.”

Marika Reis, Head of Innovation, Maersk Drilling, says:

“We’re thrilled to get this independent certification that Nini West is suitable for injection and long-term safe storage of CO2, just like the reservoir previously contained hydrocarbons for millions of years. As part of the next phase of validation, we will be applying DNV GL’s certification scopes for suitability of the CO2 injection well design and well construction process. We’re excited to be able to bring our competencies to use in this effort to deliver significant emission reductions.”

Klaus Langemann, SVP of Technology & Innovation, Wintershall Dea, says:

“Wintershall Dea has been producing from the relevant oil fields in Denmark for decades and already has a high level of knowledge of the reservoir characteristics. The Greensand project will further advance Wintershall Dea’s understanding of CCS projects, thus, we are pleased to see the positive outcome of the study which states that there are no showstoppers for futher investigating the storage of CO2. We are looking forward to further cooperate with the project partners for the next phase and are glad to contribute to a project with the potential to mitigate CO2 emissions in Denmark.“

ABS awards smart notation to AET’s Eagle Passos

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November 25, 2020

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ABS has awarded AET the SMART (INF) Notation for its 152,700 DWT DP2 shuttle tanker, Eagle Passos, which was built and delivered by Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (SHI).

The first shuttle tanker to be granted an ABS Smart Notation, which recognizes the vessel’s data communication and network infrastructure, Eagle Passos will also be granted the Operational Performance Management (OPM) and Crew Assistance and Augmentation (CAA) class record comments in recognition of the optimization, monitoring and reporting smart functions. These are delivered through SHI’s SVESSEL platform, which is designed to expedite the transition from analog-based conventional ship systems into a digital-based lifecycle vessel management approach.

SHI Director of Ship and Offshore Research Institute, Vice President, Dr. Yong-Lae Shim, said:

“We are delighted to support AET with the latest smart ship solution SVESSEL, which is developed to complete digitalization of the vessel. We expect to see a large number of SVESSEL to be applied in the marine and offshore industries in the near future and to contribute to the transition to digitalized smart ships.”

Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology, said:

“As a leader in maritime digital technologies, ABS is proud to be working with industry leaders such as AET and SHI to deliver advanced digital capabilities for the marine and offshore industries. The Smart Infrastructure notation recognizes that the hardware and software of the SVESSEL platform are designed and installed to support the rich data streams that can be leveraged to support enhanced maintenance, operational efficiency and safety capabilities. ABS is pleased to award this notation to a shuttle tanker as an industry first.”

VARD secures contract for the design of eight Marine Robotic Vessels for Ocean Infinity

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November 25, 2020

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In partnership with Ocean Infinity, VARD has designed a unique multi-purpose platform with custom design and technology features allowing onshore remote control, light crewed or uncrewed 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 industry.

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 especially developed to serve as multi-role-vessels and will support Ocean Infinity’s operations worldwide from its control centers.

VARD’s specialized subsidiaries are involved in the development of this series of vessels. Design and engineering are currently ongoing at Vard Design, and development of onboard control systems at Vard Electro in Ålesund, Norway.

Alberto Maestrini, CEO in VARD, says:

“We are honored to be chosen as Ocean Infinity’s partner in this project. Together we take a huge leap forward into a new segment of the maritime industry by developing and providing vessels prepared for the future. All according to our strategy for innovation and sustainability.”

Oliver Plunkett, CEO in Ocean Infinity, says:

“The impact and the scale of this robotic fleet will spark the biggest transformation the maritime industry has seen since sail gave way to steam. With our new fleet we will be able to provide sustainable services to all corners of the industry from offshore energy, to logistics and transport”.

The VARD 9 60 design is developed together with a customer committed to, and with high ambitions, for delivering low environmental impact marine services. In close cooperation with regulatory bodies, VARD has designed the vessels 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 VARD’s optimized and well-proven damping system.

Ove Bjørneset, VP Research and Innovation in VARD, says:

“With a high focus in the design process of making the vessels energy efficient, the vessels are equipped with highly optimized hull forms, propellers, and engine arrangements. The vessels are inherently developed for safe and secure prolonged missions with a redundant mindset like split engine and propulsion rooms, redundant cooling systems, sensor systems, automation and power management systems, navigation and communication systems.“

Vard Electro has further developed its well-proven SeaQ Integrated Automation System and SeaQ Power Management System together with the class society to allow for safe remote operations and cyber-secure communication. By utilizing its long experience as a system integrator, Vard Electro will deliver a complete electrical systems package from engineering through installation, integration, and commissioning.

A broad range of suppliers and contractors in the Norwegian Maritime Cluster are involved in the project and it creates a considerable positive spin-off effect in the region.

The series of eight vessels will be built at VARD’s shipyard Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam, scheduled for deliveries in the period from mid-2022 to end-2023.

New 24-hour helpline launched for professional yacht crew

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November 24, 2020

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Despite the many benefits of working on board a superyacht, the challenges of working away from home for long periods and living in close quarters with colleagues can become overwhelming. In a 2018 survey of superyacht crew, ISWAN found that 82% of superyacht crew experienced low crew morale sometimes, often or always, and 55% of female respondents found accessing mental health care to be an occasional or regular challenge.

Prompted by these findings, ISWAN set up a steering group of representatives from across the superyacht industry and collaborated to develop Yacht Crew Help – a free, confidential, multilingual helpline for professional yacht crew. Whatever problem someone is facing, wherever they are in the world, Yacht Crew Help will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide guidance and support. The helpline is run by ISWAN, a charity which promotes the welfare of seafarers working in all sectors of the maritime industry. The helpline officers are trained in counselling skills, suicide risk assessment and providing emotional support to crew all over the world, and the team is connected with a wide range of organisations to help yacht crew find further support.

ISWAN’s Executive Director Roger Harris said:

‘Although the superyacht industry can be glamorous, the demands on crew are very high and living in your workplace away from loved ones can be tough. With Yacht Crew Help, we want to make sure that men and women working on superyachts can easily access the support available to them worldwide whenever they need it – free of charge, day or night. We are incredibly grateful to all of our partners for helping us develop a service tailored to professional yacht crew and their specific needs.’

Captain Brendan O’Shannassy, President of the ISS Captain’s Committee and one of the key members of the Yacht Crew Help steering group, said:

‘The most valuable component of the superyacht industry are the crews. Yacht Crew Help will be key to educating and supporting yacht crew as they strive to deliver the excellence demanded by the industry. ISWAN are a highly credible non-commercial entity to provide this support without crew having any concern of commercial compromise when raising personal concerns.’

Crew members, whether they are currently on board or ashore, can currently contact Yacht Crew Help via three different contact methods:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 3713 7273 (a call back can be requested via the Yacht Crew Help website)
E-mail: help@yachtcrewhelp.org
Live Chat: via www.yachtcrewhelp.org

A range of information, guidance and resources on issues affecting yacht crew is available on the Yacht Crew Help website at www.yachtcrewhelp.org, including mental health and wellbeing, bullying and harassment, sexual assault, substance misuse and employment concerns.

Wärtsilä to provide technical support for eight Teekay Shipping LNG Carriers

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November 24, 2020

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The technology group Wärtsilä has signed LNG Support Agreements for eight LNG Carrier vessels owned by Teekay Gas, a part of the global Teekay Group.

The two agreements, each for four vessels, were signed in August and September of this year. The agreements took effect from one month following their signing and are valid for 5 years. Wärtsilä has earlier supplied the LNG reliquefaction systems onboard all of the vessels covered by the agreements.

Under the contract terms, Wärtsilä will provide both remote support, as well as 24/7 technical support for the vessels’ onboard Gas Process Plants. In carrying out an analysis of the process plants, Wärtsilä utilises its digital OPERIM (Operational Performance Improvement & Monitoring) tool. This provides data to support performance improvements needed to achieve optimal efficiency, and allows adjustments to be made taking into account changes in the operating conditions.

Rene Christian Olsen, Director Services, Gas Solutions, commented:

“Lifecycle support to our customers’ installations is a central pillar in the strategy of Wärtsilä Gas Solutions. Agreements such as these are the best way for ensuring that the products, systems and solutions that we deliver are properly maintained, and that their reliability and performance are at the optimal level.”

Wärtsilä has a long-standing relationship with Teekay, and has supplied multiple products for their fleet.

Archer secures long term platform drilling contract from Aker BP for offshore Norway

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November 24, 2020

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Archer has secured a five-year contract from Aker BP with an additional three-year extension option for the provision of platform drilling operations and maintenance services on the Ula and Valhall installations in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

The contract will commence January 1, 2021 in direct continuation of the current contract.

Archer will deliver platform drilling, maintenance services and intervention support, including further integrated engineering, rental equipment and well services where required.

Dag Skindlo, CEO of Archer comments:

“Our experience with the Ula and Valhall assets stretches back over 30 years and we are immensely proud of this legacy. Aker BP’s long-term commitment to Archer outlines their continued confidence in our ability to deliver safe and efficient operations and we are delighted to continue this relationship.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our personnel for their hard work and commitment to the Aker BP operations and their drive to provide our clients with innovative and collaborative solutions that improve well delivery and integrity.”

Ørsted signs one of the world’s largest route-to-market agreements with Dogger Bank

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November 24, 2020

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Ørsted has signed an agreement with Dogger Bank Wind Farm under which Ørsted will be responsible for the trading and balancing of 40 % of the power generated from the first two phases of the 3.6 GW wind farm.

Ørsted will trade and balance 960MW of renewable power production from the 2.4GW of installed capacity at Dogger Bank Wind Farm A and B on the power market on a day-ahead basis and will handle the intra-day fluctuations in volume and prices balancing the power into the grid. Ørsted’s market exposure is limited to fluctuations in power prices on a day-to-day basis.

The contract between Ørsted and Dogger Bank Wind Farm is the largest route-to-market agreement to date for a renewable project signed in a competitive tender process in the UK market.

Morten Buchgreitz, Executive Vice President and CEO of Ørsted Markets & Bioenergy, says:

“We’re very pleased with the signing of this agreement which underlines our position as a leading energy trading company in the UK. Handling a 15-year trading agreement with the Dogger Bank Wind Farm is indeed in line with our vision to create a world that runs entirely on green energy. We’re very much looking forward to our cooperation.”

Steve Wilson, Dogger Bank Wind Farm Project Director at SSE Renewables, says:

“Today’s announcement that we’ve concluded an offtake power purchase agreement with Ørsted for Dogger Bank A and B marks one of our final milestones ahead of soon reaching financial close for what will be the world’s biggest offshore wind farm. These agreements with leading energy trading companies will ensure the renewable energy generated by the first two phases of Dogger Bank Wind Farm can be sold into the UK electricity market, delivering on our promise to power millions of British households with green energy.”

Halfdan Brustad, Vice President for Dogger Bank at Equinor, said:

“We’re delighted to announce offtake agreements for Dogger Bank A and B. Despite the current global challenges, the project is really moving forwards, and this tangible milestone brings us one step closer to financial close. Large-scale renewable energy projects like Dogger Bank aren’t only crucial for the UK to reach its net zero ambitions, the project will bring many economic benefits to the UK in terms of jobs and supply chain opportunities. We’re proud to be contributing to a just energy transition and supporting the government’s ten point plan for a green industrial future.”

The Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which is owned by SSE Renewables (50 %) and Equinor (50 %), will be located 130 km off the coast of Yorkshire in the UK. It consists of three phases (Dogger Bank A, B, and C) which each accounts for 1.2 GW. Ørsted will offtake power from the first two phases, Dogger Bank A and Dogger Bank B.

The agreement is subject to financial close on Dogger Bank A and Dogger Bank B, which is expected soon.

Maersk Drilling selected for two-rig Suriname campaign by Total

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November 24, 2020

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Maersk Drilling has received a Conditional Letter of Award (CLOA) from Total E&P Suriname, Suriname Branch for the supply of two deepwater rigs, Mærsk Developer and Maersk Valiant, for an exploration and appraisal project in Suriname’s Block 58.

The campaign is expected to commence in early 2021, with an estimated firm combined duration of 500 days. The estimated firm total contract value is approximately USD 100m, including rig upgrades and integrated services provided.

The CLOA is conditional upon finalisation of the formal contract as well as certain other customary conditions. Maersk Drilling will provide an update upon conclusion of a formal contract.

COO Morten Kelstrup of Maersk Drilling says:

“We’re delighted to get this opportunity to add further to our long-standing relationship with Total through a two-rig contract, building on our previous collaboration on deepwater exploration projects and on Maersk Drilling’s recent experience with starting up operations in Suriname for Mærsk Developer.”

Mærsk Developer is a DSS-21 column-stabilised dynamically positioned semi-submersible rig, able to operate in water depths up to 10,000 ft. It was delivered in 2009 and is currently operating offshore Suriname.

Maersk Valiant is a high-specification 7th generation drillship with integrated MPD capability which was delivered in 2013. It is currently warm-stacked in Aruba after finishing a campaign in Mexico earlier this year.

New microplastic collection device on MOL’s wood chip carrier

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November 24, 2020

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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Miura Co., Ltd. have announced a demonstration test of their jointly developed microplastic collection device, installed on a the newbuilding wood chip carrier, was conducted on October 27.

The microplastic collection device is activated during operation of the ballast water treatment system, with the assumption that collection takes place during cargo handling operations. Using a filter with a backwashing function, which constitutes the ballast water treatment system, the device efficiently collects microplastics trapped in the filter right before the treated water is discharged overboard.

MOL is the world’s first operator to install and demonstrate the microplastic collective device on a merchant vessel. The project team continues to improve the device and is examining ways to make it easier for crewmembers to use and increase microplastic collection capacity.

Marine plastic waste, generated every day all over the world, remains in the sea for an extended period of time, causing grave concerns about global-scale environmental pollution. MOL’s initiative on ocean plastic pollution started with participation in the “Plastic Smart” forum hosted by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, and since then it has been expanding activities including marine plastic pollution-related scientific research with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).

MOL is committed to global environmental conservation, a key to its corporate philosophy, and the company proactively promotes environmental measures while moving ahead with efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Miura contributes to global ocean environmental conservation through ballast water treatment systems, which went on the market in 2014, and microplastic collection devices, and develops and expands its various products globally as a corporation “contributing to creating a society that is environmentally friendly and ways of living that are clean and comfortable through our work in the field of the Energy, Water, and Environment” as set out in its corporate mission statement.