MV Flandria Seaways maiden trip Zeebrugge-Göteborg

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October 6, 2020

On Sunday the 4th of October, Port of Zeebrugge welcomed the mv Flandria Seaways of DFDS on her maiden trip in the service Zeebrugge-Göteborg. With its length of 237.4 meters, and a cargo capacity of 6,700 lane meters, the ship can carry up to 450 trailers.

The ship arrived at the PSA-terminal in Zeebrugge at the Wielingendok. This dock has recently been modified to be able to accommodate ships of this size. The jetty has been lengthened by 40m, and extra mooring arrangements have been provided.

The mv Flandria Seaways is the fifth ship in a series of six that are being built by Jingling Shipyards in China for the Danish shipping company DFDS. The first two ships were delivered in 2019. These are now operational on the routes between Turkey and the EU. At this moment the third and the fourth ship, the mv Hollandia Seaways and the mv Humbria Seaways are operating in the North Sea.

The ships are built with efficiency in mind. Their three independent stern ramps shorten their loading time in the port. Furthermore, their high loading capacity decrease emissions per transported trailer.

The ships are equipped with scrubbers, a system that ‘scrubs’ the exhaust gases in order to reduce Sulphur oxide emissions. In addition they can be connected to shore power in the port. With the built of these mega-RoRo vessels, DFDS is following the trend of increasing ship sized in the RoRo shipping segment.

LR awards AiP to ammonia-fuelled 23,000 TEU ultra-large container ship

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October 6, 2020

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LR has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and MAN Energy Solutions for its ammonia (NH3) fuelled 23,000 TEU ultra-large container ship design, a key result from a Joint Development Project (JDP) launched earlier this year focused on developing ammonia propulsion ships. It is the first AiP to be awarded in Korea for an ammonia-fuelled ultra-large container ship design.

As part of the JDP, DSME generated the basic design of the ammonia propulsion system and MAN Energy Solutions was responsible for the development and specifications of the ammonia dual fuel propulsion engine. As the only classification society involved in the project, LR’s role was to review the suitability and risks of the design which involved a hazard identification (HAZID) workshop, a hazard & operability analysis (HAZOP) workshop and a design review in accordance with the Approval of Risk-Based Design (ARBD) process, which led to Approval in Principle.

LR’s AiP certification is the first phase of the JDP. The second phase will involve further development of the design for meeting market demand in terms of commercial viability as well as technical and safety maturity.

The ammonia-fuelled 23,000 TEU ultra-large container ship is expected to be commercialised by 2025.

Odin Kwon, Vice President / CTO at DSME, commented:

“DSME has focused on an environmentally-friendly vessel design in recognition of the International Maritime Organisation’s goals and in line with our vision to protect our planet. Working with Lloyd’s Register and MAN Energy Solutions, DSME has developed the zero carbon ammonia (NH3) fuelled container ship, a more complex design than that of other ship types because the ammonia fuel tank and much of the fuel facility and safety equipment is installed in an enclosed space. To maximise safety and eliminate risks, we carried out HAZID and HAZOP with LR and MAN, based on DSME’s developed detail design. The successful results from the joint AiP can easily be applied to other type of vessels such as tankers, bulk carriers and gas carriers. We now just await the delivery of the ammonia-fuelled engine from MAN Energy Solutions.”

Bjarne Foldager, Senior Vice President and Head of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions, said:

“Ammonia is a fuel with a lot of potential and this container ship concept is yet another important step towards decarbonising the marine market. MAN Energy Solutions’ strategy is to co-operate with external partners where possible to develop sustainable solutions. I believe that this collaboration with Lloyd’s Register and DSME is just the kind of environmental leadership that the market requires.”

Jin-Tae Lee, LR Marine and Offshore President for North East Asia, said:

“With the maritime industry focused on zero-carbon fuel options, Lloyd’s Register in joint partnership with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and MAN Energy Solutions has granted Approval in Principle for a dual-fuel ammonia engine – a first for an ultra-large container ship in Korea and another important step in this decade where concerted action is required to address shipping’s decarbonisation. We congratulate the teams involved with this achievement.”

Digital technologies boost earnings at Johan Sverdrup

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October 6, 2020

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One year after the field came on stream digital solutions are key to maintaining high safety standards and value creation in all parts of the operations at Johan Sverdrup. This has increased earnings by more than NOK two billion.

Digital solutions help increase subsurface understanding, ensure more efficient start-up of wells, higher stable production and more efficient maintenance.

Rune Nedregaard, vice president for Johan Sverdrup operations, says:

“Our experience shows that digital tools have a positive effect on value creation on the Johan Sverdrup field, while helping improve the workday for people offshore and in the onshore organisation. The use of digital tools provides a better overview of the situation, which in turn contributes to increased safety during daily work offshore and onshore. We accomplish more in a safer and smarter way.”

The increased earnings are mainly a result of:

Higher stable production by means of automated production optimization.
Improved accuracy in the reservoir by means of broader and more complex data sets, providing us with more information about the reservoir.
More efficient operations and maintenance by means of the solutions for the digital field worker where the operators use tablets in their daily work and the digital twin, which is a virtual copy of the platform.

Collaboration with the integrated operations centre onshore is vital to optimize production and de-bottleneck processes. This can reduce unscheduled downtime, and improve maintenance and energy utilization.

At Sverdrup a number of other digital initiatives are also being tested out, such as robots over and under water, machine learning and the use of 3D printing technology.

This year we upscale the use of digital solutions both in Norway and internationally. Many of our employees onshore and offshore will see that data-driven decision-making, portable units and personalized applications become part of everyday life and contribute to a simpler, safer and more efficient workday.

Torbjørn Folgerø, chief digital officer at Equinor, says:

“For Equinor this is about continuously improving by getting increased access to relevant information and efficient use of digital technologies. This will contribute to stronger collaboration across organisational units and with our partners, and more frequent sharing of best practice.”

PACC Ship Managers and Satcom Global extend partnership with 3-year Aura VSAT renewal.

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October 6, 2020

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Singapore based PACC Ship Managers Pte Ltd (PaccShip) has chosen to extend its supply relationship with Satcom Global Ltd, renewing their contract for Aura VSAT for an additional 3-year period. Satcom Global has supported over 50 PaccShip managed vessels with seamless Ku-band connectivity since 2017, with an additional 5 vessels due to join the Aura network later this year.

Mr. Kok Chai Choo, Technical Department Manager for PaccShip commented: “We are very happy to continue our business partnership with Satcom Global, and renew our contract for Aura VSAT. The team understands our vessels’ operational requirements and continues to deliver a reliable communications connectivity that consistently meets our needs for both performance and value, supporting our commitment to maritime business excellence and crew wellbeing.”

James Tucker, President of Asia Pacific for Satcom Global added: “Aura VSAT has been operational for over 4 years now and continues to evolve with enhancements to support the changing needs of the maritime industry; the key to supporting customers, long term. Aura continues to provide PaccShip with the quality, high-throughput connectivity they require for their crew and business requirements, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them.”

Satcom Global is committed to delivering a maritime VSAT service that delivers reliable connectivity for the lifetime of the customer relationship. The wide range of bandwidth options available all have a Committed Information Rate (CIR), to guarantee performance. In addition, commitment to ongoing improvement of the Aura network, adding new beams and capacity to geographic hotspots and key sailing and trading routes, ensures existing customers continue to enjoy consistent performance, as more vessels join the network.

PaccShip is the in-house ship management arm of the PCL Group, managing both PCL owned vessels and those of third parties. The managed fleet comprises dry bulk carriers, multi-purpose vessels, product/ chemical tankers and gas carriers. It employs over 1,500 highly trained seafarers through its representative offices in Beijing, Jakarta, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and London. Satcom Global is delighted to continue its support of the diverse PaccShip fleet with dependable, global connectivity.

AST awarded contract with Wales for tracking solution for 400 inshore vessels

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October 6, 2020

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Utilising industry expertise has enabled AST to deliver a flexible iVMS solution where a one size fits all approach is not suitable – the solution will be tailored for a range of small inshore fishing vessels.

AST will provide either a fixed iVMS solution for larger vessels or a flexible solar-enhanced solution for smaller vessels where space and power is less abundant. The flexible solution does not require connection to the vessels primary power which enables quick and easy installation, with the added benefit of being self-powered. Installations are due to start in early November 2020 throughout Wales and are scheduled to be complete in early 2021.

The Welsh Government are proactively future-proofing their fleet in preparation for the upcoming legislation that will soon require all inshore fleets and fishers to have this technology on-board.

AST’s Group Managing Director, Gregory Darling said:

“We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract supporting the Welsh Government and very much look forward to growing this partnership. AST’s expertise in maritime communication teamed with this innovative solution will enable remote asset tracking for the fleet of vessels providing sustainable management of MPA (Marine Protected Areas), closed areas and inshore fisheries.”

HMM: Twelve 24,000 TEU ships fully laden with containers

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October 6, 2020

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Consequently, all 24,000 TEU ships delivered by HMM have made their maiden voyage with a full load of cargoes, starting with HMM Algeciras which carried a total of 19,621 TEUs last May.

In particular, HMM Algeciras and its two sister ships, HMM Oslo and HMM Copenhagen, embarked on their second journey full of export shipments from Asia to Europe.

Considering the safety of vessel operations and cargo weight, the maximum loadable capacity of each 24,000 TEU ship stands at around 19,300 TEUs on average.

Jae-hoon Bae, President & CEO of HMM, said:

“This is a major milestone for us to expand our presence in the global market in close cooperation with THE Alliance.”

HMM has returned to profit in the second quarter of this year, achieving an operating profit of USD 115 million and a net profit of USD 23 million, despite high volatility due to the Covid-19 pandemic. HMM will seek to enhance its profitability based on the seamless operation of 24,000 TEU ships, the realignment of service routes, and a string of cost-cutting measures.

Meanwhile, HMM has led an effort to stabilise the logistics flow by deploying extra tonnage to the market where a swift delivery of cargo is required and fully operating its entire fleet without idle container vessels in the face of the recent surge in cargo demand.

New all-electric Niagara Falls tour ferries powered by ABB enter service

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October 6, 2020

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Tour boat passengers will be able to experience one of the wonders of the natural world undisturbed by exhaust fumes, engine noise or vibrations, after a pair of vessels installed with all-electric propulsion from ABB have been approved to enter service on October 6, 2020.

The zero-emission ferries – named the James V. Glynn and the Nikola Tesla, respectively in honor of the Maid of the Mist chairman and the renowned energy pioneer – are the first all-electric vessels built in the US, with power drawn from a high-capacity battery pack supplied and integrated by ABB. In addition to batteries, ABB has supplied a comprehensive integrated power and propulsion solution for the newbuild vessels, including an onshore charging system, enabling sustainable operation with maximum reliability.

Christopher M. Glynn, President of Maid of the Mist Corp, said:

“Maid of the Mist has always evolved with the technology, and we are thrilled to open a new page in our company’s history, moving our fleet to zero-emission operation. Close collaboration with ABB has been instrumental in making this project a success, and we are proud of what we were able to accomplish together.”

Juha Koskela, ABB Marine & Ports Division President, said:

“As well as allowing passengers to enjoy the spectacular experience of Niagara Falls and safeguarding the environment, the vessels confirm growing acceptance of all-electric vessel propulsion. We applaud Maid of the Mist’s decision to move to zero-emission operation and are honored to have worked with this forward-thinking company on implementing the electric power and propulsion solution.”

James V. Glynn and Nikola Tesla are each powered by a pair of battery packs providing 316 kWh total capacity divided across two catamaran hulls, offering a level of redundancy that helps to safeguard operations. The batteries allow the electric propulsion motors to reach an output of up to 400 kW, with the power setup controlled by ABB’s Power and Energy Management System. They are charged using locally produced hydroelectricity – ensuring that the energy cycle for the operation of the Maid of the Mist ferries is entirely emissions free – in a process that takes just seven minutes during disembarkation and boarding.

Having installed the ship-to-shore battery charging connection, ABB also supplied the Glynn and the Tesla with a comprehensive scope of electric, digital and connected solutions including switchboards, drives and the integrated control system, in addition to the ABB Ability™ Marine Remote Diagnostic System for monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Fleet Xpress supports real-time vessel surveillance inland

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October 6, 2020

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Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has equipped four Paraná River push boats operated by Impala Paraguay with Fleet Xpress connectivity, in a breakthrough for maritime broadband inland along one of South America’s longest waterways.

The prime mover vessels are used by Impala Paraguay to steer its fleet of 30 double-hulled barges along the waterway system to move gas oil, jet fuel, gasoline and naphtha products from Argentina onward to Paraguay and Bolivia, exporting soya bean oil in the other direction. Long sections of the transit take place outside the reach of 4G or GSM cellular networks.

To date, continuous push boat connectivity has been sustained using Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband service, which guarantees connectivity for the modern navigation systems and night operation equipment, as well as the load sensors and GPS position monitoring installed on barges. On average, each push boat consumes around 500GB of data per month for vessel management and crew connectivity.

However, the unlimited bandwidth available from Fleet Xpress has proved necessary to support IP (internet protocol) camera surveillance to ensure the safety of crew and the cargo transported by Impala. As part of a three-year Fleet Xpress contract, each push boat is installed with 20 IP cameras connected via onboard antennas, enabling continuous monitoring from Impala Paraguay offices.

A spokesperson from Impala Paraguay said:

“We are invested in providing the best service possible to our clients and ensuring that we have state-of-the-art technology supporting every aspect of our operations. We believe using IP surveillance in our pushers sends a clear message to our clients that we will take all measures necessary to ensure that our operations are done in an efficient, reliable, and responsible manner.”

Following installation works undertaken in Asunción, Paraguay, Inmarsat’s Sales Director for Offshore and Fishing, Chuck Moseley said:

“The choice of Fleet Xpress represented an inland breakthrough for the hybrid combination of high-speed Ka-band plus continuous back-up over FleetBroadband’s L-band. Fleet Xpress is already powering the maritime data revolution, but recent months have also seen ship owners accelerate uptake of video-based applications to enhance collaborative working, security, telemedicine and crew connectivity. The Paraná River is an artery for economic development, carrying around 80% of Paraguay’s trade. This order demonstrates that guaranteed global bandwidth via Fleet Xpress brings comparable gains inland to those already being achieved at sea. Committed data rates backed-up by service level agreements also guarantee that Fleet Xpress customers always gets what they pay for.”

Damen to supply ASD Tug 5016 design to Edison Chouest Offshore

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October 5, 2020

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The contract builds upon the well-established partnership between the two companies. Chouest has, to date, built twelve Damen ASD Tugs 3212 and five Damen ASD Tugs 4517.

Damen has designed the 50-metre ASD Tug 5016 to provide escort, hold-back, hose-handling and maintenance duties offshore Guyana. The tug will deliver 120 tons of static Bollard Pull delivered by twin C-280 engines. It will also have a hybrid system that will be engaged when loitering. Extensive operational experience from Chouest supplied all the necessary ingredients for the design to perform optimally once in operation in Guyana.

To facilitate the hose maintenance, the vessel features as 27-metre aft deck with hose-flushing equipment and a full width sump. The tugs will also carry a workboat to assist in hose-handling operations. The ASD Tugs 5016 built by Chouest will be installed with FiFi 1 and Oil Spill response equipment.

Damen has developed the ASD Tug 5016 design in close collaboration with Chouest, drawing on their extensive operational experience offshore in Guyana and input from their client. Damen sales manager Americas Daan Dijxhoorn says:

“The ASD Tug 5016 is a testimony to the successful relationship that Damen has enjoyed with Edison Chouest over the years. Characteristic of this relationship, the ASD Tug 5016 draws on proven Damen technology and applies it in a new way in order to meet the requirements of Chouest and their clients.”

Carnival Cruise Line cancels some cruises for November and December

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October 5, 2020

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Following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) decision to extend its no-sail order for cruise operations, Carnival Cruise Line is notifying guests and travel agents that it has cancelled cruises from all U.S. homeports except Miami and Port Canaveral for November and December 2020.

While operations from Miami and Port Canaveral in November and December are still not certain, Carnival is focusing its initial return to service from those two homeports, whenever that might occur.

Carnival continues to work on protocols and procedures that would allow for the resumption of cruise operations, with a gradual, phased-in approach, designating Miami and Port Canaveral as the first two homeports for embarkations. Cruises currently scheduled for November and December from those two homeports will remain in place for the time being while Carnival evaluates options. However, the cruise line is providing guests booked on cruises in November and December out of Miami and Port Canaveral the ability to voluntarily cancel their reservation and receive the same offer that all other impacted guests are receiving, which includes a combination future cruise credit and onboard credit, or a full refund.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:

“As we have said throughout this pause, our return to operations will be gradual and phased in. And while we are not making any presumptions, once cruising is allowed, we will center our initial start-up from the homeports of Miami and Port Canaveral. The health and safety of our guests, crew and communities we serve remain the cornerstone of our plans and decisions. The patience and support of our guests and travel agent partners have been a huge motivation to our team as we have worked through this unprecedented situation and we are dedicated to getting back to operations when the time is right.”