Tideworks’ new terminal operating system goes live at MIT

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August 12, 2020

Tideworks Technology® Inc. (Tideworks), a full-service provider of comprehensive terminal operating system (TOS) solutions, has announced the go-live of its new marine TOS solution, Mainsail 10 at Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) in Panama.

Tideworks engineered Mainsail 10 to provide terminal operators with increased flexibility and a TOS solution that can seamlessly integrate and scale to adapt to changing operational needs. The go-live at MIT is the company’s first deployment of Mainsail 10.

Mainsail 10 was developed with the evolving global supply chain in mind. The new solution provides rapid access to and management of real-time data to improve decision making and increase the flow of cargo through the terminal, while also reducing costs. The new TOS is highly configurable and customizable – allowing terminal operators to create individualized user experiences and powerful ad-hoc reports that meet their specific needs. Additionally, the solution integrates with back-office accounting and ERP systems among other third-party technologies.

Thomas Rucker, president of Tideworks, said:

“We are thrilled to introduce our next-generation TOS that will offer a strategic advantage to terminal operators worldwide. The successful go-live of Mainsail 10 at MIT is the first deployment of our latest marine TOS and signifies another milestone in our long-term partnership with MIT. Mainsail 10 provides terminal operators with an extremely flexible, world-class TOS platform that enables growth and enhanced efficiencies.”

Throughout the design and development of Mainsail 10, Tideworks worked closely with its terminal operator customers and stakeholders to create a next-generation TOS platform informed by historical industry insight.

Stacy Hatfield, general manager at Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT), said:

“We have had an opportunity to experience Mainsail 10 and found that it is extremely intuitive and responsive. Our team collaborated closely with Tideworks to successfully deploy the platform. We have also begun integrating Mainsail 10 with the variety of third-party tools and technologies in use at MIT to increase efficiency across the terminal.”

Mainsail 10 went live at MIT in August 2020.

Houlder wins contract for IoMSPC’s new purpose-built vessel

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August 12, 2020

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Design and engineering consultancy, Houlder has won another contract with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IoMSPC), acting as technical advisor in the design and build of its latest battery hybrid ferry.

The new purpose-built RoPax vessel will meet the challenging requirements of increased vessel capacity and comfort, as well as tolerating harsh Irish Sea conditions throughout the annual cycle of vessel operations.

The vessel will be constructed by one of the world’s major shipbuilders, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD), based in Ulsan, South Korea. It is due for delivery in Spring 2023 and will bring high levels of on-board facilities and an enhanced freight capability to the island. It is also intended to be more environmentally efficient and manoeuvrable in poor conditions.

The project presents two key design challenges, including providing a dependable lifeline throughout winter and can consistently tolerate the harsh conditions of the Irish Sea in its route between Douglas and Heysham, Lancashire. Additionally, the new vessel will provide increased passenger capacity, especially important during the two weeks of the Isle of Man motorcycle event, the annual TT.

Houlder will guide the shipyard during the build of this new vessel, ensuring it meets the design specification, as well as advising IoMSPC on technical and regulatory aspects, to ensure a high quality and timely delivery. Houlder will use its experience of the local regulation, knowledge of the routes, and operational and technical expertise to ensure a smooth process from concept to delivery.

David Wing, Ship Design & Engineering Director, Houlder, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company again on its latest project and providing pragmatic solutions to the various technical and logistical considerations for the new vessel. Solving design challenges and meeting ambitious targets, whether technical, operational or environmental, is where we do our best work.

“The Isle of Man has significant ambitions for growth in tourism to the island and, IoMSPC is the only company to offer passenger and freight ferry services. There are many challenges in this brief including the vessel’s size constraints in tight ports while meeting lane metre requirements for freight, as well as meeting environmental expectations for the vessel’s life-span which includes reducing local emissions while in port. We are looking forward to working with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and IoMSPC to ensure a smooth and successful delivery of this new vessel.”

Jim Royston, Fleet Operations Manager, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, commented:

“Our relationship with Houlder dates back many years, with our last major project together being the conversion of Manannan from a military transport ship to a passenger catamaran.

“This latest partnership ensures we have technical experts providing us with pragmatic solutions to challenges being faced by the vessel’s operational profile. Houlder is acting as our advisor to the shipyard to ensure they deliver a vessel of a quality and standard in keeping with the demanding route and the high expectations of our customers. We look forward to working with Houlder again on this exciting new project.”

Boluda Towage Europe takes on two new tugs from Damen Shipyard Group

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August 12, 2020

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Boluda Towage Europe will bring two 85-tonnes bollard pull ASD Tugs 2813, both complying with the most recent IMO Tier III emission standards, to the Port of Zeebrugge as part of the extended concession for towage services.

The new tugs will be named VB Bolero and VB Rumba and will be added to the fleet of Boluda Towage Europe, currently comprising of 81 tugs and operating in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The newbuild 85-tonnes bollard pull tugs will be delivered by Damen in December 2020. The ASD Tugs 2813 are highly manoeuvrable and high performance, environmentally friendly vessels of modern design. Thanks to their operational flexibility, the tugs can be used for harbour and terminal (un)berthing operations, escort operations, firefighting operations, coastal and offshore towing operations.

Boluda Towage Europe’s CEO, Geert Vandecappelle stated:

“We are delighted that the new tugs VB Bolero and VB Rumba, both complying with the most recent IMO Tier III emission standards, will be put to use in December 2020 for the extended concession for towage services in the Belgian Port of Zeebrugge.”

Damen sales manager North, West & South Europe Carlos Gonzalez Martin stated:

“Damen is happy to extend our cooperation with Boluda by building and delivering two new ASD Tugs 2813 for this project. We are convinced that these state-of-the-art Damen ASD Tugs 2813, including FIFI 1 and the Damen Marine NOX Reduction System will be a great addition to the Boluda Europe fleet operations.”

End of July 2020, both tugs have been launched into the water at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam.

Just In Time Arrival Guide issued to support smarter, more efficient shipping

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August 12, 2020

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The Guide has been developed by the Global Industry Alliance to support low carbon shipping (Low Carbon GIA), based on research and discussion amongst its membership, and the Guide documents the findings of a series of industry roundtables which brought together nearly 50 companies and organizations who are key stakeholders in the port call process.

Widely recognized as a means of increasing port efficiency and port call optimization, the successful implementation of JIT Arrivals can have a significant environmental impact through reduced GHG emissions from optimizing the ships speed to arrive just in time. The concept is based on the ship maintaining an optimal operating speed, to arrive at the Pilot Boarding Place when the availability is assured of: 1. berth; 2. fairway; and 3. nautical services (pilots, tugs, linesmen). Arrivals also contributes to reduced time at anchorage and therefore reduced congestion in the port area. It is estimated that ships spend up to 9% of their time waiting at anchorage, which could be reduced through the implementation of JIT Arrivals.

The Guide provides a holistic approach to Just In Time Arrivals, considering contractual aspects to its implementation as well as operational. The Guide is envisaged as a useful toolkit for many stakeholders including shipowners, ship operators, charterers, ship agents, shipbrokers, port authorities, terminals, nautical and vessel service providers. All these actors ultimately play a key role in implementing the necessary changes and facilitating the exchange of communication required to realize JIT Arrivals.

The Low Carbon GIA is a public–private partnership with the aim to identify and develop innovative solutions to address common barriers to the uptake and implementation of energy efficiency technologies and operational measures. The Low Carbon GIA was originally established under the framework of the GEF-UNDP-IMO Global Maritime Energy Efficiency Partnerships Project (GloMEEP Project), and since the conclusion of the GloMEEP Project at the end of 2019, the Low Carbon GIA has been operating under the framework of the IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 Project.

World’s first effort to stably supply ammonia fuel to oceangoing vessels

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August 12, 2020

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On August 6, NYK Line, Japan Marine United Corporation, and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) signed a joint R&D agreement for the commercialization of an ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier (AFAGC) that would use ammonia as the main fuel, in addition to an ammonia floating storage and regasification barge (A-FSRB).

Since carbon dioxide (CO2) is not emitted when ammonia is burned, it is viewed to have promise as a next-generation fuel that could mitigate shipping’s impact on global warming. In addition, it is said that zero emissions can be realized by utilizing CO2-free hydrogen as a raw material for ammonia. In particular, a significant reduction in CO2 emissions is expected to be achieved by replacing coal and natural gas as the main fuels for power generation.

Parties in Japan have succeeded in generating electricity through the use of a gas turbine with 100% ammonia. In addition, innovative next-generation thermal-power-generation technologies that contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions are being developed. These technologies are aimed at generating electricity by co-firing ammonia at coal-fired power stations.

The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a significant issue in the marine transportation sector. In 2018, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set the goal of halving GHG emissions from the international maritime sector by 2050 and reaching a target of zero as early as the end of this century.

Ammonia is expected to be used as an alternative fuel for vessels. As demand for ammonia fuel is foreseen to expand, the need for a transportation infrastructure for stable supply is expected to increase. Thus, the companies have decided to start this joint R&D of AFAGC and A-FSRB.

Large-scale marine transportation of ammonia is currently carried out by multi-purpose LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) vessels. In this project, we will be engaged in the R&D of a liquefied ammonia gas carrier. It is expected that the use of ammonia, which is the cargo, as a marine fuel will contribute to the early realization of zero emissions for oceangoing vessels.

In this joint R&D project, NYK will be engaged in the R&D of a barge that is equipped with a floating storage and regasification facility exclusively for ammonia for the first time in the world. This project is expected to contribute to the early introduction of ammonia fuel by utilizing the barge as an alternative to land facilities (storage tanks, regasification facilities, etc.) for the stable supply of ammonia fuel.

This joint R&D aims not only to utilize ammonia as a marine fuel but also to establish methods for the mass transportation and supply of ammonia and to become a solution for introducing a mixed combustion of ammonia into coal-fired power stations operated by Japanese electric power companies.

As a result, the R&D is expected to contribute significantly to the decarbonization of not only the maritime industry but also the energy industry.

NKT to install a high-voltage DC power cable system for the BorWin5 project

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August 12, 2020

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NKT has been awarded a turnkey contract of below EUR 250m (below approx. DKK 1.86bn) by TenneT to deliver and install a high-voltage DC (direct current) XLPE power cable system for the BorWin5 project in Northern Germany. The order comprises the manufacturing of approx. 230 km of 320 kV high-voltage DC on-and offshore power cables and accessories as well as offshore installation by the cable-laying vessel NKT Victoria.

NKT President and CEO Alexander Kara says:

“Over the past years, NKT has established itself as a key partner in the green transformation of Europe. We have completed a number of power connections ensuring transmission of renewable energy and during 2020 we were awarded more interconnector projects as well as this new offshore wind farm connection in Germany. The BorWin5 project win proves the value of our long-term collaboration with TenneT and confirms our strong position as a highvoltage DC solution provider.”

The contract value of below EUR 250m in market prices corresponds to below EUR 235m (approx. DKK 1.75bn) in standard metal prices. The power cables have an expected production start end-2021 with project commissioning in 2025.

BorWin5 is TenneT’s fourth offshore wind DC project off the coast of Borkum in northwestern Germany. It connects the offshore converter platform BorWin epsilon in the North Sea to the future converter station in Garrel/Ost close to Cloppenburg in Lower Saxony. As part of Germany’s transformation towards renewable energy supply, a 15 GW offshore wind power capacity is to be available by 2030, and with its 900 MW, BorWin5 is an important step to achieve this target. NKT adds to the green transformation with power cables produced in a plant running on 100% green electricity and with the purpose-built NKT Victoria being the industry’s most advanced and energy-efficient cable-laying vessel.

The award of the BorWin5 project does not change the 2020 financial outlook for NKT.

Costa Cruises restarts vacations from September 6

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August 11, 2020

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Following the approval yesterday by the Italian Government of the resumption of cruises and the new health protocol, Costa Cruises is planning to restart its operations from Italian ports gradually on September 6, 2020.

The first ship to set sail will be Costa Deliziosa, on September 6, 2020, offering every week cruises from Trieste to discover the most beautiful destinations in Greece. She will be followed by Costa Diadema, on September 19, 2020, operating on 7-day cruises in Western Mediterranean from Genoa to experience the best of Italy and Malta.

From the entry into force of the new decree by the Italian Government, Costa Cruises is working with Flag State authorities and the destinations to ensure a responsible, smooth and well organized application of the new regulations and protocols, in close cooperation with the local institutions, health authorities, harbor master’s offices, ports and terminals and RINA. Consequently, further details on the Costa Deliziosa and Costa Diadema itineraries will be announced in the coming days.

As the gradual implementation of these protocols is completed on board and ashore, the company must extend the pause of its cruise season until September 30, 2020, except for the above-mentioned departures of Costa Deliziosa (September 6, 13, 20, 27) and Costa Diadema (September 19). Costa is informing the impacted Guests and travel agents. They will be guaranteed a reprotection in accordance with the applicable legislation.

In order to offer the best possible holiday experience, while protecting the safety of guests, crew, and the residents of the local communities, Costa Cruises has developed the Costa Safety Protocol for its fleet, including new operating procedures in response to the COVID-19 situation. Supported by a panel of independent scientific experts in Public Health coordinated by V.I.H.T.A.L.I. (Value in Health Technology and Academy for Leadership and Innovation), a spin-off of the Università Cattolica of Rome, the Costa Safety Protocol is consistent with the health protocols defined by the Italian Government and European (EU Healthy Gateways) authorities.

Ports of Auckland gets consent to deepen Auckland’s shipping channel

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August 11, 2020

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Ports of Auckland has been granted consent to deepen Auckland’s shipping channel.

The consent allows the channel to be deepened from 12.5 metres to between 14 metres and 14.2 metres. It safeguards Auckland’s vital international supply line by allowing larger container ships to enter Auckland’s port, such as 366-metre-long New Panamax vessels with a maximum draft of 15.2 metres. Tidal windows will be used to make best use of the natural water depth and keep dredging to a minimum.

Ports of Auckland’s Chief Executive Tony Gibson said:

“The COVID-19 lockdown highlighted the essential role Auckland’s port plays in the economy. A deeper channel will ensure Auckland’s port can continue that essential role for decades. By allowing larger ships to reach the port, it will also reduce carbon emissions and the cost of transporting Auckland’s freight.”

The consent process was unusual because Ports of Auckland asked for the application to be publicly notified even though it was not required, so people could have their say on the project. Over two hundred submissions were received with the main concern raised being the disposal of dredged material.

Ports of Auckland acknowledges that this is a genuine concern and is committed to working with key submitters to look for ways to reduce or even eliminate the need for sea disposal.

IMO assisting in MV Wakashio oil spill response

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August 11, 2020

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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has joined international efforts to assist the Government of Mauritius, following an oil leak from the bulk carrier MV Wakashio, which ran aground on 25 July off Pointe d’Esny natural area, south-eastern coast of Mauritius.

IMO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Joint Environment Unit have jointly deployed an oil spill response expert. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closures in Mauritius, the expert is (11 August) awaiting onward travel via specially chartered UN flight from Nairobi, following COVID tests.

The hull of the ship had expanded. Since this ship is unable to navigate by itself, it is moored to a tugboat so that it will not drift even if it is broken.

Approximately 3,894 tonnes of low-sulphur fuel oil, 207 tonnes of diesel and 90 tonnes of lubricant oil were on board the MV Wakashio.
By August 11, Local time, approximately 1,020 MT of VLSFO onboard had been pumped out and transferred onto small tankers.

Approximately 1,180 MT had leaked out from the vessel fuel tank, which an estimated 1,000MT has leaked outside of the vessel, and 460 MT is estimated to been manually recovered from sea and coast. About 1,600 MT of VLSFO and about 200 MT of DO remain on the ship, and transfer work will continue. An amount of oil leaked following severe weather conditions.

The affected area is located in a very sensitive zone that includes the Blue Bay Marine Park, Ile aux Aigrettes, and the Ramsar sites. Satellite mapping support is being sought from UNOSAT, to provide an indication of the extent of the spill and to inform the response effort.

Alongside IMO and OCHA, the United Nations development Program (UNDP) Mauritius and the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) are also mobilising environmental and oil spill experts. A number of countries, including France and Japan, are also assisting Mauritius, which has activated its national oil spill contingency plan.

IMO is supporting the Government of Mauritius by providing technical advice on oil spill response issues and in the coordination of assistance.

MOL, the Charterer, has dispatched 6 members from the company, who have tested negative for PCR, to the site today (11thAug) for the purpose of cooperating with the authorities, collecting information, preventing the spread of oil pollution, and supporting oil spill recovery.

ChartWorld and EMH Systems announce the innovative ECAP planning service

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August 11, 2020

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ChartWorld International and EMH Systems Ltd. have announced the innovative Environmental Compliance Assistance Platform (ECAP) planning service, which will enable enhanced voyage planning for environmental concerns.

The ECAP planning service will enable shipping companies and managers to have a far greater focus on environmental compliance as part of their voyage planning. Oliver Schwarz, ChartWorld’s Business Development Director noted the increasing importance of environmental considerations in voyage planning:

“Cargo owners, and end consumers, and demanding cleaner and more environmentally friendly shipping. This trend is with us, and shipping companies need to prove they are doing more than the bare minimum.”

In practice, using ECAP means a company or bridge team can use ChartWorld’s route appraisal platform (MyRA) to obtain an “Environmental Voyage Overview.” The ECAP platform, powered by EMH Systems Ltd.’s vast global regulatory database, allows for automatic analysis and environmental operation planning for any route within ChartWorld’s MyRA system. As a MyRA integrated service, intelligence-driven environmental voyage plans will be automatically made available as early as the route creation stage.

Using this streamlined approach, vessel operators, shoreside managers, and onboard crew will have instant access to all regulatory conditions along their voyage – saving time, ensuring compliance, and improving operational efficiency. MyRA’s sophisticated approached to voyage planning, combined with ECAP’s algorithms and database, is a first of its kind solution for the industry.

Schwarz explains:

“Efficient planning leads to efficient operations and an overall advantage over what was previously common practice. We believe the ECAP and MyRA working together will be the new norm for any environmentally conscious operator.”

Christopher Nagy, a Managing Partner at EMH Systems, added:

“Integrating with such a powerful voyage planning solution allows us to bring new opportunities to the industry. Every route is different. Every voyage is different. With numerous protected areas and complex national regulations in place, planning for a voyage can be cumbersome for even the most experienced professionals. Having this information automatically at your fingertips is an invaluable addition to standard voyage planning tools. Having such technology so easily available is something I could have only imagined while at sea.”