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Aker Solutions to provide subsea production system for Aker BP’s Ærfugl

December 12, 2019

Aker Solutions has been awarded a contract from Aker BP to deliver the subsea production system for the second phase of the Ærfugl development offshore Norway.

The subsea delivery will include wellheads, vertical subsea trees, satellite structures, control systems, a tie-in module and about 30 kilometers of umbilicals. The contract has a value of about NOK 700 million, which will be booked as order intake in the fourth quarter.

Egil Bøyum, executive vice president, greenfield projects, at Aker Solutions, said:

"The subsea alliance between Aker Solutions, Subsea 7 and Aker BP has already demonstrated great value through a series of subsea project deliveries. Close cooperation between the parties is instrumental in making both phase one and two of the Ærfugl project a success."

Bøyum adds:

"Our deliveries to Ærfugl highlight the power of Intelligent Subsea, as we utilize our integrated field design capabilities to accelerate the field development and maximize performance."

The deliveries include the Vectus™ next generation subsea control system, which offers greater data and power capabilities, and Aker Solutions’ standard, lightweight vertical subsea trees.

The work starts immediately and involves facilities in Norway, the UK, India, Malaysia and Brazil. The subsea structures are scheduled for delivery in 2020. Ærfugl is a gas condensate field about 210 kilometers offshore Sandnessjøen in Norway. It is connected back to the Skarv floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel operated by Aker BP. The field design has been optimized with respect to both subsea architecture and corresponding infrastructure, such as the FPSO topside and SURF (Subsea Umbilicals, Risers and Flowlines). The field design also includes capacity to accommodate future tiebacks in the area.

Aker Solutions delivered the subsea production system for the first phase of the Ærfugl development, as part of the company’s subsea alliance with Aker BP and Subsea 7. Intelligent Subsea is Aker Solutions’ approach to addressing the current and future needs of subsea production through integrated field design, accelerated development and maximized performance. This approach can cut the cost of field development capex by as much as 50 percent and reduce engineering hours during development by even more.

VIDEO: Kawasaki launches the world’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier

December 12, 2019

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has announced its official naming and launch at Kobe Works of the SUISO FRONTIER (Kawasaki hull no. 1740), the world's first liquefied hydrogen carrier.

This vessel was developed to provide a means of transporting liquefied hydrogen at 1/800 of its original gas-state volume, cooled to –253°C, safely and in large quantities over long distances by sea. Kawasaki plans to install a 1,250 m3 vacuum-insulated, double-shell-structure liquefied hydrogen storage tank, currently being manufactured at Harima Works, on the ship and complete the vessel's construction by late 2020.

Once complete, the SUISO FRONTIER will be used for technology demonstration testing in Japanese FY 2020 aimed at the establishment of an international hydrogen energy supply chain in which liquefied hydrogen produced in Australia will be shipped to Japan.

Hydrogen is gaining popularity as a key next-generation energy source to combat global warming. It does not emit CO2 or other greenhouse gases during use, and expected applications include power generation, fuel cell vehicles and more. With the goal of making hydrogen just as common a fuel source as petroleum and natural gas, Kawasaki joined together in 2016 with Iwatani Corporation (Iwatani), Shell Japan Limited, and Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER) to form the CO2-free Hydrogen Energy Supply-chain Technology Research Association (HySTRA).

This organization has, with the support of NEDO, been pursuing technological development aimed at building an energy supply chain enabling economical and reliable sourcing of hydrogen in large volumes. In addition to this latest liquefied hydrogen carrier, a liquefied hydrogen unloading terminal is being built in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and a brown coal gasification facility is being constructed in Australia.

In addition, a consortium comprising Kawasaki, Iwatani and J-POWER along with Marubeni Corporation and AGL Loy Yang Pty Ltd, was formed in 2018 and has received financial support from the Australian and Victorian governments to build a gas refining facility, hydrogen liquefaction & loading terminal and more.

Kawasaki is pursuing this hydrogen business as part of its efforts toward sustainable development goals (SDGs), carrying out development projects in every phase including production, storage, transportation, and utilization. In 1981, Kawasaki became the first Asian company to manufacture a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, and now as the world's first company to complete a liquefied hydrogen carrier it will further its efforts toward achieving a Hydrogen Society.

ABB completes delivery for icebreaking LNG carrier fleet

December 12, 2019

Final vessel in 15-ship series enters service for Yamal LNG project ahead of schedule, powered by ABB’s leading-edge technology

Yakov Gakkel, owned by joint venture between Teekay LNG Partners and China LNG Partners, joins a fleet of 15 specially designed tankers transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) year-round from one of Russia’s most significant export developments in a generation – Yamal LNG.

Built in less than six years and to ARC7 ice class, fifteen 170,000m3 capacity vessels have opened the Northern Sea Route to commercial gas shipping and significantly expanded the navigation period in the direction of the Asia-Pacific region and ensured year-round transportation of gas to the customers westwards.

Known for its unparalleled performance in the harshest conditions, Azipod® propulsion has become an industry standard for icegoing vessels. The Azipod® propulsion system, where the electric drive motor is in a submerged pod outside the ship hull, can rotate 360 degrees to increase maneuverability, which is particularly crucial for vessels operating in ice.

ABB has delivered electric propulsion systems to over 90 icebreakers or ice-going vessels with a propulsion power of up to 45 MW. Options for Azipod® propulsion span 1MW to 22MW. With its proven ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to traditional shaftline propulsion systems, the Azipod® technology has played a key role in developing ABB’s strong position for environmentally-friendly electric propulsion.

Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports, says:

“The sheer scale of this project and the size of the Azipod® units involved make this a milestone for ABB. The fuel and emissions-saving capabilities of Azipod® electric propulsion have made it the technology of choice for sensitive arctic conditions for almost 30 years and we were delighted to leverage our experience to deliver safe and reliable technologies ahead of schedule in line with the project’s demands.”

The extensive scope of ABB solutions supplied as part of the projects also include turbochargers, generators, switchboards, transformers, electric drives and propulsion control systems. The order – one of the largest one’s ever for ABB Marine & Ports – was previously announced in Spring 2014.

Iceland announces stringent sulphur regulations

December 11, 2019

The Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources has issued a regulation tightening fuel requirements, which effectively bans the use of heavy fuel oil in the territorial sea of Iceland. The regulation is intended to promote improved air quality in harbours and coastal areas and conforms with the government’s coalition agreement and climate action plan.

The change is brought about by an amendment to the regulation on sulphur content of certain liquid fuels. The permissible sulphur content of marine fuels used in the territorial sea and internal waters of Iceland will be lowered from 3.5% down to 0.1% on January 1, 2020. This will make requirements for the sulphur content of marine fuels in the territorial seas of Iceland comparable with those that are currently in effect in Emission Control Areas as defined by Annex VI of MARPOL, where particularly strict requirements apply.

In addition, on January 1 2020, the permissible sulphur content of marine fuels will be lowered down to 0.5% within the Icelandic Pollution Prevention Zone but outside of the territorial sea. This is in conformity with the requirements of Regulation No. 124/2015 on the sulphur content on certain liquid fuels and Iceland’s international obligations according to Annex VI of the MARPOL convention which Iceland ratified in February 2018.

This will make the permissible sulphur content in marine fuels in Iceland 0.1% in the territorial sea and internal waters, i.e. also in fjords and bays. Further out to sea and outside of territorial waters, the sulphur content cannot exceed 0.5%. Heavy fuel oil has a higher sulphur content than this in most cases, and thus the regulation effectively brings a halt to the use of heavy fuel oil around Iceland. For comparison, the sulphur content of heavy fuel oil marketed in Iceland in 2017 ranged from 0.64%–1.94% but the global average according to data from the IMO was 2.59%.

Vessels can, however, continue to burn heavy fuel oil if they use approved emission abatement methods to reduce the release of sulphur dioxide, which prevents most sulphur emissions into the atmosphere along with soot pollution.

A draft regulation was introduced earlier this year and consultations were held with stakeholders and interested parties before its adoption.

Ulstein launched X-BOW polar vessel for Lindblad Expeditions Holdings

December 11, 2019

The first X-BOW® polar vessel for Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., was launched into her right element on Saturday 7 December 2019. Due to Polar Class 5 (PC5), the ship can venture far into polar areas. The X-BOW® secures a comfortable transit for her 126 passengers across harsh stretches of sea.

The National Geographic Endurance is the first of two vessels of the CX104 design from Ulstein for construction at Ulstein Verft, Norway. The yard is situated at 62 degrees north, just four degrees south of the Polar Circle, and at the edge of one of the world’s toughest oceans, the North Sea.

The maritime expertise in this region stretches back to the Viking era. The vessel’s patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides a smooth ride in adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. This makes the vessel perfectly suited for adventures to far-away places.

That’s one of the reasons why the vessel has been named after the polar hero, Ernest Shackleton’s, favourite vessel, the Endurance. The Endurance and her crew endured the toughest of polar expeditions. The modern, next-generation, National Geographic Endurance, is purpose-built for polar navigation and will provide far more comfort for those onboard.

A fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Code Category A vessel, she is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore unchartered waters, while providing exceptional comfort. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities. The ship’s expanded fuel and water tanks provide for extended operations in remote areas.

The National Geographic Endurance comfortably accommodates 126 guests in 69 outside-facing cabins. Most cabins will feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light.

The vessel will undergo finalising work prior to her delivery in 2020.

Maersk to collaborate on Seapulse exploration drilling programme

December 11, 2019

Maersk Drilling has signed agreements with Halliburton and Petrofac to collaborate on the exploration programme to be delivered under Maersk Drilling’s master alliance agreement with Seapulse.

Under the alliance, Maersk Drilling is responsible for providing fully integrated drilling services, including provision of drillings rigs and all related services for a global offshore oil and gas exploration programme. With the new agreements, Petrofac will deliver well management services, and Halliburton will deliver integrated well services, throughout the duration of the programme.

The Seapulse portfolio spans shallow water and deepwater wells in several regions. Two wells in the UK North Sea have previously been announced as part of the workscope which is expected to start drilling in the second half of 2020. A tailor-made process covering all phases in the end-to-end delivery of a well has been developed with the aim to maximise efficiency and remove waste through a novel approach to collaboration in the industry.

COO Morten Kelstrup of Maersk Drilling says:

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Halliburton and Petrofac for this programme which breaks new ground in the industry by using a fully integrated service delivery model aimed at eliminating inefficiencies by aligning incentives and removing complexity across the entire value chain. Halliburton and Petrofac bring strong operational expertise and decades of experience in delivering and integrating oilfield services, which will further contribute to the ability to mitigate the operator cost risk associated with exploration drilling whilst we foster new ways of collaborating across the supply chain.”

Nick Shorten, Managing Director for Petrofac’s Engineering and Production Services West business, says:

“Petrofac is delighted to be part of this exciting global supply chain collaboration. The aims of the Maersk Drilling and Seapulse alliance closely align with our own operating principles – we very much look forward to working with all parties to deliver effective and technically robust campaigns.”

Steve Haden, Senior Vice President of Halliburton Project Management, says:

“This collaborative model aligns with and leverages Halliburton’s proven integration approach that creates value for our global customers both on- and offshore.”

CEO and co-founder of Seapulse, Scott Aitken, adds: “We are very pleased to see the well delivery model that we have entered into with Maersk Drilling continue to mature with world-class partners. The Seapulse business model leverages Maersk Drilling’s partnerships’ technological and operational expertise to drill and test a statistically relevant exploration portfolio of a scale normally only associated with major oil companies.”

Aker BP first ever to use new well stimulation method offshore

December 11, 2019

The first successful “Single-Trip Multi-Frac” campaign has been executed on the Valhall field. This specific method of well stimulation has never been done offshore before.

The method significantly reduces the cost of the well because less time is needed for use of vessels and equipment. Stian Ø. Jørgensen, head of the the Well Intervention and Stimulation Alliance in Aker BP, says:

“The traditional method takes two-three days to fracture a single zone of the reservoir. With ‘Single-Trip Multi-Frac’, we can now do two zones in a day. We also see a potential for doing this more efficiently.”

Tommy Sigmundstad, SVP Drilling and Well in Aker BP, says:

“The new method will make implementation of several projects possible. It provides more flexibility; we spend less time per well, and it decreases the unit cost of the operations. In turn, this results in a reduced price for the stimulation and we can bring the well on stream earlier compared with the conventional stimulation method that has been used. Therefore, we see a substantial upside through use of this stimulation method.”

The Valhall field has always needed stimulation to maximise production from the wells. This is because the field consists of chalk formations with low flow rates. A stimulation vessel and coiled tubing are needed for this operation.

The actual stimulation takes place by creating fractures in the reservoir, by high pressure pumping in sand mixed with a fluid system into the reservoir. The process is called fracturing and contributes to improve flow. Several zones in the reservoir must be fractured, and with the normal method, the coiled tubing is pulled out completely for each zone – an extensive and time-consuming process.

Jørgensen explains:

“What’s new about ‘Single-Trip Multi-Frac’ is that several zones can be fractured with just one trip down into the well. This is done with the aid of a sleeve installed in the completion that can be opened and closed down in the well.”

This allows to pump sand mixed with a fluid system into the well, while the coiled tubing remains in the hole the entire time. When one zone has been fractured, you close and move on to the next zone.

A total of four zones were stimulated using the new method during the ‘Single-Trip Multi-Frac’ campaign on the G10 well at the Valhall field centre in November. Three of the zones were stimulated on just one trip down in the well. The same method was also successfully applied on the first well on Valhall Flank West.

Valhall has produced one billion barrels since the field opened in 1982. The ambition is to produce another billion barrels. The ‘Single-Trip Multi-Frac’ method is well-known on land, including for production of shale oil in the US. Putting this method to use in new and more complex conditions 3 500 metres down in the well was no easy task. Aker BP and its partners NCS Multistage, Stimwell Services and Schlumberger have worked almost five years to solve the challenges. Jørgensen says:

“When you want to develop pioneering technology or methods, you have to dare to fail. That’s how you finally end up with a good and proven result.”

Jørgensen says that a lot of important lessons have been learned in the process, with regards to equipment and the fluid system involved in the operation. He says:

“The biggest challenge has been that the coiled tubing has become stuck and we have not been able to break loose. We have worked quite a lot on understanding the ‘energy regime’ in the well. We have also optimised the tool at the end of the coiled tubing and worked intensively with the fluid system to reduce the risk of getting stuck.”

Jørgensen emphasises that Aker BP will continue to stimulate wells in the traditional manner in reservoirs where this is considered to be the best method.

Rolls-Royce and RAL present the first LNG-powered shallow-water push boat

December 11, 2019

Joint development for environmentally friendly and climate-friendly transportation on inland waterways.

Rolls-Royce and Canadian vessel designers Robert Allan have developed the world's first shallow-water push boat powered by LNG natural gas engines. At the International Workboat Show in New Orleans, classification society DNV GL gave its “Approval in Principle” to the new design. Powered by two MTU 8V4000M55RN natural gas engines from Rolls-Royce and designed for use on inland waterways, the push boat is more cost-effective to operate, and produces less pollutants and climate-unfriendly exhaust gases than vessels with conventional propulsion systems.

Rolls-Royce and Robert Allan collaborated to design the gas-powered shallow-water push boat based on the proven Robert Allan RApide 2800-Z2 design which is already used on some diesel-powered vessels on the River Amazon. The vessel design was specially modified for LNG to accommodate the two 746 kW MTU 8V4000M55RN engines (complete with IMO Tier III emission control systems) and the entire LNG supply system – also available from Rolls-Royce – as well as the gas control and safety systems and the overall vessel control system.

The hull – externally unchanged – was redesigned to accommodate the 70 cubic meter gas tank as well as the usual engine accoutrements, and to provide crew with a pleasant working environment. The lower crew cabins, saloon and galley were moved up one level, and the deckhouse was enlarged.

The Approval in Principle from DNV GL certifies that the design complies with the classification society's rules for classification of maritime vessels and the international safety regulations for vessels using gas or other low-flashpoint fuels. It is an independent evaluation of the design concept within a given framework and states that the design is fundamentally feasible and there are no fundamental implementation concerns.

LNG (liquefied natural gas) is a fuel now gaining traction in maritime circles, enabling operators to reduce emissions that are harmful to the environment and to the climate. LNG engines produce no particulate whatsoever, emitting significantly less NOx than diesel engines, and are more climate-friendly overall. DNV GL expects natural gas to cover over 40 to 80 % of all vessel propulsion power requirements by 2050. In addition, gas, where available, offers lower running costs.

Stefan Müller, who heads up the Marine & Naval Application Center at Rolls-Royce's Power Systems business unit, sees the use of high-speed, pure gas engines like the MTU Series 4000 as offering great potential in ports, coastal applications and inland transportation. To unlock this potential, a reliable fuel supply infrastructure will be required.

Christof von Bank, Director of Sales, Marine & Offshore Americas, says:

“The interest of the market regarding the design study of Robert Allan and Rolls-Royce confirms that the decision was right to develop a lean-burn gas engine. We have found operators across the globe who have seen the benefits of operational costs in addition to the reduction of environmental impact.”

Rolls-Royce is shortly to deliver its first MTU 8V 4000 M55N gas engines to municipal works company Stadtwerke Konstanz in southern Germany. These will be used to power the first LNG-powered car ferry on Lake Constance.

Hapag-Lloyd Navigator dashboard launched for customers

December 11, 2019

View bookings, download invoices and access quotations under one umbrella – this is possible with the new digital dashboard Hapag-Lloyd Navigator.

As of today, with the Hapag-Lloyd Navigator, customers will be able to get a complete overview of their individual bookings including the related quotation, invoice and Bill of Lading. The Hapag-Lloyd Navigator is seamlessly integrated into the carrier’s Online Business and is available for all customers around the world.

Jesper Kanstrup, Senior Director Customer Quality at Hapag-Lloyd, says:

“With our Hapag-Lloyd Navigator, we are taking the next step towards the digitalization of our business. The new dashboard makes it easier for our customers to do business with us while key information on their shipments is now consolidated and accessible at a glance. This saves our customers a lot of time and work.”

The digital dashboard is Hapag-Lloyd’s next milestone to becoming the number one for quality in the shipping industry. In the future, additional and enhanced features will further optimize the Hapag-Lloyd Navigator. It will also be available on mobile devices and will be integrated into the Hapag-Lloyd Mobile App. This will increase the customer experience even more.

Seaspan’s second fisheries science vessel to the Canadian Coast Guard

December 11, 2019

Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) and its 2,700 employees have completed Delivery of CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier, the Canadian Coast Guard’s newest state-of-the-art Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel (OFSV), the second OFSV delivered by Seaspan.

This ultimate milestone in the shipbuilding process took place exactly five months and two days after the delivery of her sister ship, the CCGS Sir John Franklin. These two ships are the first large vessels delivered under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada’s plan to renew the federal fleet with ships built in Canada for Canadians.

In addition to major partners like Thales Canada who are responsible for the vessel’s Electronic Systems and Vard Marine, Seaspan’s Platform Design partner, more than 600 Canadian small and medium-size companies and their thousands of employees across the country contributed to this world-class vessel.

Measuring 63.4 metres, the CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier is one of the most advanced and capable ships of its size and type in the world. Fully equipped to support Fisheries and Ocean scientists in the collection and analysis of data on Canada’s marine ecosystems and the impacts of climate change, the vessel features a full suite of state-of-the-art systems, including high-tech fishing trawls and four science labs — a wet lab, a dry lab, an ocean lab and a control lab. The OFSV also has a deployable drop keel, loaded with a wide array of sensors to support the vessel’s research mandate.

From its home port in Atlantic Canada, the CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier will also support search and rescue operations and environmental response. A third OFSV under construction at Seaspan Shipyards is structurally complete and on schedule to be delivered in August 2020.

CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier meets or exceeds international shipbuilding standards. It launched at over 90 percent complete and was delivered to Canada with significantly improved production durations when compared to the CCGS Sir John Franklin.

Mark Lamarre, Chief Executive Officer, Seaspan Shipyards, said:

“We are incredibly proud to deliver the CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier, our second Offshore Fisheries and Science Vessel, to support the critical work of the Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans scientists. At Seaspan we know that building ships requires you to build more than ships. You need to build a workforce, an industry, a supply chain, and strong partnerships. Built in Canada for Canada, the Capt. Jacques Cartier is the accomplishment of many. So thank you and congratulations to the Canadian Government and especially our Canadian Coast Guard partners; to the engineers and naval architects who designed her; to the skilled tradespeople who built her; and to the Canadian companies from coast to coast who contributed parts and expertise.”

Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, said:

“I am pleased that the Canadian Coast Guard has received CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier, the second Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel this year. The scientific work that will be undertaken on the CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier, and her sister ships, will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of our marine ecosystems, and the impacts of climate change. By investing in the Coast Guard, our shipbuilding industry, and Canadian science we are moving forward to best protect our environment, while supporting economic growth. I look forward to seeing the results of the first missions undertaken by this vessel.”

Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, said:

“The delivery of the second Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel, the CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier, marks a significant milestone for the Canadian Coast Guard and the National Shipbuilding Strategy. My sincere congratulations to all of the workers at Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards for their continued efforts on these world-class ships that will help to form the Coast Guard’s future fleet.”

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