Navico adds lowrance to the SMG brand portfolio

Tuesday, 6th March 2018

SMG, the UK’s largest marine electronics distributor, are pleased to announce an extended partnership with Navico, the world’s leading electronics manufacturer and parent company to the brands: Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G.

From April 2018, Navico have extended SMG’s distribution agreement to include their Lowrance brand, Lowrance has been a world leader in marine electronics since it invented the first consumer sonar device in 1957, boasting over 60 years of innovation. SMG will now distribute all three Navico brands: Lowrance, which is aimed at Fishing, particularly in freshwater and near coastal areas, Simrad, which is focused on Powerboating in particular cruising and sportfishing and finally B&G, which serves the sailing market.

Ray Badminton, Managing Director, SMG commented: “We’ve had a lot of success with Navico’s B&G and Simrad brands but our customers have also been asking us for Lowrance, as it has long been a favourite of fisherman in the UK. We’re therefore delighted to add the brand to our 2018 range.”

Dawn Ramsay, UK & Eire Country Manager, Navico, commented: “SMG have built their enviable reputation over 45 years by providing exceptional pre-sales technical advice and customer service. Customers today expect a prompt supply channel which is where SMG fits in with our distribution model by offering extensive stock and next day availability for all our major products.”

The Lowrance range will feature in SMG’s new 2018 catalogue published on the 1st March and available to download from www.smgeurope.com

Other new products added to SMG’s brand portfolio for 2018 include:

• Solar Technology’s range of solar panels
• Glomex’s range of antennas and electronics
• Supergain antennas
• Rockford Fosgate marine audio
• ROKK mounts and accessories

Sprinkler Flow Testing â€“ Why Choose PortasonicÂ® FLOW?

Tuesday, 6th March 2018

Problem
For a business and property owner, protecting against potentially catastrophic results of fire such as life loss, property damage and loss of assets is a common challenge.

Automatic sprinkler systems are used more than any other fixed fire protection system and over 40 million sprinklers are fitted world-wide each year to deal with this problem.

However, if sprinkler systems are not periodically inspected for mechanical deficiencies, proper function, valve actuation, water flow, sprinkler clearances, etc., the system may not be effective during a fire. Corrosion can cause a sprinkler system and fire hydrant systems to fail due to blockages and failed sprinkler heads.

NFPA 258 provides required inspection, testing and maintenance for a sprinkler system.

Traditional Solutions
One method of flow measurement is wet testing, in which water is sprayed through to prove its compliance, yet this can cause deposits, contamination and blockages.

Coltraco’s Smart Solution – the Portasonic® FLOW

In response to customer demands for a non-invasive, non-contaminating and cost-effective solution, Coltraco developed the portable ultrasonic flow meter: Portasonic®.

·         Provides accurate flow measurement from outside of the sprinkler pipe.
·         Easy digital set up makes it both cost and time effective.
·         Unique clamp-on fixture design – installation is straightforward.
·         No pressure drop, no moving parts, no leaks and no risks of contamination/corrosion.
·         Offers 3 different modes of operation so can be used in a variety of different environments.
·         Ensures full integrity of the sprinkler system through the ability to conduct spot checks at mandated intervals.
·         Can be used for extended continuous operation as a 4-20mA flow transmitter with AC power input.

http://www.coltraco.com/sprinkler-flow-testing-why-choose-portasonic-flow/

Damen Marine Components and Van der Velden Marine Systems announce merger

Tuesday, 6th March 2018

Damen Marine Components (DMC) and Van der Velden Marine Systems (VDVMS) recently announced a merger. As of 1st January the two companies are operating together as Damen Marine Components Netherlands (DMC NL).

DMC has been operating ever since the early eighties of the last century in the Damen Shipyards Group, whilst VDVMS has been operating as an independent part of the Damen Shipyards Group’s components division since 2013. So in many ways the merger represents a continuation of a successful working relationship. However, the decision was taken to bring the two companies closer together in order to enhance performance.

Steef E.F. Staal, managing director explained the thinking behind the move, saying, “This alignment means clients will have access to an increased portfolio of propulsion products in one place. At the same time, it combines the extensive market knowledge of two well-established partners, paving the way to more efficient products and services going forwards.”

Taking into account Van der Velden Marine Systems’ highly respected name in the industry, the brand will continue to be used as trademark for DMC NL’s rudder and steering gear products.

The duties, obligations and responsibilities agreed with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders remain unchanged. The same applies to the employment arrangements, DMC NL has been strengthened by combining the former teams of DMC and VDVMS. DMC NL will be led by Steef Staal as Managing Director, Wim Knoester as Commercial Director and Peter Schipper as Financial Director.

PSM’s New Analogue Programmable Transmitters Approved

Tuesday, 6th March 2018

PSM Instrumentation is delighted to announce that their latest products, the Analogue Pressure Transmitters (APT), have both received Marine Type Approval from DNV/GL.

These cost-effective transmitters, which are suitable for marine, industrial and hazardous area applications, have demonstrated that they are fit for purpose and meet the required environment and performance criteria.

â€¨The range includes Level Transmitters and Pressure Transmitters. Both are available in Stainless Steel, Titanium, and Hastelloy materials for compatibility with all mediums, and offer measurement ranges from 0.2 to 40 Bar in both Gauge pressure and Absolute pressure versions. Factory calibration to specific requirements and integral temperature compensation ensure excellent accuracy.

PSM believe that their APTs offer a new alternative tank level transmitter solution and are pleased that they’ve been recognised as compliant to give customers further confidence in their product range.

Please visit www.psmmarine.com or contact Mark Jones, Sales & Marketing Manager at PSM Instrumentation, by e-mail: mark.jones@psmmarine.com or telephone: +44 (0)144 410 040 for more information on the products.

Iskes Towage & Salvage adds two more Damen ASD Tugs 2810 to its fleet

Thursday, 1st March 2018

Iskes Towage & Salvage, the leading maritime service provider based in the port of IJmuiden/Amsterdam, has taken delivery of two Damen ASD Tugs 2810. The vessels were built at Damen Song Cam Shipyards, Vietnam, and delivered last year to Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, the Netherlands, as part of the group’s strategy to position stock vessels for rapid availability in Europe.

This on-demand availability was a significant factor in Damen winning the contract, with both tugs being delivered within two weeks of the contract being signed. Named Phoenix and Lynx, the tugs are essentially standard versions of this best-selling model. 28-metres in length, they have a bollard pull of 60 tonnes, a top speed of 13 knots, and excellent manoeuvrability and seakeeping. This makes them ideal for a wide range of duties including vessel handling, offshore supply duties and ship-to-ship transfers. Some minor modifications were made prior to delivery in line with Iskes’ standard requirements.

These acquisitions mean that Iskes now owns and operates a total of nine Damen ASD tugs as part of a fleet of 18 vessels. Phoenix and Lynx are the third and fourth standard ASD Tugs 2810 to be purchased by Iskes, joining their sister ships Argus and Arashi.

“Iskes has started to operate in the growing ports of Eemshaven and Delfzijl in Holland,” explains Peter Rondhuis, Commercial Director at Iskes Towage & Salvage. “The project in the most northern ports of Holland was under time pressure and the off-the-shelf concept of Damen was perfect for our needs. It is great to be able to benefit from the high quality of Damen on one side and their ability to deliver the vessels within just two weeks on the other. We operate at high standards and Damen has yet again not disappointed us on the quality. The Lynx from its homeport of Delfzijl will operate jointly with the 2016 delivered Damen ASD Tug 3212 Mars in Eemshaven and Delfzijl, assisting bulk carriers and tankers calling on behalf of clients we also service in other ports. The Phoenix will replace Mars in IJmuiden/Amsterdam, assisting all types of vessels.”

“We’re delighted that Iskes Towage & Salvage have returned to us once again for their tug requirements,” said Mijndert Wiesenekker, Sales Director Benelux, Damen. “We have a strong relationship with the company and a keen focus on working with them to ensure that their vessels deliver excellent performance and reliability together with the low operational costs that enable them to satisfy in turn their own clients.”

Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) receives Project Biro order from Armscor

Thursday, 1st March 2018

DSCT will deliver three Inshore Patrol Vessels for the South African Navy

Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has received an order from Armscor – the acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence – for three Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV), 62 x 11 metres. The vessels form part of the South African Navy’s Project Biro. The project aims to develop South Africa’s maritime security, ensuring that the country has the capability to respond effectively, rapidly and cost-efficiently to maritime threats such as illegal trafficking and fishing.

DSCT received the order exactly four years to the day that it received the order to deliver vessels for a previous project for the South African Navy – Project Canter. The yard is delighted to be able to continue to provide support to the navy, says Chairman Mr. Sam Montsi.

“We are very happy to receive this order and are looking forward to this continuation of our long-standing relationship with the South African Navy.”

Participating in Project Biro underlines Damen’s commitment to the South African Government’s Operation Phakisa initiative, which aims to unlock the potential of the country’s maritime industry.

Mr. Montsi continues: “At DSCT we are not only about shipbuilding and repair, but also about providing people with the opportunities needed to reach their potential – whether they work for us or for one of our many local suppliers – and supporting the country’s economy. DSCT is about the development of an entire shipbuilding and related industries.”

Naturally, with this philosophy in mind, DSCT will be sourcing as many components and services as possible for the project from South Africa-based suppliers. In this regard, DSCT plans to provide active support for the Government’s Enterprise Supplier Development programme, supporting small and micro-businesses in the country.

The project will also actively contribute to the Department of Trade & Industry’s National Industrial Participation (NIP) programme and the complimentary, defence-focused Defence Industrial Participation (DIP). In turn this contributes to the Government’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) initiative. DSCT is a Level-3 BBBEE rated company.

The IPVs will be the first vessels of a Damen Sea Axe design to operate in South Africa. The Sea Axe is a revolutionary, Damen patented hull design, which offers exceptional seakeeping behavior. The straight-edged, axe-shaped bow cuts through the water, minimising slamming for improved safety and comfort on board and significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

Niron Staal supplies critical steel components for iconic new London residential skyscraper

Thursday, 1st March 2018

Niron Staal, the specialist steel machining and construction subsidiary of Damen Shipyards Group, is nearing the completion of its first major machining contract for a skyscraper project for its client Hollandia Structures, partner in the VBH structural steel joint venture. The building involved is the 225-metre, 60-storey, residential structure named the Newfoundland Tower, currently under construction in London’s Canary Wharf financial district.

What began initially with the machining of a single, precision steel plate to meet the high-level quality required by the client, has grown into a major contract for the machining of components critical to the support and integrity of the entire structure.

A key feature of the Newfoundland Tower is the use of a diagrid structure in its design, similar to that used in the nearby, award-winning, ‘Gherkin’ office tower. These diamond-shaped external steel skeletons support and brace the entire building. In the case of the Newfoundland Tower it additionally has sloped, sculpted sides to give residents more space while also offering privacy on the balconies.

Niron Staal has been responsible for machining all the complex steel components for the diagrid structure on the front of the building, including the corner intersections, frontal cross pieces and the nuts that secure the main steel beams. With the height of the storeys being irregular and the load-bearing requirements of the external steelwork decreasing as the height increases, every component has had to be custom-made as the thickness of the steel plate falls. At each stage, lasers are used to calculate the distances and with that data Niron Staal machines each part to tolerances of +/- 0.2 mm.

Earlier on in the project, the company was also responsible for the machining of a series of piles that have been installed at ground level, both vertically and angled, and which are critical to the overall stability of the tower block. Forming part of the base, these weigh up to 40 tonnes each, are 16 metres in length, and transfer the loads imposed by the diagrid structure down through 60-metre deep bearing piles.

Discussions on the project began in the summer of 2016 with actual work beginning at the end of that year. The prime contractor for the steel work on the tower is VBH, a joint venture between Belgian group Victor Buyck and Dutch steel company Hollandia. VBH has unrivalled experience of working on high-rise projects in Canary Wharf and the adjacent City of London. Hollandia is responsible for the front of the building and it is they that contracted Niron Staal to undertake the fabrication of the most complex items of steelwork. The Newfoundland Tower is due for completion later in 2018.

“This is the first time that we have contributed to a high-rise building project,” says Klaas Goedhart, Production Manager Machining at Niron Staal, “but the success of this contract demonstrates that we have both the skilled workforce and the equipment required to undertake the high-precision machining of steel structures and components for any application. We look forward to undertaking more assignments of this type in the future.”

Kees Ardon at Hollandia Structures added; “The partnership with Niron Staal has worked very well. Once a schedule has been agreed we can rely on them to keep to it. The deliveries are always on time and the quality is very high; the components fit perfectly, first time, which is very important for us.”

Order book continues to grow for Wight Shipyard Co with Austrian order

Thursday, 1st March 2018

Wight Shipyard Co has secured its first multi-million pound export order for a 250-passenger river catamaran to operate for Central Danube Region Marketing & Development GmbH’s Twin City Liner – a tourist service running on the River Danube between Vienna and Bratislava, joining two European capital cities.

The order for the 39 metre vessel is excellent news for the Isle of Wight shipyard and follows a highly successful 2017. At the end of August Red Funnel confirmed an order for a second 41 metre high speed passenger ferry, followed soon after when Scotland’s Jacobite Cruises placed an order for a 21 metre day cruise catamaran for Loch Ness.
“This order for Twin City Liner in Vienna, our first export order, follows domestic orders for Red Funnel and MBNA Thames Clippers, both of which we secured against international competition,” says Wight Shipyard CEO Peter Morton.

“Our reputation for building the finest high speed ferries in the world is spreading, making the prospects for Wight Shipyard look healthy. Our strong order book is a big vote of confidence for our Isle of Wight shipwrights, the marine industry and indeed the UK economy,” Peter Morton says.

The new vessel will be a low wash round bilge catamaran designed by Incat Crowther. The Danube presents a challenging operating environment with currents up to 8 knots, water depths in the main navigation channel as low as 100 cm. The hullform is designed to cope with water conditions reasonably expected on the river, being able to resist floating timber and debris. As a restricted waterway it is imperative that wave wash is minimised.

Passengers will board the new craft via midship doors port and starboard and enter a bright and airy main cabin capable of seating up to 186 passengers. A kiosk providing a range of snacks and refreshments will be provided aft on the starboard side. On the port side toilets are provided one of which is for disabled customers.

Above, the upper deck is accessed from a centre staircase in the main cabin as well as two staircases aft on the open deck. External seating will be provided for 29 passengers while aft of the elevated wheelhouse interior seating is available for 35 passengers. Being a commuter ferry as well as a cruise vessel, there will be space for 12 bikes on the aft deck.
In the hulls, the engine rooms are designed to provide crews with maximum access with all machinery arranged in the same space. The engine rooms as well as the jet rooms are designed so the engines, generators and water jets can be removed without slipping the vessel or damaging the superstructure or hull.
The vessel will be powered by four Scania DI16 072M main engines, each producing 809 kW at 2300 rpm. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 38 knots, the vessel will sail on the Danube at a service speed of 32.4 knots at modest MCR.

“Since 2006 Central Danube Region Marketing & Development GmbH has been operating successfully with more than 148,000 passengers experiencing the service between Vienna and Bratislava each year using two high speed catamarans,” says Dr Gerd Krämer, Managing Director of Twin City Liner.

“With the new vessel from Wight Shipyard Co we want to extend the success story of Twin City Liner for the next 25 years. Customer experience is key to our business and with our new catamaran we are promising our passengers an even more exciting and enjoyable time on the Danube River.

“We have been impressed with the quality of the three vessels Wight Shipyard has delivered to Red Funnel in Southampton and MBNA Thames Clipper in London over the past 15 months. We are convinced that we have found the right shipyard partner with the experience, dedication and passion in the field of building high quality high speed vessels.

“With this confirmed order, we will cater for projected traffic growth, achieve much better operating economies of scale, greatly reduce our environmental footprint and at the same time be able to offer a comfortable and exciting high speed transit along this beautiful waterway,” Mr Krämer says.

The new vessel will be delivered in time for the 2019 summer season, starting at the end of March.

Principal particulars
Builder: Wight Shipyard Co, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Designer: Incat Crowther, Sydney, Australia
Length Overall: 39.99m
Length waterline: 38.1m
Beam: 11.40m
Load Draft: 0.8m
Passengers: 250

Machinery
Main engines: Four Scania DI16 076M marine diesel engines
Gearboxes: Four ZF 3050 D
Propulsion: Four Rolls-Royce Kamewa S40-3 waterjets

Month: March 2018

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