Commercial Rib Charter are proud to announce their latest vessel

Tuesday, 15th May 2018

Commercial Rib Charter are proud to announce their latest vessel ‘CRC Voyager’.

Commissioned to compliment her sister ship ‘CRC Galaxy’ a first in-class purpose built shallow draft crew transfer RIB, ‘Voyager’ is constructed from aluminium rather than the GRP build of ‘Galaxy’.

Built by Goodchild Marine, Alicat Workboats and Ribcraft UK, CRC have managed to pool the resources of three of the UK’s most reputable vessel builders to build a truly unique craft.

Currently in her fit-out stage ‘CRC Voyager’ is scheduled for sea trials in mid-June and will be making her public debut at Seawork 2018 with an official handover at the show.
‘CRC Voyager’ facts and figures:

LOA – 15m
Draft – 0.7m
Max Speed – 38kts
Suspension seating for 12 PAX + 2 Crew
Silent run generator
Full galley
Heads with shower
Twin Volvo Penta D-6 435
Twin Hamilton Jet HJ322
Hamilton Jet Blue Arrow positioning system.

As the largest operator of commercial RIBs in Europe, CRC are constantly working to retain market leader status and ‘Voyager’ is another example of ‘best in class’ procurement.
For further information on our current fleet or vessels in build, please contact the team on 01590 607103 or visit the website www.commercialribcharter.co.uk

Damen delivers first new Beam Trawler in 12 years with Optima nozzles by Damen Marine Components

Thursday, 10th May 2018

Damen has delivered the first new beam trawler to take to the North Sea in twelve years. Over the last ten months, Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam (Maaskant) has outfitted the 41-metre hull from stock. The vessel, designated UK 46, is for Hakvoort Brothers, based in Urk, the Netherlands. A key feature of the vessel is the installation of twin Optima nozzles manufactured by Damen Marine Components (DMC). This is the first time that Maaskant has installed these in a fishing boat.

The nozzles areDamen Optima L/D 0.4 models with a diameter of 3.63 metres. The stainless-steel collars surrounding the propellers deliver improved thrust both ahead and astern and so require less engine output for a given speed. In addition, they also enhance performance at low speeds and give less resistance at higher speeds.

The fishing winch also represents a milestone for both Maaskant and DMC. It is the first such winch to be manufactured by DMC and was built to a design by Maaskant. A third Damen company also played a role in the fit-out of UK 46, with Damen Anchor & Chains supplying their trademark products to the vessel.

“It’s been a real pleasure to complete this trawler and see her afloat at last, and to work with our sister companies to make it a success,” says Eric Moerkerk, deputy director at Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam. “The hull has been here at Maaskant for more than ten years and we have long looked forward to it being out at sea where it belongs. This is the first time that we have fitted a trawler with nozzles and while it is early days for the vessel, the indications are that she is working well and the nozzles are delivering the expected efficiencies. The next three fishing boats that we will be building will also be fitted with nozzles from DMC.”

Kees Oevermans at Damen Marine Components added; “The cooperation between DMC and Maaskant has been very good and fast. We worked closely with all the relevant departments including the project management and design functions. The benefit of this partnership for the client is that when our products arrive at the yard, everything fits and performs as promised.”

Beam trawlers use outrigger booms to tow two trawls, one on each side. In the North Sea they are commonly used to catch shrimp and flatfish. The last such fishing boat to join the Dutch fishing fleet was the CatharinaKW-145, launched in 2006. Prior to that, Maaskant delivered two others; the Cornelia BR-14in 2004 and the Jan Cornelis GO-22in 2006. Both these were also built to the Damen Maaskant design.

Barrus showcase new engines at Seawork

Thursday, 10th May 2018

Barrus pioneered the innovative Post Immersion Restart System (PIRS) in the late 1970s for the RNLI and the armed services which enabled an engine to be rapidly restarted after being submerged. Further development resulted in an improved version, FAST PIRS® in 2004.

Barrus has now introduced the next-generation PIRS® which will be shown for the first time at Seawork. The Special Products team at Barrus has developed two new versions of PIRS®, GEN 2 FAST PIRS®, a simplified, more durable and cost-effective FAST PIRS® system and Capsize PIRS®, a four-stroke adaptation.

GEN 2 FAST PIRS®
Similar to previous FAST PIRS® versions, GEN 2 FAST PIRS® drains the fuel system, but instead of using a single lever to control the system, all valves are operated independently to allow fine adjustment. This latest evolution has proved to be more reliable as the cylinder head valve design is more durable and cost-effective to produce and is fail-safe in operation.

Capsize PIRS® – Four-Stroke
With the combination of environmental concern, the durability of two-stroke engines and customer demand, Barrus launched the four-stroke PIRS® project in 2015, and have now developed a patented system for Mercury and Mariner four-stroke engines.

Capsize PIRS® is fully automatic and integrated within the engine’s electronic control unit. The system ensures no water can enter the internals of the engine and is operated without removing the engine cover, as, unlike a two-stroke engine, this can contaminate the oil and can cause serious component failure.

The GEN 2 FAST PIRS® system is already being used by commercial and military customers, and orders are in the pipeline for the Capsize PIRS® engines to be supplied later this year.

New Mercury Diesel 6.7L
The latest Mercury Diesel 6.7L, I-6 commercial diesel will also be showcased for the first time at Seawork. This mechanically, fuel injected diesel engine sets a new benchmark for durability and reliability. It delivers excellent performance in a robust and functional layout. Several commercial duty cycle ratings are available including a medium duty rated model. Built on a proven platform and boasting several power options from 180hp (132kW) to 280hp (206 kW), these latest diesel engines focus on simple design features. All components have been designed and engineered to withstand the toughest conditions on the water. The engine block is manufactured from a high strength casting, and the crankshaft is forged from a high strength steel alloy. Both feature large bearing surfaces.

“Mercury’s new mid-range diesel engines provide us with opportunities in the light-duty commercial sector with applications for fast catamarans and pursuit craft, fishing vessels and workboats in addition to single and twin installations in pleasure boats, “ commented Robert Plant, General Manager for the Marine Diesel Division.

To find out more about these new engine developments and the extensive line-up of commercial engine solutions, visit the Barrus stand G15 on the quayside at Seawork. Barrus will also be showcasing a number of boat and engine applications on the pontoons.

ASAP Promotions for Cheryll Gill & Tom Edwards

Thursday, 10th May 2018

A.S.A.P. Supplies are pleased to announce the promotion of Cheryll Gill from Business Development Director toGeneral Manager. Since joining the marine suppliers back in 2007, Cheryll has been committed to growing many individuals within the team as well as supporting the company to get to where it is now.

‘I am very much looking forward to the challenge of developing the ASAP brand within the Arleigh Group. I have a great team around me and their enthusiasm and commitment will be what drives the business. As always, our main aim is to keep our focus on the customers’ said Cheryll.

‘Cherylls’ new position is a testament to her drive, hard work and dedication over the years. We all know she will excel in her new role.’ Darren Cook – Head of Marine, Arleigh Group.

Tom Edwards has also been promoted to Commercial Manager. Tom has been with the company for over 15 years and brings a breadth of technical, engineering and industry knowledge to his new role.

Yorkshire/Whitby ship-engine specialist appointed to Team Britannia world-record attempt

Wednesday, 2nd May 2018

Team Britannia the organisation behind the latest attempt to set the world record for sailing around the world in the fastest time, has appointed Yorkshire-based Maktec Marine as its engine specialist.

Maktec Marine founder Mark Cornforth said the challenge for the much coveted world record is to beat the current holder New Zealander Pete Bethune’s time of 60 days 23 hours 49 minutes for the 23,000 mile voyage.The attempt will be made in the specially designed 80ft long powerboat Excalibur which is presently being built/undergoing trials ahead of the world-record attempt next year led by well known racing sailor Alan Priddy.
Mr Cornforth said the world record effort is taking on even greater significance as the Excalibur will be powered by the revolutionary new green friendly hybrid fuel, Hydro Diesel. The fuel has been developed by Alan Priddy at his Portsmouth-based company Clean Fuel and is made of a mixture of diesel, water and emulsifying agent. In tests Hydro Diesel has dramatically reduced harmful emissions such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide by up to XX per cent.

“Maktec has developed its engine expertise working on all kinds of vessels and engines around the world over the last 20 years,” said Mark who began his career as a naval engineer serving in the Falklands.

“And we are absolutely delighted to be chosen as engine advisers for this incredible record attempt and longer term as the distributor of Hydro Diesel when it becomes available to the market. The challenge reflects Maktec’s passion to make ship engines greener, less harmful and more energy efficient. We work on repairing ship engines week in week out and we know the diesel industry simply has to change and become greener.”

Mr Cornforth said Maktec’s job is to help prepare the Excalibur’stwo customised Fiat Power Train C13 500, six cylinder for the challenge and then monitor their performance using Hydro Diesel checking the emissions and that the fuel does not damage the engine and then make a full report.

“From a technical view point we are fascinated to see how the Hydro Diesel performs at powering the engines which are capable of generating 500HP at 2,000 RPM,” he said. “The engines and the fuel will be put to the ultimate test during this challenge and we want to be transparent in how it performs. Butwe are confident, we have seen Hydro Diesel tested already and we believe this product has a very big future. It can tackle one of the biggest challenges in the world today – removing particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide from existing diesel engines in ships, cars and other vehicles all over the world. That is what the Britannia Challenge is setting out to do – to grab attention that there is a clean solution to the chronic global problem of harmful diesel engine emissions.”

Mr Cornforth said Hydro Diesel has taken more than 10-years to develop, testing the formulas and bonding agents.

“If the Hydro Diesel stands up to the challenge we expect to see it become certified and enter the market as a seriously disruptive environmentally friendly fuel,” he said.

Maktec offers repairs, maintenance and spare parts to all types of ship diesel and gas engines worldwide. It has experience of working onCaterpillar, MaK, MAN, Sulzer, Wartsila and Jenbacher engines.In October, Maktec announced it had been appointed global distributor for the maritime sector by the UK’s largest independent lubricant manufacturer Exol.

For more details on Maktec contact Maktec Marine tel: +44 (0) 01947 810842 email: office@maktecmarine.comvisit: www.maktecmarine.com
Visit: www.clean-fuel-ltd.com/team-britannia-clean-fuel/

First Damen Fast Crew Supplier with motion-compensated gangway system enters service

Wednesday, 2nd May 2018

First transfers took place in Gulf of Guinea in late March

The partnership between Damen Shipyards Group and Ampelmann to extend the benefits of motion-compensated gangway systems to fast crew supply vessels has reached a major landmark. At the end of March, the first Damen fast crew supply (FCS) vessel to be fitted with an Ampelmann L-type system began operations in the Gulf of Guinea. This marks a significant step forward in the move towards bringing the latest advances in safe and flexible marine access to a wider array of oil and gas operations.

Damen and Ampelmann have together been promoting their integrated solutions combining Damen’s FCS range and Ampelmann’s systems and now, thanks to the vision of Nigerian offshore services company LATC Marine and its client ExxonMobil Nigeria, the first has entered service.

An L-type Ampelmann motion-compensated gangway system has been fitted to a 50-metre Damen FCS 5009 that was already in operation with LATC Marine. The installation took place at Damen’s Nigerian service hub at Port Harcourt with Damen and Ampelmann working together to ensure a smooth integration.

Mr Gbolahan Shaba, COO at LATC Marine commented: “We are proud to have partnered with Damen and Ampelmann in delivering one of the most innovative solutions in the Nigerian upstream industry in recent years. We are especially pleased to see ExxonMobil as the first to embrace this in the Nigerian market after agreeing to trial the gangway on several of their platforms. Today, the Ampelmann system is fast becoming the company’s preferred mode of personnel transfer and we look forward to delivering additional units to them before the end of 2018.”

He continues, “LATC Marine has long been at the forefront of innovative marine service offerings, partnering with highly reputable organisations including Damen Shipyards and Clarksons Platou to deploy some of the most technologically advanced vessels to support several deep offshore drilling campaigns off Nigeria. With this first Ampelmann L-type system now in operation in Nigeria, the country’s upstream oil and gas industry is clearly trending in the right direction and we hope to continue to be a part of this. We remain committed to championing the campaign for safer offshore personnel transfer practices in Nigeria and look forward to deepening our partnership with Ampelmann and Damen in achieving this. Our desire is to see other upstream players in the country embrace this technology as well.”

David Inman, Business Development Manager Europe & Africa for Ampelmann, added: “Ampelmann is also proud to be part of the team delivering safe and efficient marine based access in Nigeria. This service-based delivery is a first for Nigeria and is part of our strategy to revolutionise the way we get our offshore workers where they make the difference. This couldn’t have been possible without having likeminded companies in LATC Marine and Damen who both share Ampelmann’s vision to make offshore access ‘as easy as crossing the street’.”

“At Damen, we are delighted to see the integrated Damen / Ampelmann marine access solution commercially operational for the first time,” observed David Stibbe, Business Development Manager. “We are especially pleased that the launch customers are a top-tier oil major in the form of ExxonMobil and an experienced operator such as LATC Marine. It was the ability of all four stakeholders to work together effectively that has made this project a success. It represents a major step change away from the traditional swing roping transfer technique used in this area, and we hope marks the start of a wider move towards safer and more efficient transfers in the region.”

The first commercial deployment of a Damen FCS 5009 with a retro-fitted Ampelmann motion-compensated gangway will also be of interest to the other existing operators of FCS 5009s. Around 40 are currently in operation around the world and this development opens up the possibility of others choosing to upgrade in a similar fashion. The new FCS 5009s that Damen holds in stock ready for outfitting and rapid delivery can now also be offered with Ampelmann’s L-type gangway as a proven option.

Damen’s new 70-metre FCS 7011 is additionally likely to benefit from the proof-of-concept effect. The 7011 has been designed to operate with the Ampelmann S-type motion-compensated gangway, and this news can only increase confidence in its future success as a game-changer in cost-effective, long-distance marine access.

Eland Cables launches VeriflexÂ® brand – BSI Kitemark tested with next day delivery

Wednesday, 2nd May 2018

Eland Cables, the global supplier of power, data, control and instrumentation cables and cable accessories, has launched Veriflex® – its own brand range of industrial automation cables.

Unique to the industry, these cables for control, servo and fieldbus applications have been tested against British and European standards under the new BSI Cable Batch Verification Kitemark™. Veriflex® cables are subject to stringent tests in Eland Cables’ ISO 17025 UKAS accredited in-house facility, The Cable Lab®, under a rigorous BSI surveillance programme. The Kitemark provides valuable independent verification of the cable’s quality and compliance.

Described by BSI as “a new benchmark in cable compliance” Eland Cables is the first company to hold this coveted third-party mark of approval. BSI Technical Certification Expert Paul Turner confirmed:

“The Cable Batch Verification Kitemark is applied to products, including the Veriflex SY, CY and YY range of PVC and LSZH control cables, under strict UKAS test parameters and subject to BSI’s rigorous surveillance programme.
The range of tests provide third-party assurance that cables meet relevant British and international standards for key safety criteria, making them fit for use in appropriate applications.”

Tests on component layers as well as the completed cable, will cover key material tests necessary to ensure that the cable properties match intended performance and construction. These include vertical flame propagation, conductor resistance, and tensile & elongation in insulation and sheathing materials.

Extended warranties on the Veriflex range also come as standard, with PVC cables under warranty for 3 years, and LSZH cables having 2 years warranty. Eland Cables’ confidence in their cables is demonstrated in this additional benefit to customers, providing double the standard market offering.

Key alongside this rigorous testing programme is the speed of supply. Next-day availability for UK customers means the Veriflex® range sets a new bar for the industrial process and control industry.

Darren Clark, UK & Ireland Sales Director at Eland Cables explains:

“There are two things that are paramount to UK buyers of European industrial cables – quality and availability. Delays to delivery can mean delays in commissioning and pass-over times, which ultimately means wasted expense and critical project delays. Yet, until now, two-week lead-times have been considered the norm, whilst a lack of specific standards for manufacture has meant a cost-premium for confidence in quality.”

Darren Clark continues:

“Ultimately it comes down to peace of mind. The industrial and automation sectors have suffered from an inconsistency in the quality of the cables they regularly use. With Veriflex® cables available on a next-day basis, we aim to provide the continuity, consistency and confidence that will make a genuine commercial difference for customers.”

For Eland Cables, this new range further underlines their commitment to compliance, with Veriflex® already specified by major multi-national developers to our upcoming projects.

Month: May 2018

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