Charity Pumps Life Back Into Maid of The Loch

Tuesday, 27th November 2018

Maid of the Loch has taken a step forward in getting the Loch Lomond paddle steamer up and running thanks to Summerlee Heritage Museum. The ship has received two boiler feed pumps from the museum, a critical component in getting the ship sailing once again.

Both pumps, one which has been donated and the other gifted on long-term loan, are identical to the Maid’s original boiler feed pumps, and come as part of the crucial work needed to replace the lost engine room machinery, which was pillaged during the years the ship lay derelict. The vital equipment will pump fresh water from the loch directly into the boiler room to help generate steam. Once operational, visitors to the Maid will be able to enjoy the ship ‘in full steam’ again as it sails through the water.

The 300+ kilo pumps were transported from Summerlee Museum in Coatbridge directly to the Maid’s home on Balloch Pier by local company Galt Transport, who provided specialised transfer of the pumps.

John Beveridge, Director of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, said: “This generous gift lies at the heart of our dream to have the Maid of the Loch once again in full steam operation on Loch Lomond.

“The importance of these pumps to the ship cannot be underestimated as without them, the dream of the Maid sailing again would be even more challenging. We know how difficult it would be to get these pumps specially made and installed, so to have such a significant piece of machinery gifted to us in this way is something for which we are extremely grateful. It is very reassuring, after recent setbacks, to see Summerlee, Museum of Scottish Industrial Life and Galt Transport having such faith in our journey and sharing our vision for the Maid.”

Clare Weir, Collections and Exhibitions Manager at Summerlee Heritage Museum, said: “When we heard that the Loch Lomond paddle steamer needed two feed pumps to get it operational again, we were more than happy to oblige. The pumps have been in storage at Summerlee Museum for a number of years, and it is great to know that they will be in use once again to help power such an important part of Scotland’s maritime heritage.”
The Maid currently operates as a static tourist attraction and hopes to gain industrial museum status for the ship and steam slipway as a growing number of artefacts are collected and restored to working condition.

Charity Loch Lomond Steamship Company (LLSC)have worked tirelessly since 1996 to transform and restore the ship, with the aim of bringing her ‘back to life’ and fully operational once again.

PSM Carry out Full Digital Tank Upgrade for MV Pompei

Thursday, 15th November 2018

Over 20 years ago, PSM Instrumentation supplied the Belgium aggregates vessel, the MV Pompei, with their sensors. Now all these years later, the ship owner has been so delighted with the longevity of the sensors, they requested an upgrade to PSM’s full digital package.

The refit was carried out in Turkey at the Sefine shipyard, utilising PSM’s complete TankView system. Supplied as a complete package for central control of the fuel and fresh water tanks plus the oil and ballast tanks, including their ICT transmitters and a number of bilge switches for flood detection.

PSM’s TankView package is recognised as providing a marine tank monitoring system which is powerful, versatile and simple to use. PSM can tailor the optimum system for a ship wide application that is straightforward and economic.

PSM is exceptionally pleased that their sensors had such durability on MV Pompei, and look forward to the new Tankview package having a similar lifespan.

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.

2nd Anniversary of â€˜Phish and Shipsâ€™

Thursday, 15th November 2018

When Jordan Wylie finished his two year research project “Cyber Security: The Unknown Threat at Sea?” his was one of a few lone voices calling for the maritime industry to wise up to the potential of cybercrime in an increasingly digital age. His research showed that underestimation of cyber threats was endemic, and consequently that the industry was underprepared for attacks.

In response, Jordan launched Be Cyber Aware At Sea, to raise awareness of cyber threats to worldwide shipping and, in 2016, unveiled the first issue of ‘Phish and Ships’.

Today we have over 100 supporting organisations, over 30,000 subscribers to ‘Phish and Ships’, and a website full of resources: posters, guidance material and news to help educate and inform.

Since starting, the industry has seen glimpses of the chaos a cyberattack can cause: the potential disruption and incalculable costs, both monetary and reputational.

We are pleased to say, things have started to change, however there is still ground to make up. Protection against cyber threats will only come when we realise a range of measures: investment in technology and in personnel, open communication flow about breaches and threats, and intense cross-sector support.

On our anniversary we are proud to continue to support the industry on its journey to cyber security.

Coltraco Proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant

Thursday, 15th November 2018

Coltraco Ultrasonics are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. Commemorating the World War I Centenary in this way recognises the company’s history of public service.

“We, Coltraco Ultrasonics, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.”

The Covenant aims to support serving personnel, veterans and military families. The Armed ForcesCovenant is a promise by supporting companies and personnel, ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. So far, over 1,500 businesses have signed the covenant.

Three generations of the Hunter family have been involved in the formation and growth of Coltraco Ultrasonics, a British Manufacturer of Ultrasonic Technology, and each have served in the armed forces.

One of the founders of the company, Mr E C Hunter, was a Royal Navy submariner and spent 27 years at sea. Co-founder and current CEO, Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter is a former Greenjacket Officer in the British Army. Mr E C Hunter and Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter co-founded the company when Carl left the military. Now a third generation of the Hunter family work for Coltraco Ultrasonics. Meanwhile the third generation of the Hunter family enters the Armed Forces, with our former Technical Sales Manager, Mr Henry Hunter leaving Coltraco in 2017 to join the Royal Marines.

Learn more: the Coltraco Ultrasonics signed pledge at this link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/742090/Coltraco_Ultrasonics_Armed_Forces_Covenant_20180901.pdf

#forourforces

New, Safe, Corrosion-free, Below-the-water fittings from LeeSan

Thursday, 15th November 2018

It really can be a matter of life or death to understand the dangers of some inferior, below-water level fixtures. Any hole in a vessel’s hull is a potential weak point so using the right fitting is absolutely essential.

Lee Sanitation Ltd., who became a major distributor for Tru Design glass fibre nylon composite fittings in 2011, announce the launch of the newest range of these revolutionary fit-and-forget products, which include skin fittings that have been designed for much thicker hulls.

Due to their construction from precision moulded, glass-reinforced, nylon composite, Tru Design thru hulls skin fittings are immensely strong. They offer the same level of strength, but at a much lighter weight compared to the ferrous alternatives available. They also eliminate all corrosion and bonding problems associated with electrolysis.

The material is also unaffected by petrol, diesel, and chemicals associated with antifouling paints including copper coat. It is UV resistant and will not discolour with the sun’s rays. All fittings are able to withstand an operating temperature of minus 20° C to 100° C and, like many other fittings from the Tru Design range, conform to ISO 9093-2, ABYC H27, Bureau Veritas. They are suitable for all types of hull including aluminium, wood, steel, composite and GRP.

Tru Design of New Zealand manufacturers many different ball valves, skin fittings and other associated components. Warwickshire based LeeSan hold the largest range of Tru Design product in the UK.

The longer Tru Design skin fittings and Seacock kits will be available to purchase in December as part of the comprehensive existing LeeSan seacock kit range.

Fast delivery of Beloe More to complete job in Siberian harbour before winter

Thursday, 15th November 2018

Fifth Damen hopper dredger joins the ROSMORPORT fleet

The Beloe More recently joined its sister vessel Severnaya Dvinain the Port of Sabetta, northern Russia. The 2,000 m3hopper dredger was delivered from stock to FSUE ROSMORPORT. The customised hopper dredger will perform maintenance duties and execute capital dredging in the newly created harbour.

The Beloe More- meaning ‘White Sea’ in Russian – is not the first vessel Damen has delivered to ROSMORPORT. As Vadim Akimov, Damen Sales Director, explains : “ROSMORPORT is the Russian enterprise responsible for the accessibility of all major Russian sea ports. Their fleet already comprises a number of Damen vessels including one identical 2,000 m3hopper dredger, three slightly smaller 1,000 m3hopper dredgers, one cutter suction dredger CSD 650 as well as a number of utility vessels such as tugs, Multi Cats and a Shoalbuster.”

The vessel was delivered from stock, being available at the building yard Damen Yichang Shipyard, China. After the last customisation details, the dredger sailed to its first job rounding Sakhalin, then through the Bering Strait using the Northern Sea Route. This route requires escort by an ice breaker, being well above the polar circle.

The 84 metre long hopper dredger is equipped with a 600 millimetre trailing pipe for dredging at max -25 metres. The dredger is fitted out for maintenance jobs as well as capital dredging jobs. Its discharging equipment includes not only a row of bottom doors, but also a bow coupling unit and a rainbow nozzle. The max thirteen person crew can monitor their job precisely using the Damen Dredge Monitoring system. The speed of the dredger in loaded condition is 11.4 knots. For working under extreme circumstances, the Beloe Moreis being built under Ice Class and has acquired the classification of RMRS. The adaptations include structural elements such as the reinforced hull, as well as insulation and heating of the accommodation, hopper corridors and voids and winterisation of all deck equipment to avoid freezing.

The first job to be tackled was on Russia’s Yamal Peninsula, where the port of Sabetta is located in the estuary of the Ob river. The Port of Sabetta is a recently created harbour to accommodate the transport of the vast reserves of LNG and crude oil from the area. Due to the location in Northern Siberia the harbour is only accessible for three to four months every year – hence the hurry for the new dredger to arrive.

At present the Beloe Moreis deepening the access channel together with its sister vessel Severnaya Dvina– a collaboration crowning the excellent cooperation between Damen and ROSMORPORT.

Damenâ€™s innovative RSD Tug 2513 nominated for KNVTS Ship of the Year Award

Wednesday, 7th November 2018

Damen’s radical new ‘always bow first’ RSD Tug 2513 has reached the final stage of this year’s prestigious Maritime Award KNVTS Ship of the Year prize. As one of the last three entrants in contention for the award, the Damen RSD Tug 2513 will be judged on a range of criteria including its design, safety, economy, durability and construction process, and the winner will be announced at the Gala Dinner taking place on 12th November.

The 25-metre RSD Tug 2513 is the result of years of research and development by leading shipbuilder Damen in cooperation with its towage customers and research institute partners. The innovative design combines elements of tractor tugs and ASD tugs to create a new class of vessel that effectively has two bows, enabling it to always operate bow first. This makes it exceptionally efficient as it is equally effective at bow and stern assists.

A Damen Twin Fin skeg adds to the effectiveness of the design, giving the RSD Tug 2513 excellent course-keeping and predictable sailing characteristics. Bollard pull is 75 tonnes ahead (push) and 71 tonnes astern (pull). At 25 metres in length, the RSD Tug 2513 is intentionally compact for operations in and around harbours and terminals, yet it still has the power and flexibility to manoeuvre even the largest vessels; safely, quickly and efficiently within restricted waters.

The new class also features a wide range of additional features including the new Damen Safety Glass for the wheelhouse. This shatterproof glass is similar to that used in the automotive sector and represents a huge step forward in crew protection. Other innovations include the glued superstructure to counter noise and vibration, and Damen’s remote monitoring system.

The first of the class, the Innovation, went on a tour managed by Damen Marine Services in the early summer. The trip took her around Europe from the Adriatic to the Baltic sea, stopping at nearly thirty ports to give customers from around the continent the opportunity to view and experience the vessel first-hand. The Innovationis now based in the Port of Rotterdam, where she is operated by Kotug Smit Towage.

The RSD Tug 2513 is the first of Damen’s next-generation tug series. These will deliver increased safety standards, lower operating costs and compliance with the next level in emissions reductions; IMO Tier III.

The other two finalists for the award are the dredger Scheldt Riverdesigned and built by Royal IHC, and the patrol vessel RPA 8, designed and built by Scheepswerf Gebr. Kooiman BV.

In 2014 Damen, together with its team of partners, won the KNVTS Ship of the Year Award for its SAR (Search And Rescue) 1906, a next-generation lifeboat developed for the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM).

Monitor Your Highly Corrosive Scrubber Systems With Ultrasonic Technology

Wednesday, 7th November 2018

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulated that ships must cut their sulphur oxide emissions by 2020.

As a result of this, shipping companies have turned to scrubber systems, which reduce the amount of sulphur emitted from burning fuels. Scrubber systems allow a ship to continue using cheaper bunker fuel than low sulphur fuel which reduces the switching cost to an entirely new fuel system. The sulphur in exhaust gas is neutralised in the scrubber tower by the absorbent used such as sea water and passed out from the discharge pipe.

Unfortunately, scrubber systems come with their own issues. The piping in the scrubber system is very prone to corrosion, particularly in the discharge valve. This is due to the elevated temperatures of the exhaust gas scrubber discharge which creates a very corrosive environment.

The risk is that a reduction in wall thickness would mean that corrosion is present.

Therefore, DNV GL has introduced a requirement whereby piping in scrubber systems should be annually checked for their thickness.

As stated in 2017 by DNV GL: “Newer SOx scrubber systems often are equipped with diffusers inside the distance piece. These diffusers themselves are vulnerable to corrosion attacks, but more important, their fixation to the distance piece, either welded or bolted, often forms a weak spot in the corrosion protection of the distance piece. For the safety of the crew and the vessel, we believe it is necessary that the condition of the distance piece be confirmed on a yearly basis.”

DNV, GL – Survey requirements for fleet in service Part 7, Chapter 1, Section 2, 3.1.9:“The wall thickness of distance piece(s) for SOx scrubber system discharge valve(s) shall be verified to be undiminished.”

The recommended solution is UTM (ultrasonic thickness measurement). Ultrasonics is the simple and effective solution for testing for corrosion, required by DNV GL. Coltraco Ultrasonics are proud industry experts in ultrasonic technology. Coltraco manufacture two industry leading ultrasonic thickness gauges, ideal for the regular testing of scrubber systems.

Portagauge® 3 is a low cost single-echo portable thickness gauge. The quick, simple and hardy Portagauge® 3 allows accuracy of ±0.1mm even on corroded, challenging and some plastic surfaces. With a 50 hour battery life, measuring thickness ranges between 1.5mm to 99.9mm and a variety of verified testing materials such as steel, quartz and glass PVC, the Portagauge® 3 provides the versatility to suit a range of safety needs. This easy to use ,highly dependable handheld unit is ideal for scrubber systems.

For more advanced requirements – identifying the metal only thickness – Coltraco Ultrasonics also have the Portagauge® 4 which is an advanced thickness gauge. Offering unparalleled accuracy, the Portagauge® 4 uses triple echo technology which allows operators to inspect the underlying metal thickness, independent of any surface coatings such as paint. For applications where true metal readings and a higher degree of accuracy is required, the Portagauge® 4 is the ideal solution. With a variety of sensor options available and underwater variants, this range of units can easily be adapted to a variety of different roles and requirements.

Padstow Boatyard adding another vessel to the UK Fishing Fleet

Friday, 2nd November 2018

Following on from their last successful fishing boat build, Padstow Boatyard have announced the start of their next boat building project. This time it’s a heavy displacement 12 metre PB40 commercial fishing vessel for a customer based in the North West of England.

Designed by renowned naval architect Gary Mitchell in conjunction with Pelagic Design in Falmouth, the build will take around twelve months to complete to full sail-away stage at which point it will go through sea trials ready for deployment within the UK commercial fishing fleet.

Constructed using a custom-built mould and the latest GRP boat building techniques this vessel will be at the forefront of fishing boat design and build.

Over the last few months the company have been going through a period of sustained growth. As well as taking on a new Business Manager and ramping up recruitment for boat building and laminating staff, the company have been busy building, repairing and re-fitting UK commercial vessels as well as manufacturing composite components and hulls for other suppliers throughout the UK and overseas.

Padstow Boatyard Director Will Claxton said, “We have been really pleased with the progress of the company over the last 12 months and can only see the business going from strength to strength given the demand for our services and our increased capabilities”.

In addition to this growth, they have developed a range of new designs for 10m, 12m and 15m vessels for UK and overseas fishermen in an effort to satisfy the demand for larger and deeper fishing vessels. With the need for greater stability in rough seas, higher capacity to store catch and more fuel-efficient design, these features enable fishing for weeks at a time and satisfy our fishing fleet’s changing requirements going forward.

Month: November 2018

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