LK Quick Closing Valve Systems – Used Today By Ship Owners All Over The World

Tuesday, 27th August 2019

LK quick closing valve systems were introduced in 2006. The now tried and tested quick closing valves and control stations are selected by ship yards worldwide and used on all types of vessels, rigs and platforms.

LK Valves & Controls have had great success in supplying LK quick closing control systems on many new vessels built in UK ship yards. Some recent examples are as follows:
 

• An LK hydraulic control station plus 17 LK quick closing globe valves per ship, were installed on board all four Samuel Beckett Class ocean patrol vessels. All four vessels were built in a shipyard in Devon. The forth vessel in class, the LE George Bernard Shaw, was delivered to Haulbowline Naval Base in October 2018.

• LK Valves & Controls delivered a hydraulic control cabinet together with a couple of bulkhead mounted hydraulic release units and a small number of LK quick closing globe valves to a UK ship yard in October 2018, all within 3 weeks of receiving the order. This LK quick closing valve system was for a new ferry named Red Kestrel launched in February 2019 and due to be completed in the spring.

• LK Valves & Controls supplied 2 pneumatic control stations to the new polar research vessel the RRS Sir David Attenborough currently under construction in a UK yard. These port side and starboard side pneumatic control stations will be piped to all the quick closing valves aboard this vessel.

Quick closing valves are installed on tanks containing inflammable liquids as required by SOLAS. The control stations are installed in a safe area and, in an emergency, will rapidly and remotely close the valves that are mounted on the pipes from the vessels fuel or oil tanks.

Each LK quick closing valve incorporates a universal release cylinder which is designed to be used for hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical release and is also fitted with an integral automatic fire release. The valves are a high quality compact design, available in straight and angled pattern and are Type Approved by all major Classification Societies.

The pneumatic control stations are available with a large number of combinations. These cabinets are equipped with one or more internal air vessels to guarantee the number of releases required by the major Classification Societies, even if the external air supply is lost during an emergency situation.

The hydraulic control stations are based on one handle for releasing one to six valves, the standard cabinet can hold up to six handles. Each handle has a separated oil reservoir and the system is a closed-circuit independent from any external power. The hydraulic control stations are also available without a cabinet, delivered in groups of 1, 2 or 3 handles. Cabinets are available in painted mild steel or stainless steel with breakable glass window and hammer.

As an option both pneumatic and hydraulic control stations can be fitted with a 115-230V AC valve monitoring system (VMS) which can be mounted inside the control station cabinets or externally in a separate cabinet. The VMS has a built-in un-interruptible power supply and a system monitor configured with alarm signals for low air pressure and loss of electric power. The unit incorporates 10 valve monitor modules, each module indicating open and closed position for up to 8 valves groups, in total 80 valves.

If you have any questions with regards to the above or would like a quote, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced sales team, details are as follows:- 

Tel.       : 0151 548 3300
Email    : sales@lkvalvesandcontrols.co.uk
 

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Damen wins UX Design Award for Human Machine Interface for Tugs

Tuesday, 27th August 2019

Damen Shipyards Group has won an award for the Human Machine Interface that it has been developing over the past two years for its Next Generation Tug Series. The UX Design Awards are intended to honour innovative solutions that add value to applications, technologies and services through positive experiences, thereby strengthening people's abilities, enabling novel applications and facilitating access to new fields of knowledge.

The Human Machine Interface (HMI) developed by Damen in partnership with VanBerlo has won a Product 2019 Award. The systemwas created in close consultation with captains and chief engineers to improve the safety and efficiency of Damen’s tugs by providing the crew with the information needed to control and operate the vessel in a format that is as easy to use as a mobile device. 

“During operations, decision making by the crew has to be quick, despite them being under pressure, so any information has to be clear and relevant to each particular stage of the operation,” explains Damen’s Jeffrey Jacobs, Technical Manager Tugs. “At the same time the ease of operating the system requires an intuitive and simple interaction. The HMI covers the full integrated class-approved Alarm, Monitoring and Control system and can be accessed from the wheelhouse control station, on the main deck and in the switchboard rooms of the tugs. The system is also future-ready having been designed to accept additional applications on multiple devices at a later stage.”

The #UXDA19 expert jury nominated 51 projects from over 20 countries to participate in the UX Design Awards 2019. From those it selected ten winners based in two days of thorough testing and intensive deliberation. In making the award to Damen, the jury stated that: “the Tugboat Alarm, Monitoring and Control System stands out for its innovative visual design and user-centered development process, especially in the context of the maritime industry. The system balances visual material and data well. Being both context and role-sensitive, it is a flawless example of a tailor-made approach that meets the requirements of different user groups, including captains and engineers.”

The awards will be presented during a gala ceremony taking place at the global technology show IFA in Berlin on 6 September 2019. Damen will also be demonstrating the system to the public as part of a special exhibition at the show.

Users worldwide now have the opportunity to vote for their favorite solutions. Voting for the audience prize “UX Design Award | Public Choice” opened on 20 August and continues until 31 October 2019 on the UX Design Awards website: https://www.ux-design-awards.com/en/teilnehmer/2019. The winner of the audience prize will be announced in November 2019.

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Wardle Marine Services New Cube Logo

Tuesday, 27th August 2019

Wardle Marine Services have been steadily growing over the past few years and their modular cube systems have been a huge part of this. 

The cubes not only create pontoons flexible enough for rougher waters (have a look at the You Tube video of surfers using them as a platform to jump onto the waves from!) they are also variable enough to have moon pools, to double or triple stack, and to create in a variety of formations, exclusive to the client’s specific design. Wardle Marine recently got in touch with their manufacturer PMS and ordered a logo stamp for their cubes, which are now embossed in the centre, so everyone can see who they’ve been bought or hired from, which they love! Oliver Wardle said ‘We are really pleased with the new cube logo, it looks great and I feel it will give our clients a sense of partnership with us.’

Rentals are becoming a bigger and bigger part of the business, for which currently, the cubes are solely used, but the team are looking into building stock for Rotodock rentals too. Renting cubes can be a cost effective way of utilizing the pontoon systems for shorter periods of time. Many commercial clients have used them for a huge variety of jobs, from window cleaning, bridge repairs, taking core samples, private events, public events and diving platforms. Renting is becoming almost as popular as purchasing, and WMS have recently increased their stock levels to cope with the increase in demand. Obviously renting the cubes with the logo on is great for Marketing and PR and gets the name out to a huge variety of locations. The cube systems can be rented with many accessories, such as handrails and rope, various moorings, cleats, eye bolts and fenders. The engineering team at Wardle Marine have also recently made bespoke bracket items for a rental job, as Ciarran (Marketing and PR) said: ‘It’s likely that if one client needs a specific ‘one off’ product for their rental, you can be assured someone else will too, in the future. We are more than happy to accommodate client’s individual requests for rental jobs and nearly every time have been able to supply a part or product that fulfils their needs.’.

The modular cubes are a huge part of the Wardle Marine business, whether for purchasing or renting; a straight pontoon, or completing a drive on dock. The team appear very proud to have their logo embossed in the centre, a sure sign of an ongoing, burgeoning relationship.

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Improved Quality Fabrication works at Durham Lifting

Wednesday, 21st August 2019

Having extended its fabrication department recently, Durham lifting have been able to increase its range of service once again with the enhancement of their fabrication facility in Teesside.  

Skilled Welders are producing some of the Best Lifting Frames, Beams, Support Structures, Onshore and Offshore components to date.  Enhancing its Iso status to ensure full compliance with current standards and procedures.  Supported with an  Internal Design Services, and Testing on site.  Producing a One Stop Shop Arrangement – providing the client with an all-round service for Lifting Services.

Amanda Gardiner, MD states “Whenever we design something new, 

we talk to the user, work out what … specifically, they require and then take the time to ensure “WE Get it Right”.

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DLM Design and Manufacture new Detrenching Grapnel

Thursday, 15th August 2019

Dynamic Load Monitoring, specialists in the design and manufacture of Load Cell’s and Cable Working equipment based in Southampton, UK are pleased to announce the design, manufacture and deployment of a new 1.5m penetration Detrenching Grapnel.

The new Detrenching Grapnel has been several months in development by DLM’s Engineers, drawing from many years experience in the Offshore Cable Laying industry. The Detrenching Grapnel is designed to penetrate the seabed to depths of up to 1.5m and will be used for recovering out of service subsea cable previously buried. Currently deployed on a European Cable Ship it has already undergone successful trials and will be used shortly in up coming Detrenching operations.

The new Detrenching Grapnel can be fitted with two 1.5m penetration removeable flukes which are also fitted with shear pins to prevent damage to the grapnel. The shear pin is designed to fail when a load of 15t is seen at the tip of the Detrenching fluke, which provides protection to the Grapnel. When combined with a DLM Running Line Monitor mounted on the deck of the vessel to measure the line tension in the Grapnel tow wire, an increase in the load indicates to the operator that cable has been caught. Conversely a drop in tension would indicate that the shear pin has failed and requires replacement. 

Some new features of the 1.5m Detrenching Grapnel include replaceable wear tips fitted to the Grapnel fluke which protects from excessive wear, twin sided operation with the ability to fit two flukes and a compact foldable design for storage and transportation.

Martin Halford Managing Director at DLM commented;  “With subsea cable burial depths over the years progressively increasing due to the ability to lay and bury cable at deeper depths, we were frequently seeing the requirements from the Offshore industry to recover cable at depths of 1.5m. For many years 1.1m Detrenching had been the standard and we were able to offer our existing Detrenching Grapnel or Wheeled Detrenching Grapnel, however drawing on our experience in the design of Grapnels and Subsea Cable Laying equipment we were able to completely re-engineer our existing model to meet the new demands of the industry. The new Grapnel will be added into our ever expanding hire fleet and will also be available for purchase in the near future”. 

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Manor Renewable Energy welcome new Head of Sales

Thursday, 15th August 2019

Manor Renewable Energy (MRE) has further expanded their senior management team with the appointment of Billy Hamilton, who will be joining the company as Head of Sales.

With an extensive experience of the offshore wind and marine civils sectors, Hamilton’s primary role will be to target projects requiring the full capability of the Manor Group; in tandem he’ll play a senior role in the expansion of the company, both across Europe and on a global scale.

Speaking about his appointment he said, “the Manor companies have large scale capability and potential and we see a huge amount of repeat work because of the standards we set, and I am looking forward to starting this new challenge.”

Business Director Toby Mead commented “Billy is well regarded within the offshore renewables industry and brings a wealth of experience and valuable industry connections to Manor; at the same time his drive, character and ambition is without doubt, right for the company and we are looking forward to working with him in the years ahead.”

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Royal Netherlands Navy Vessels Fitted with FarSounder FLS

Thursday, 15th August 2019

FarSounder’s Forward-Looking Sonar (FLS) is the latest in innovative maritime technology to be included on the Royal Netherlands Navy’s (RNLN) hydrographic survey vessels, the HNLMS Snellius (A802) and HNLMS Luymes (A803). The company's 3D sonar systems will provide real-time data on what lies ahead under the water as the ships navigate the seas, giving both crews an elevated sense of safety and security as part of their mid-life upkeep (MLU).

These ships’ missions will be both military and public safety operations. However, the primary task of these vessels is to perform hydrographic survey duties in both the North Sea and the Netherlands Antilles. These duties include rapid environmental assessments, in addition to bathymetry and route surveys. Ultimately, these vessels will collect data for the Hydrographic Service of the sea.

One of the most useful applications of the FarSounder FLS for these vessels is its Local History Mapping (LHM). This capability allows for true real-time mapping of the seafloor. This map updates every two seconds and will have the ability to be saved for future use. It will be most advantageous during the ships’ post disaster missions. On these types of missions, the ships will be tasked to collect data in areas of concern after storms when bottoms can shift and debris is inevitable. 

Along with these new hydrographic survey vessels, the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet is heading to Damen Shipyards Den Helder for an extensive upgrade program. The two vessel projects being fitted with FarSounder FLS are contracted by Radio Holland Netherlands B.V, one of FarSounder’s dealers. In addition, Sally Dale, of Pinpoint Electronics, was instrumental in introducing the RNLN to FarSounder’s technology.  

With the FarSounder FLS aboard, these vessels will have the advantage of having real-time 3D data that updates at every ping on their bridge. FarSounder's sonar will be critical as they carry out a variety of operations by providing both reliable navigation and the ability to perform duties safely as they set out to explore the lesser charted areas of the world’s oceans.

About FarSounder
FarSounder, Inc. is a U.S. based high technology marine electronics manufacturer specializing in underwater acoustics. With unique patented technology, the company has a global customer base of commercial, government, and private sector users. The company is the recognized leader in real time 3D sonar systems and has been selling its flagship navigation and obstacle avoidance systems since 2004. FarSounder's product lines include its Ship Protection System, which followed years of both IR&D and U.S. government funded research. The 2015 Tibbetts Award winning FarSounder Ship Protection System is for those owner/operators who demand the best solutions for ensuring the safety of their passengers and crew. The system provides detection, classification, and alarms of underwater threats. Portside, platform, and shore based systems are also available for waterfront security.

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Ultrasonics Testing onboard HQS “Wellington” Historic Ship, London

Thursday, 15th August 2019

The Honourable Company of Master Mariners (HCMM) invited Coltraco Ultrasonics aboard their headquarters, the historic HQS “Wellington”, alongside Victoria Embankment, London in July 2019. 
 
HCMM are “a London Livery Company with membership open to British and Commonwealth Master Mariners from the Merchant and Royal Navies.” CEO of Coltraco Ultrasonics, Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter, is also a member.
 
Built in 1933, the HQS Wellington is the last surviving member of the Grimsby class of sloops, which served valiantly during the Second World War. The Wellington Trust ensure the preservation of this historic ship. The engineering team from the Trust invited members of the Coltraco team to test metal thickness and corrosion onboard using the Portagauge® 3 portable single echo ultrasonic thickness gauge – manufactured by Coltraco Ultrasonics in the UK. 
 
Testing of the Portagauge® 3 and its sister product the Portagauge® 4 triple echo multigauge led to sound results helping to prove the ship’s worthiness for years to come.
 
After testing HCMM and Coltraco Ultrasonics teams discussed topics including encouraging a safety culture at sea, women in maritime and Coltraco’s CEO’s vision for eradicating modern slavery at sea. In line with the UK Government’s Maritime 2050 Strategy focussing on improving safety at sea, Coltraco Ultrasonics’ technology is designed to deliver the Safeship®: improving safety for vessel, crew and assets. The core range targets the two main causes of vessel loss sinking (by watertight integrity testing) and fire (by fire suppression system testing). 
 
As seen in the photos, the team were able to test a range of their award-winning FLEETSAFE® package of innovative marine safety tools; suitable for crew use as they are easy to use, accurate and reliable. 

1. Contents verification of fixed gaseous fire suppression systems (CO2, NOVEC™ 1230 and FM-200™, etc) via Portalevel® MAX Marine
2. Convert liquid level to weight or mass of suppressant agent via Portasteele® CALCULATOR
3. Test watertight integrity of watertight doors, hatch covers and MCT's via Portascanner® WATERTIGHT
4. Inspect metal thickness and corrosion  of cylinders + pipework via Portagauge® 3 and Portagauge® 4
5. Check for bearing wear and tear in rotating machinery via Portamonitor® 

Coltraco Ultrasonics, industry leaders when it comes to flow measurement for fuels and lubricants,  would like to thank the Honourable Company of Master Mariners for inviting the team onboard.

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Landau UK Named as Distributor of Shockwave S5 Marine Suspension Seating

Thursday, 15th August 2019

Swanwick based Landau UK are delighted to be announced as a UK Distributor of the Shockwave S5 Marine Suspension Seating.  

Shockwave seating is making waves in the recreational and commercial marine sectors with a new easy to install, cost-effective, marine suspension module that protects boaters from the shock of wave impact and increases their comfort and safety.   The shock mitigating seating is designed and manufactured in Canada using military-grade components providing unmatched protection and safety, revolutionizing what is possible on the water.

No one tests like Shockwave. Based in the North Pacific they are perfectly placed to constantly test their products in real-world conditions in some of the most severe seas on the planet. They also conduct comprehensive drop testing and safety analysis in order to develop products that exceed the requirements of elite military organizations internationally.

The key features of Shockwave S5 Marine Suspension Seating include:

• Protects boaters from the shock of wave impact
• Genuine comfort with the Corbin2 Seat, RockShox shock absorber and military-grade components
• Longer days on the water with less impact on the body
• Travel further with less physical fatigue
• Extends the long-term health of boaters.

Landau UK are able to supply the marine suspension modules, seats, swivels and swivel slide, height adjust and shock pump and gauge.

Available now through Landau UK by visiting their website at www.landauuk.comemailing service@landauuk.comor calling +44(0) 1489 577588. 

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LiftEx 2019 open for registration

Thursday, 15th August 2019

Visitor registration is open for LiftEx 2019, which takes place on 13-14 November 2019 at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, UK. 

In a new development, Day Two of LiftEx 2019 will have a sharp focus on training and knowledge. LEEA Learning & Development and Technical teams will be offering visitors free training sessions and clinics in the Open Learning Zone. This will be an open learning environment for visitors supported by TEAM card assessment sessions, mini presentations on specific subjects and technical updates, with the opportunity to gain a certificate of CPD attendance.

There will also be a programme of speakers delivering Business Support Sessions. These will offer free industry-specific advice to visitors on IT, GDPR, legislation, HR issues, and more. 

Now in its fifteenth year, LiftEx is the unmissable global event for the lifting industry. It will bring together 100 exhibitors, over 1000 industry professionals attending, two days of educational content as well as the industry awards. 

LEEA’s flagship event, LiftEx inspires, educates and unites the industry through educational and technical sessions, presentations on innovation, a packed exhibition floor and the must-attend LEEA Awards dinner.

Throughout LiftEx 2019, visitors have the opportunity to join their peers, potential suppliers and customers as well as industry professionals from a wide range of vertical markets – including rail, construction, renewable energy, civil engineering, entertainment, road & maritime transport, health & safety, utilities and manufacturing.

To view the LiftEx experience, visit http://www.liftex.orgto watch a video made at last year’s event. For further details on visiting or exhibiting at LiftEx, please contact the events team on +44 (0) 203 488 2865 or email enquiries@L2Events.com.

For sponsorship and exhibition enquiries, please contact Leah Phelps on +44 (0) 20 3488 2865, or email enquiries@L2events.com. Further details can be found at: www.liftex.org.

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