Does your jetty need refurbishing?

Thursday, 15th August 2019

Marine Services (SW) Ltd can survey, repair, fabricate
and install pontoons, decking, steelwork, piling (both
above and below water), fendering, cleats, handrails.
Our skilled workforce and crew are qualified marine engineers, fabricators and welders, with a wealth of experience working over water on docks, marinas and foreshores.

As well as a fully equipped waterside engineering workshop, we have coded workboats, crane barges and road transportable unifloats to support work in harbours, foreshores and rivers.

We now also have a team of qualified commercial divers available for underwater surveys and repairs.

For further information please see our website www.marineservicessw.co.uk or contact us on 01752 318044

New Energy Contractors Insurance by Offshore & Marine Insurance Services Ltd

Thursday, 15th August 2019

Offshore and Marine has relaunched its energy contractors policy to provide the army of offshore and onshore energy professionals with flexible insurance for flexible working using their all new digital platform.

For over 40 years the OMIS team have provided freelance contractors in the oil and gas or renewable energy sectors with bespoke crafted insurance solutions. They have further improved their product, now with the ability to buy a 2 to 6 month short term coverage – so no matter your professional demands there’s a policy that fits your immediate needs.

The new online quote and buy platform allows you to access your quote, pay for your policy and have all of your documentation in your inbox all within minutes. It’s that simple.

The dedicated team at OMIS are still there for specialist advice over the phone and providing solutions to the most complex of your needs.

Visit Offshore & Marine Energy Contractors Insurance HERE or give the team a call on 0330 056 3665 today.

Delivering the Worldâ€™s Largest Crane

Thursday, 8th August 2019

Unveiled at the Port of Ghent in November 2018, Sarens SGC-250, the largest crane in the world, required a transport solution for delivery to the Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Plant (HPC) site in Somerset.

Destined for its first UK project, the SGC-250 will play a key role in constructing Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently the largest and most complex civil engineering project in the UK.

For this logistical challenge, the Collett Team were appointed to undertake all vessel discharge procedures, heavy lift services and heavy transport operations to deliver the massive structure in modular form.

On arrival at Avonmouth, the Collett Team worked two 12 hour day shifts to discharge all the components required to fully construct the 250m high SGC-250 Crane. With this tight timeframe in which to discharge the vessel, Collett utilised port cranes, mobile cranes and seven specialist vehicles, arranging and delivering each of the components to an agreed plan. With a designated laydown area at the Port, Collett systematically transported each of the cargoes to their designated storage plot, allowing ease of access to deliver each component in line with their specific construction schedule. With a cumulative weight of over 3,000 Metric Tonnes, each of the components were successfully discharged within the tight 24 hour timescale and safely stored quayside ready for onward delivery.

In line with the HPC Delivery Management System, which provided dedicated routes for the deliveries, and also pre-arranged dates and timeslots, Collett began transporting each of the crane components to the Somerset construction site. Beginning in April, and across the four following months, Collett undertook over 400 deliveries to the HPC site, travelling the 45 miles from Avonmouth and successfully delivering the SGC-250 components.

Once constructed, the crane will be responsible for lifting HPC’s heaviest components. It is planned that more than 600 heavy fabrications, including the five major parts of each unit’s steel containment liner and dome will be positioned by the SGC-250.

Damen installs solar panels at Dutch shipyards

Thursday, 8th August 2019

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Damen Shipyards Group is having solar panels installed at a number of its Dutch yards. Collectively, the installations will provide approximately 12 MW clean electricity per year.

Project manager, Gerard Kornet, of Damen explains, “At Damen, we always take a long-term view. It’s part of our culture as a family company, we want to ensure the sustainability of the business for the next generation. This means that what we do has to be both profitable and in tune with the environment in which we operate. We have a very strong focus on this and are continually considering initiatives that can contribute to a sustainable maritime industry.”

The project will see 42,000 solar panels installed on the rooftops of production facilities at eight Damen shipyards in the Netherlands. Collectively, the panels will cover some 75,000m2and generate 13% of the energy required by Damen’s annual operations in the country.

The first yard to be installed with the panels is Damen Shipyards Gorinchem West. It will be followed by Damen Dredging Equipment Nijkerk and Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld by the end of August. By the end of the year Damen Maaskant Shipyard Stellendam and Amels will also follow, with Damen Verolme, Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam and Damen Shipyards Gorinchem East both undergoing installation before the end of 2020.

This, however, is just the tip of the iceberg, as Gerard explains, “We are further developing the programme with the intention of assessing the viability of rolling out more solar panels – as well as wind energy – to our other shipyards, not only in the Netherlands, but also internationally. Wherever we are working in the world, we are committed to making sure our operations are as clean as can be.”

Royal Netherlands Navy Vessels Fitted with FarSounder FLS

Thursday, 8th 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.

Damen signs contract with Ports of Auckland for fully electric RSD-E Tug 2513

Thursday, 8th August 2019

Innovative vessel will be first fully electric ship-handling tug with 70 tonnes bollard pull

On 29thJuly, New Zealand’s Ports of Auckland signed a contract with the Damen Shipyards Group for the delivery of an innovative new vessel. The RSD-E Tug 2513will be the first fully-electric ship-handling tug in the world with 70 tonnes bollard pull. The vessel completes the green cycle of energy in the port with its unrivalled performance in sustainability.

Building on green foundations
Damen’sRSD Tug 2513, unveiled in 2018, already boasts extreme green credentials, being fuel-efficient and IMO Tier III ready. When the Ports of Auckland were looking to go a step further in terms of sustainable performance, they turned to Damen.

“We have set ourselves the goal of being zero emission by 2040,” says Tony Gibson, CEO of Ports of Auckland. “To meet this goal we needed to find a zero emission option for our tugs.”

“When we first looked into buying an electric tug in 2016, there was nothing on the market,” says Allan D’Souza, Ports of Auckland’s General Manager for Marine, Engineering and General Wharf Operations.

“We are very happy with our existing Damen ASD Tug 2411 and we knew Damen were building hybrid tugs, so Damen was a logical choice for a partner when we wanted to look at the possibility of developing a fully electric model. Damen’s willingness to think differently and invest in the necessary research and development has been critical to the success of this project.”

Damen design and proposal engineer Tugs Marc Baken takes up the story. “We looked into the request and we saw that it was technically possible. The next step was to consider the feasibility of full electrical operation from a business perspective.”

For this, Damen took data from the operational performance of Ports of Auckland’s existing ASD Tug 2411 and was able to work out what the battery requirements would be for the RSD-E Tug 2513.

Not re-inventing the wheel
As is usual of the Dutch shipbuilder’s approach, Damen’s role in the development and construction of the RSD-E Tug 2513 extends beyond shipbuilding. Damen is involved in the entire process, from start to finish.

“This involves working to our philosophy of modularization and standardisation,” says Marc. “Taking proven components already in the market place and applying them to the vessel, for reliable efficiency.”

This includes, for example, the charging station, which is based on technology that has already demonstrated it credentials in the automotive industry. A simple system, it features four cables on the vessel being connected to the station. Once connected, the 1.5MW charger takes just two hours to fully charge RSD-E Tug 2513.

Highly redundant
The tug has high levels of redundancy in its power systems. The electrical system has built-in redundancy, with the batteries arranged in strings; if one battery in a string fails, the others simply carry on the work.

To ensure absolute safety – of utmost importance in shipping – the tug also has two 1000kW generator sets. They provide enough power for the tug to operate at 40 tonnes bollard pull in the event of an electrical system failure or if the vessel needs to operate beyond its battery capacity.

To be clear though, this is not a hybrid system. In normal operation, the generators will not be used as the vessel and its battery system has been designed to meet the port’s normal operational needs

Serving the energy transition
Like Damen, Ports of Auckland and New Zealand as a nation are committed to sustainability. Already around 40% of primary energy generated in the country comes from renewable sources, including 80% of electricity, which comes primarily from hydropower and geothermal power.

“As a result of this,” explains Sjoerd de Bruin, Damen sales manager Asia Pacific, “The RSD-E Tug 2513 completes the cycle of sustainability, being not only clean on emissions, but also in its source of power. This is great news for the region and also for other ports around the world with green ambitions. Ports of Auckland have taken a bold step in pioneering the use of fully electric harbour tugs and it is an honour to work with them on this project. This aligns neatly with our mission of reforming the maritime industry. We are not only building a tug, we are using disruptive technology to help serve the energy transition. We aim to use the lessons learned on this project – as well as those on others we are involved with, such as the development of fully electric ferries and waterbuses – to increase the sustainability of the entire portfolio of products and services that Damen provides.”

Southampton based company celebrates 50th networking meeting

Thursday, 8th August 2019

More than 60 people attended the latest Breakfast Club meeting to be organised by longstanding Southampton company Williams Shipping Group.

Williams’ Breakfast Club brings together representatives from businesses and local organisations to network over a cooked breakfast and a presentation from a speaker with local or marine connection. These events have been held several times each year since 1997, with previous speakers including the Royal Navy’s Lt Cdr Robert Hawkins MBE, ABP’s Alastair Welch, and Rex Taylor from the National Oceanographic Centre.

Williams Shipping is a family company involved in a range of logistics and marine activities in Southampton and across the UK. Founded in 1894, 2019 marks the company’s 125thanniversary. In addition, this was the company’s 50thbreakfast meeting.

To commemorate the occasion, Colin Williams gave a presentation on the history of Williams Shipping, with a range of photographs drawn from the family’s own archives as well as local and public records. Colin is a 4thgeneration Williams, one of the great-grandchildren of founder George Williams, and remains an active director in the company.
For the first time, the Breakfast Meeting was held at the Grand Café, which proved to be a suitably grand venue for the occasion. Attendees came from organisations including Southampton City Council, Red Funnel, ABP, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

Fran Johnson is Stone Marine Shipcares new Managing Director

Thursday, 8th August 2019

Stone Marine Shipcare has appointed Fran Johnson as Managing Director following the recent retirement of Don Quilliam. Johnson joined the company in 1997 as an apprentice and has been promoted through various positions culminating in his becoming Operations Director in 2015. During his years as a Service Technician and later, as a Service Supervisor, he travelled extensively, fine tuning his knowledge and expertise in propeller repair and servicing. This, together with his now considerable management experience places him in an ideal position for his new role.

Don Quilliam, who has over fifty years’ of propeller manufacturing and service knowledge, continues to be employed by Stone Marine Shipcare on a part time basis as a Technical Consultant.

Diverse Marine Contract â€˜Seacat Rainbowâ€™ with Seacat Services

Thursday, 8th August 2019

Three months after signing a new build agreement for ‘Seacat Weatherly’ with Seacat Services Ltd., the yard is pleased to confirm that an option for a further identical vessel to be named ‘Seacat Rainbow’ has been contracted.

‘Seacat Rainbow’ is the second vessel in the Chartwell Marine 24 series and will be powered by twin MTU 12V2000M72 1450hp main engines and Kongsberg Kamewa S56 water jet units. The vessel, built to BV class, under survey and HSC-OSC for 26px/industrial personnel, will be delivered Q3, 2020.

Ben Colman, Director of Diverse Marine states “We are proud to confirm that contracts have been signed with Seacat for a second new build, a very humbling experience for Diverse Marine. We are very grateful to Seacat for their commitment and look forward to working with them through the build and delivery of these two vessels.”

‘Seacat Weatherly’ is progressing quickly with the experienced team engaging Aluminium Marine Consultants to complete the fabrication and welding phases of the build. As we enter week 9 of construction, the structure is all standing, lower shell plates are in place and the vessel is scaffolded and staged ready for the upper shell plates to be welded into place. In parallel to this the fuel tanks and bow fender structure are in place and complete.

Colman adds: “Choosing the right team is paramount to the success of this first of class project and we are very pleased with how the build is progressing. Of course, there are challenges, the usual first of class issues and delays in the supply chain, but we have worked through them using our experience and working with the supply chain to ensure timely and quality deliveries.”

‘Seacat Weatherly’ and ‘Seacat Rainbow’ are the notable new builds but the yard has also recently delivered ‘HM1’, a new build 9m RIB to Cowes Harbour Commission and are currently building a 10m Survey Catamaran ‘Coastal Observer’ for Audacious Marine Services and a further 9m RIB ‘Sea Kitten’ for a private client.

Diverse Marine is a brand now synonymous with high quality new builds and refits with a committed workforce and loyal supply chain capable of working on any project and overcoming any challenge with a quality, timely and cost effective solution.

New LeeSan Pumpout Station for Tarbert Harbour on Loch Fyne in Scotland

Thursday, 8th August 2019

Situated on the eastern side of the Loch, Tarbert Harbour is a premier location for leisure boating. It provides a safe haven for sailors and has now expanded its “green” credentials by installing a sanitation waste pumpout station.

The harbour management contacted Lee Sanitation, the UK's No.1 supplier and installer of pumpout stations, to carry out this work.

Bearing in mind the future plans to increase the number of berths at the marina, the LeeSan team made a complete assessment of the existing arrangements for sanitation waste (the harbour had no existing Pumpout Station) and specified the ideal system, while also making suggestions for reconfiguring the existing infrastructure to meet the required criteria.

These proposals were accepted and LeeSan installed a LS160WTS Station. This has an integral transfer unit which allows for an efficient discharge of the waste through smaller diameter pipework, over maximum distances and heads.

Also included in the specification was an energy chain to cope with the rise and fall in tide and a 1/200 flood level of 4.8m.

The system was successfully commissioned and handed over to the client at the beginning of June 2019.

To complete the relationship with the Harbour, LeeSan arranged for a local pump engineering company to provide prompt ongoing servicing and maintenance ensuring that the system would continue to give good service for many years.

Month: August 2019

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