WesCom Signal and Rescue distributor joins the Singapore Association Shipsuppliers and Services Council

Monday, 30th September 2019

WesCom Signal and Rescue’s distributor in Singapore, Safety Innovators, is proud to announce its Business Development Manager has been appointed onto the Singapore Association Ship suppliers and Services (SASS) Council.

Yanming Bay, Business Development Manager at Safety Innovators, was recognised and voted to join the council for her commitment to the industry and work within her company. Yanming will be supporting the association with several of the upcoming initiatives – including improving the digitalisation of the industry.

Yanming comments, “I got involved in SASS because I wanted to inspire more women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. I also believe that the marine and shipping industry needs to catch up with other sectors, particularly with regards to the adoption of new technologies. The marine industry is behind in terms of automation and digitalisation, so this is a particular focus for me.”

The Council has already recognised the need to improve the digitalisation of the industry, and for the last year has been working on an industry study with the Marine Port Authority of Singapore, an Industry RoundTable on Efficiency 4.0, and a Masterclass in Digital Transformation – Fast Value from 4.0 Data Analytics.

In association with the SASS Council, Yanming will also be working with the marine port authorities to improve the standards and quality of products supplied within the marine industry – something she particularly passionate about through her company’s work with WesCom Signal and Recue.

Safety Innovators is a leading supplier of safety, life-saving and firefighting equipment in Singapore, operating since 1987. The company has been a supplier of Pains Wessex for approximately 20 years. Fairly recently, we have included Comet pyrotechnics into our family of products as well. We stand by the importance of quality products particularly when seafarer’s lives depend on it.

For more information about SASS: www.sass.org.sg/about-us/history/ and for more information about Safety Innovators, please visit: www.safetyinnovators.com.

For further information about WesCom Signal and Rescue, please visit: www.wescomsignal.com.

Walker Marine Design celebrates contract win with Canadaâ€™s MetalCraft Marine Inc. for new-build fire-fighting vessel

Monday, 30th September 2019

The team at the award-winning naval architect firm, Walker Marine Design (WMD), has announced the contract win of a specialist, new fire-fighting (FiFi) vessel order from Canada’s MetalCraft Marine Inc. (MCM).

The new vessel, namely the FireCat is first in class and has been customised to precisely meet MCM’s Kuwaiti customer’s specific requirements. The end-user required a high-speed catamaran being capable of delivering a multitude of duties including; vessel escort, humanitarian and disaster relief, casualty evacuation and marine fire-fighting.

Following extensive research and discussion, the resultant design for the craft is based on a wind farm service vessel (WFSV), which provides the solution to speed and stability, together with enhanced access via extended stern platforms, as well as a docking station and crane for the daughter craft.

The FiFi vessel will be equipped with two MTU engines delivering speeds of up to 25 knots. She features a twin-storied wheelhouse which will provide excellent visibility, will carry four crew, and is fitted with 4 berth cabin, medical room, and equipment storage space. She also uniquely boasts six monitors, which deliver 11,000 gallons per minute.

Eric Connell, of MCM comments: “Having seen their previous vessel builds, we were confident of WMD’s experience in designing high speed catamarans and therefore approached them to discuss our vessel aspirations. The team at WMD provide an exceptional level of design expertise and are highly responsive. We are confident that this is the start of a fruitful and long-lasting relationship between our businesses.”

James Walker, Principal Naval Architect of WMD comments: “This is a fantastic achievement for WMD, particularly as we have been selected from a global list of established players. This vessel wholly reflects our business’ ethos of delivering innovative naval architecture to a worldwide audience. Our designs are already operating successfully in Asia, Europe and the Americas, and this contract further cements our belief that WMD is the best in its field.”

Headquartered in Southampton, UK, WMD’s vessel designs span pilot boats, workboats, research & survey ships, wind farm service vessels, through to specialist craft for high speed patrolling and for search and rescue operations. WMD designed craft are in active service globally, operating as far afield as South America, UK, central Europe and Asia.

WMD recently unveiled its first in class 14 metre high-speed FiFi pilot vessel, which was built with Aluminium Marine Consultants as part of a tri-party agreement together with UK leading emergency services vehicle supplier, Angloco, for clients in South America.

The 25 metre FireCat build will commence imminently, with delivery to Kuwait anticipated in 2021.
Visit www.walkermarinedesign.co.uk to find out more.

Marine Potable Water Test Kit

Wednesday, 25th September 2019

Whilst freshwater appears to form a small part of vessels normal, operating parameters, if left unattended it can have a significant bearing on the crew's health and well being. Therefore water on board must be free of all pathogenic organisms and harmful chemicals. To achieve this, you are required to carry out regular documented inspections of the vessel's drinking water supplies.

IM&M Ltd has introduced a Marine Water Test Kit to help comply with this legislation. It allows ship staff to monitor and maintain the quality of the water and systems on board the vessels, providing tests for common infectious bacteria that help reduce the risk to health.

Legislation Information

Following the introduction of the new MLC 2006 in August 2013, ship owners, managers, and crew need to understand how this legislation affects them
Vessel's must be able to develop and implement measures to ensure ongoing compliance with its requirements
Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) requirements – Frequent documented inspections are carried out
World Health Organisation (WHO) state – Source water is monitored to ensure the water is safe. Also water distribution network is monitored for water quality (Residuals and Ph quality of treated water)
International Shipping Chamber (ICS) advice – Prepare a declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance for vessels (evidence the vessel meets MLC requirements)
International Labour Organisation (ILO) – Check water quality at different outlets

IM&M are able to support the marine industry in implementing a water safety plan type approach which formalises those things required by WHO, ILO, IHR and now MLC 2006

Direct Gaskets have again been awarded Best Gasket Manufactures & Suppliers by SME News

Wednesday, 25th September 2019

‘The 2019 Northern Enterprise Awards celebrates the industriousness and dedication of the businesses and enterprises hailing from the north of England’ – and Direct Gaskets are privileged to have been nominated

Taken from their site, they state ‘The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition’

Thank you all for making this award possible for us

SP to Show New Centre of Gravity Software at Offshore Energy

Wednesday, 25th September 2019

Load cell manufacturer Straightpoint (SP) will display new wireless centre of gravity software at this year’s Offshore Energy Exhibition and Conference (OEEC), which takes place 7-9 October 2019 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The expo is staged on the last two days of the event.

SP will exhibit at the show (Stand 1.616) for the third successive year and introduce the Insight programme to buying decision makers from the oil and gas, offshore wind, and marine energy sectors. Insight is designed for use with large capacity load cells and allows users to quickly report weight and centre of gravity before the lift when moving heavy items such as jackets, topsides, skids and other support structures offshore.

David Mullard, business development manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at SP, said: “The new and improved software is faster, easier to use, and far more graphical than its predecessor. Knowing the weight distribution of heavy items is essential before they are lifted offshore.”

SP will also display a variety of other wares on a 3m by 3m stand, including its popular Radiolink plus load cell, designed to be rigged with Crosby standard shackles. The wireless tension load cell is capable of weighing and dynamic load monitoring in capacities from 1t to 500t, from stock. It is available in a long range, 2.4GHz version, providing 700m or 2,300 ft. range to the manufacturer’s handheld or wireless software; or in Bluetooth that can be connected to any smart phone running SP’s free HHP app on iOS or Android, at ranges up to 100m or 328ft.

Zone 0, 1 and 2 ATEX and IECEx versions are available.
Mullard, who will represent SP at Offshore Energy alongside David Ayling, global business development director for load monitoring solutions, said: “In the offshore environment people look for durable, reliable, proven products with high IP [ingress protection] ratings. The RLP boasts IP67 protection and is the go-to model in the offshore industry, as it is in many other marketplaces. Who wants to take chances in remote locations out at sea?”

Green offshore future
Mullard anticipates that the show will again deliver a breadth of demographic to the aisles, including industry professionals who have knowledge of the challenges and opportunities specific to the sector—some of those problems can be solved by load monitoring, he said—but also people interested in a green offshore future and youngsters hoping to learn and understand if this might be the industry for them as they decide upon career paths.

He added: “I also expect to see owners, entrepreneurs and key decision makers looking to make new contacts and form new partnerships. Load links are always popular for monitoring loads when people are lifting, pulling, tensioning and testing offshore. Around 30-40% of our current business is generated by the offshore industry, but when energy markets are strong, oil prices are high or when new offshore wind projects kick off, that figure can rise significantly, especially as customers demand large capacity load cells. That’s when we start to get enquiries for 500t up to 1,500t units.

“With Big Carl, the 5,000t capacity Sarens super heavy lift ring crane, ready to start work at the Hinkley Point nuclear power station project in Somerset [UK] the indications are that the energy sector will continue to push boundaries—onshore and offshore.”

SP was recently acquired by The Crosby Group, the global leader in lifting, rigging, and material handling hardware. Visit Offshore Energy Exhibition and Conference Stand 1.616.

SAAM Towage contracts Damen for delivery of tug vessel

Thursday, 19th September 2019

In August 2019 Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with SAAM Towage for the delivery of an ASD Tug 2813 to SAAM Mexico for operations in the port of Veracruz. This order is the latest milestone in a business relationship spanning several decades and involving numerous vessels.

Due to an existing relationship built on previous shared success, SAAM Towage approached Damen sales manager Ezequiel Najmias with a possible order. Ezequiel used the opportunity to invite SAAM Towage representatives to visit the Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam. This allowed the client to view the shipyard’s production line, where they were able to see the entire shipbuilding process, from steel cutting right through to completion, looking at different tug vessels at different stages of construction.

“Seeing the entire process first-hand was an insightful experience for all of us,” said Pablo E. Caceres, SAAM Towage technical director. “We were able to get a close-up view of Damen’s operational standards, which we find very impressive. Together with Damen’s excellent track record of previous deliveries, confirming their high standards in action is the reason we decided to order the vessel from Damen.”

Damen has a long and busy history of supplying vessels to the Latin American market. Its relationship with SAAM dates back to 1995, and has seen considerable evolution since then. As part of its growth management in the region, Damen partnered with Wilson Sons through the Damen Technical Cooperation (DTC) in the 1990s, enabling Damen to support clients with vessel construction at a location of their choice.

The major port operator in the Americas, SAAM is a leading company providing towage services in South America and operates in thirteen countries over two continents.

“We’re very happy to supply SAAM Towage again,” said Ezequiel Najmias, “as a continuation of our productive relationship. The ASD Tug 2813 is highly maneuverable, while also being powerful and offering a high level of crew comfort, so it will certainly be an asset to the fleet. SAAM Towage requested a vessel with over 80 tonnes bollard pull, and the ASD Tug 2813 is an ideal fit, with a maximum bollard pull of 85 tonnes and a top speed of 13 knots.”

The ASD Tug 2813 is a standard Damen product, allowing Damen to guarantee the fast delivery of a proven product. The ASD 2813 Tug’s systems are modular, allowing the possibility for customisation to the client’s requirements without incurring massive additional costs. On this occasion, SAAM Towage’s only additional option was the inclusion of a FiFi1 unit, providing firefighting capability to the vessel.

The ASD Tug 2813 will be delivered from Damen’s Song Cam shipyard to SAAM Mexico in January 2020.

FIFISH V6 Underwater Drone / ROV with 6 Thrusters and 4K Camera

Friday, 13th September 2019

Mantsbrite Marine Electronics have been appointed as UK and Irish Distributor for the FIFISH V6, the world’s first omnidirectional underwater Drone / ROV. The FIFISH V6 is powered by 6 thrusters allowing precise control and remarkable manoeuvrability, currently, there are no other ROV’s at this price level which has the same freedom of movement as the FIFISH V6. The 6 thrusters are a clear advantage as they allow the FIFISH V6 to move sideways, forwards/backwards, up/down, roll, pan, tilt and yaw with exceptional stability down to a maximum depth of 100m.

Manoeuvrability and control is an important aspect when considering the intended use of any underwater Drone / ROV, the importance of being able to move laterally alongside an object makes inspection tasks so much easier. The FIFISH V6 has a number of special features such as Posture Lock™ and Depth Lock that set it aside for inspection and filming tasks. Posture Lock™ allows the user to set the pitch or roll angle to within 0.1° then lock this angle e.g. tilt the FIFISH V6 to 45° then lock that angle while moving in the desired direction. Depth lock allows the user to lock the depth at which it operates. These features are especially useful when performing hull, seabed, wreck, dock inspections etc.

The integrated Sony 4K UHD camera has an ultra-wide angle lens giving 166° field of view compared to 95° as typically found, the wider field of view is better for video photography and will provide more information for inspection tasks. With two variable intensity 2000 lumen LED headlights the FIFISH V6 can be used to record video or take photos even when there is no ambient light. The camera having an aperture of 2.5 and a maximum ISO of 6,400 performs well in low light conditions and provides bright clear images. The camera delivers 4K footage at 30 frames per second or can film at 1080p with an impressive resolution of 120 fps. With an advanced motion stabilisation system, the FIFISH V6 also avoids blurred shots.

When in use the FIFISH V6 is connected to the handheld controller by a 50 or 100m cable, and in turn the controller is connected via Wi-Fi to either a smart phone or tablet providing real time video footage where up to 3 devices can connect and simultaneously view the images. An optional HDMI interface box is available allowing the images to be displayed on a TV or monitor with HDMI input.

Another interesting option is the virtual reality headset where the FIFISH V6 moves in the direction the person is looking; it is as if the person is actually onboard the FIFISH V6. The user has full 360° control of the drone’s rotations simply by moving their head. Tilt the head sideways to roll the drone, look up to tilt the drone upward, look to the right to pivot the drone to the right.

The FIFISH V6 has a maximum operational depth of 100m and is powered by a Li-ion battery giving a maximum dive time of 4 hours and has a maximum speed of 3knots. The ROV is compact, measuring 383 x 331 x 143mm and weighs only 3.9Kg

The vast range of applications for the FIFISH V6 includes hull and propeller inspection, aquaculture and fish farming, wind farms, search and rescue, border force, underwater filming etc.

FIFISH is a strong advocate for ocean conservation with 1% of its profits designated for the CleanSea project.

Prices start at £1,333 ex VAT

For further information please contact the UK Distributor:
Mantsbrite Marine Electronics, 19F Spital Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6DY.
Tel 01621 853003. E mail sales@mantsbrite.com

Smart wiper choice for Channel Island freight service.

Thursday, 12th September 2019

Ship operators are becoming ever more demanding in their need for durable and sustainable equipment to drive both operating costs down and make them more competitive.

This means that marine equipment manufacturers have had to consider the lifetime of the materials used and design for product longevity to give their customers future proof options. A good example is DuroWipers, which came into existence with this mindset from conception.

One of its latest customers is the Channel Islands first inter-island daily freight service, Iris Freight CI, which has equipped itself with DuroWiper pantographs to allow it to operate in demanding weather conditions 364 days a year.

High-performance
Iris Freight CI purchased its first set of Class 50 DuroWipers at Seawork International this year having been impressed with the company’s high-performance products on display at the show back in 2018.

“I run a commercial business and cannot afford to have any downtime due to visibility and bad weather, so making the right equipment choice is imperative,” said Captain David Nuth, Co-owner and founder of Iris Freight CI. “Most of our work is undertaken at night and we use infra-red and spotlights. But getting a wiper system that is functional is also fundamental. The sea conditions that we encounter here can be ferocious. You can spend thousands on new engines and equipment but there is little point if you can’t see where you’re going.”

Longevity
Captain Nuth bought ex CTV Channel Chieftain V from Pat Carling of Carling Charters when he set up Iris Freight in 2015. Prior to fitting DuroWipers, he had to replace the wiper systems on the vessel three times.

“Standard wipers are just not up to the job,” said Captain Nuth. “I’m a firm believer that you get what you pay for. For me DuroWipers have transformed my job. The previous wipers only cleared part of the screen and I was replacing blades and arms at a rate of knots.”

The DuroWiper Class 50 systems are built to clear the entire windscreen and can operate at two different speeds for optimal performance.

“These wipers are built to last so they will pay for themselves in the long-run. They also come with a three-year guarantee which is unheard of in the market and excellent after-sales service.”

Growth
Iris Freight started out three years ago as the medium to transport all of the Island’s newspapers from Jersey to Guernsey, but it now transports everything from farm machinery to foot passengers. Captain Nuth said that his company is continuing to grow exponentially and hopes to expand in future.

Dyena OFFSHORE protects boat builders from false warranty claims

Thursday, 12th September 2019

Dyena has launched a version of their monitoring system aimed at manufacturers who want log vessel usage. The continuing drive for more power and performance in conjunction with shock mitigating seating becoming a standard fitment, owners are more easily able to push the limits of vessels potential.

Dyena OFFSHORE protects the boat builder from warranty claims caused by the vessel being driven beyond the structural limits or the skipper’s skill level. Hull impacts are measured over varying time periods and the results processed through customisable algorithms, allowing the manufacturer to safeguard against false warranty claims by verifying against the stored information.

A low profile helm display informs the user if they are approaching or exceeding preset thresholds, reducing the stress on the vessel whilst encouraging responsible driving.

With internal GPS, automatic calibration and 2 year memory capacity, the Dyena OFFSHORE system simply needs power connected to operate. Data can be automatically uploaded to the remote server or downloaded on the dockside for immediate analysis.

For more information, visit www.dyena.com or contact a member of the team on +44 (0)2380 231 991 or info@dyena.com

Portico and SMS Group partner in short stay ship repair

Wednesday, 11th September 2019

The SMS Group, one of the country’s leading ship repairers and marine engineering services providers, has partnered with Portico, Portsmouth’s International Cargo Terminal, to provide dedicated ‘short stay’ ship repair wharfage to all ship operators within the Solent.

SMS has an enviable reputation as specialists in ship repair, marine engineering and major fabrication projects in the Commercial Marine, Defence and Superyachts sectors.

The business also operates, inâ€house, a diving and subâ€surface marine engineering division.

Portico, based at Portsmouth International Port, are well known in the maritime industry for their fresh produce expertise and a recent successful expansion into the project cargo market has resulted in a big increase in the numbers of vessels using their quays.

By partnering with the SMS Group, they can now provide alongside ship repair services to new and existing customers alike.

The site has three perfect berths; Flathouse Quay, 165m max LOA, with a depth of 9.1m; Albert Johnson Quay, 230m max LOA, depth of 8.1m, and North Quay, 80m max LOA, depth of 4.3m â€ all perfect for ‘short stay’ ship repair.

Good cranage and 24hr access is also possible in all locations.

Chris Norman, the Managing Director of The SMS Group, said commented: “Berthing for ship repair in the Solent can, and often is, expensive.

“This fact often works against operators when they consider the region for alongside ship repair works and short, sharp refits â€ which is an area of expertise that we specialise in.”

He concluded: “The solution offered by Portico is something new and something unique in the area.
“We’ve developed a partnering approach and a very special pricing structure; completing ship repair and refits alongside in Portsmouth has just become a seriously competitive solution.”

Steve Williams, Operations Director at Portico, added: “Our location close to the main shipping channels means we’re ideally placed for vessels requiring quick refits and repairs.

“We’re looking forward to working with SMS to offer this unique service to our customers, new and old.”
With the agreement now in place, Portsmouth is now open for commercial ship repair works and short stay, alongside, refits.

Please contact the ship repair team at The SMS Group: via E: info@smsâ€marine.co.uk or T: 02381 141 010.

Month: September 2019

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