Versadock receives JOSCAR accreditation

Tuesday, 30th June 2020

Versadock, designers, manufacturers and installers of Modular Pontoon and Docking Systems are proud to announce their addition on to the JOSCAR register and are now recognised as a fully compliant supplier for several defence companies and major organisations.

JOSCAR is a central register of approved suppliers which are used by several major defence organisations including BAE Systems, Qinetiq, Rolls Royce, Airbus and the MOD when implementing new projects. The register is strictly invite-only and requires the successful completion of a qualification process.

Already ISO accredited, CE certified and NATO coded, being included on the JOSCAR register means that Versadock join an elite group of suppliers that have been hand-picked by some of the most established organisations in the country.

“Supplying some of the country and indeed, world’s militarys and their contractors has been a privilege for Versadock for many years” stated Chris Davison, Sales Manager for Versadock. “This addition to the prestigious JOSCAR register means our clients in these sectors can be confident in our quality, system controls and security”.

For more information on how Versadock can help you, please contact Chris Davison, Sales Manager on chris.davison@versadock.com

Rever Offshore completes two-phase Â£multi-million IRM contract

Monday, 29th June 2020

Rever Offshore, a leading subsea project delivery and execution provider to the offshore energy industry, has announced the completion of a two-phase contract with energy major Total E&P UK.

Beginning in late March, Rever Offshore undertook onshore project management and engineering campaign, accompanied by an initial 41-day offshore operation and subsequent 10-day campaign, to conduct an essential inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) work on Total’s North Sea production assets. The workshop also included the completion of two complex and bespoke construction projects comprising the installation, hook-up and protection of a 2.6km electrical cable.

Rever Offshore deployed its multi-purpose dive support and offshore construction vessel (DSV), the Rever Polaris. The Q2 activity represents the beginning of a number of IRM campaigns Rever expects to undertake for TEPUK during 2020, all of which will utilise the vessel.

During the campaign planning and execution phases, the development and adoption of stringent Covid-19 related protocols became essential, which saw all Rever and Total personnel collaborating to achieve this.

Barry Macleod, Rever Offshore CEO, commented: “As we continue to build on our long-standing relationship with Total, the safety of all involved has remained as important as ever. This two-phase project saw a concerted effort from Rever, Total and third-party contractors to prepare for this essential IRM project, whilst ensuring the highest level of planning to protect our people and assets.

“This contract signifies that Rever not only continues to operate during this challenging period, but that we remain a trusted contractor, invested in keeping staff safe during all our operations, no matter the environment and circumstances. We look forward to working with Total throughout 2020 and into the future.”

Double order for DuroWipers – Marine Windscreen Wipers

Monday, 29th June 2020

A double order of DuroWipers pantographs have kitted out two newbuild vessels built by Arklow Marine Services in Ireland. DuroWipers are on of the leading UK companies that manufacture high-quality marine windscreen wipers.

It’s not the first time that Arklow has gone to DuroWipers to equip its vessels. Billy Tyrrell of Arklow Marine Services says that the boatbuilder has been using the wiper systems for six years.

“We have found DuroWipers to be exceptional, both in terms of price and quality, which is why we have come back to them again and again,” he said.

“The market at the moment is very much price driven so we largely have to make decisions on that basis. Fitting a wiper that lasts the lifetime of the vessel is cost-effective for our clients.”

Well suited

The first set of Class 50 pantographs went to equip a 19m newbuild Crabber ‘AmberLisa’ for the McNeil family in Glasgow. Measuring 19 x 7 x 4.2 m depth with a steel hull and part aluminium shelter deck and wheelhouse, this vessel was built to be robust being destined for North Sea fishing with 4,000 pots in trams of 200.

The second vessel equipped with Class 50 DuroWipers was an 18m fish farm vessel for Marine Harvest, a similar build in all respects to its sister vessel the ‘Croi na Farraige’, which was delivered by Arklow two years previously.

The reputation of DuroWipers expands across many markets, a wiper system that can handle the harsh environments a lifeboat has to tackle is also going to perform well on a fishing vessel,” said Noel Gould, MD of DuroWipers.

“We’ve got no complaints and we’ll definitely bear DuroWipers in mind for future new vessels,” Mr Tyrrell adds.

Robust Marine Windscreen Wipers

DuroWiper pantographs and pendulums have a patented twin drive rotary transfer box which gives smooth, powerful and reliable performance. The wipers have been designed to last the lifetime of a vessel. Made from AISI 316 stainless steel they are not only sustainable but also the most robust on the market.

DuroWiper pantographs are specified on the UK Shannon Class Lifeboat where the conditions they encounter are extremely treacherous and the vessel operator needs clear vision at all times.

The Class 50 pantograph is the smallest in the DuroWipers range and is ideal for applications where space is at a premium.
DuroWipers offers a lifetime guarantee on its wipers for the RNLI and the Royal Navy.

For commercial operators, it offers a free warranty for three years, above and beyond the usual 12-month standard.

Marine Windscreen Wipers

High-performance marine windscreen wipers play a critical role in enhancing the safety and functionality of boats and ships, particularly when facing challenging weather conditions and heavy seas. Engineered with advanced technology and durable materials, these marine wipers ensure clear visibility, contributing to the overall seamanship of maritime operations.

In adverse weather, such as heavy rain, storms, or rough seas, maintaining an unobstructed view is imperative for the safe navigation of vessels. High-performance marine windscreen wipers effectively sweep away rain, salt spray, and other debris from the windshield, preventing obscured vision that could lead to accidents or navigation errors. This is essential for vessels navigating through congested waters, avoiding obstacles, and responding to emergencies promptly.

Designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, these wipers are often equipped with features like adjustable speeds, multiple blade options, and corrosion-resistant materials. Their durability ensures reliable performance in challenging conditions, making them indispensable for maritime vessels. Ultimately, high-performance marine windscreen wipers contribute significantly to the overall safety and operational efficiency of boats and ships, allowing them to navigate securely through bad weather and heavy seas.

ManuplasÂ® prepare for future expansion

Thursday, 25th June 2020

Manuplas®, a division of Advanced Insulation Systems Ltd, are pleased to announce they have signed a two-year lease for additional storage space close to their existing production facility in Plymouth.

This expansion closely follows the appointment of Chris Napier as MD for the division in February 2020 and is the first significant change to be made since his appointment. The new units will provide 5,340 sq ft of additional warehouse space, thus increasing the factory space by 12.5%.

The additional facility will allow Manuplas® to increase their storage and production capability enabling them to significantly increase the volume and range of products available for immediate delivery to customers. It will also enable the current storage area to return to its use as a carpark.

The investment in the Plymouth site, coincides with the acquisition of a new factory in Gloucester that will focus on the production of subsea products. Enabling the Plymouth team to focus on growing and expanding their marine capability.

Chris Napier MD for the division said, “This is a hugely exciting time for our marine division, this expansion will enable us to develop our existing site and also focus on developing our range of products to meet the needs of our customers quickly and efficiently”.

ManuplasÂ® supply fendering for pilot boat!

Thursday, 18th June 2020

When large ships and containers arrive or leave a port or harbour (sometimes over 300m in length), the captain often does not steer their vessel directly as they can face many hazards – shallow water, previous wreckage or rocks. Therefore, they need expert guidance from a pilot who will help steer their vessel into or away from its berth safely. Pilot boats sail to the larger ship, taking at least one local experienced sailor with them, who will jump aboard the larger vessel, whilst the pilot boat is very slowly moving alongside. Neither vessel is able to stop completely, so there is some bumping into the side of the large vessel as the transfer takes place.

The pilot boat needs to be able to make these trips in any weather conditions and as it slows down when alongside the larger vessel, there is contact between the two. To protect the pilot vessel from repeated damage – the fendering needs to be robust and tested for extreme conditions. The lightweight properties of our sprayed PU fendering have increased tear resistance as they are reinforced with PU Kevlar and are strapped rather than glued so there is no additional time required for curing, meaning the pilot boat will be out of operation for a limited time – vital in a port or harbour that is operating 24/7.

Our PU fendering is cylindrical, which means it will absorb the maximum amount of energy – this is essential as you do not want to cause any damage to either vessel.

Keep Wind Turbines Fully Operational and Reduce Risk

Wednesday, 17th June 2020

The energy matrix is changing and the industry is continuously driving initiatives towards generating greener, cleaner and more sustainable energy.

Public support for renewable energy in the UK is consistently high around 85%, and we are proudly now leading the way in reducing carbon emissions to fulfill the Climate Change Act of 2008.

Our dependence on renewables is growing, and as a result, the wind turbines being built are taller, and more powerful. Yet with this growth, comes the challenge of keeping assets operational. The 2nd leading cause of accidents in wind turbines after blade failure, is fire. It is hence even more vital that we keep them fully operational, and reduce the risks of lives lost and assets damaged, in order to lead in this global movement for greener change.

There are over 340,000 wind turbines around the world, yet the vast majority have no fire suppression system installed. 10-30% of all loss-of-power-generation incidents in wind power plants are due to fire. The nacelle operates at a great heat and comprises highly flammable resin fibreglass, with internal insulation. Combined with the possibility of lightning strikes, these very tall turbines (now surpassing 450ft) in exposed locations pose a uniquely high risk and are vulnerable to fires.

Fire Lends Great Danger

When turbines are under construction, or engineers are undergoing maintenance and repairs, the escape routes are often long and vertical, which in the case of a fire lends severe danger. An example of the other effects of such an event:

In 2005, a wind turbine powering the Nissan car factory in the UK caught fire, leading to the total loss and disruption of the nearby highway
In 2011 a wind turbine fire in Ardrossan, UK caught fire and burning debris were scattered across a long distance due to the strong winds
In 2012 a wind turbine fire in Lower Saxony Germany estimated a potential loss of €300,000-400,000
In 2017, a wind turbine caught fire and sparked a wild fire Northeast Wyoming, and burnt nearly 1,600 acres.

We must work collaboratively in the wind industry, to find ways of ensuring we can drive greener energy, whilst minimising the danger to engineers, and surrounding landscape, by enhancing our fire safety.

There are many ways to ensure these fires do not recur. The nacelle should be protected via small gaseous fire suppression systems and rely on them to avoid total loss, to save lives, and protect critical infrastructure before maintenance engineers can get to them.

Test Quickly and Accurately

Quick and accurate routine tests, can make the greatest preventative difference. Coltraco Ultrasonics offers specialist non-invasive liquid level measurement to test the contents of fire suppression systems which are inside the nacelle of the turbine – this is called the Portalevel® MAX Ultrasonic liquid level indicator. Coltraco works with manufacturers of the fire suppression systems to ensure that the Portalevel® MAX is the appropriate tool for wind turbine systems.

CASE STUDY

In 2017 a Wind Turbine Manufacturer went to the manufacturer of the fire systems that they install in some turbines for a solution to inspect the fire system cylinders [for agent content loss in case the pressurised cylinders leaked or discharged which would mean insufficient agent to suppress a fire event]. This manufacturer had worked with Coltraco on projects for many years and recommended the Wind Turbine Manufacturer to look to Coltraco for a solution. Working with the Wind Turbine Manufacturer HQ, Coltraco Ultrasonics’ flagship product Portalevel® MAX (ultrasonic liquid level indicator for testing fire suppression systems for agent contents) was chosen for trials and testing. The Portalevel® MAX unit is the most accurate in the world able to identify liquefied gaseous extinguishant levels to +/-1.5mm. These passed and the unit was deemed to solve their issues: giving the ability to regularly inspect and maintain the contents of their fire extinguishing systems.

Using the Portalevel® MAX units Wind Turbine Manufacturers and their customers can protect their valuable assets from substantial fire damage, as well as minimise downtime for maintenance, ensuring cylinders are always full and able to extinguish fires. If we really want to make a global effort in leaning ever more to renewables for our clean energy, we must make this recommendation a mandate and a requirement.

These fires that continue to occur, pose a dangerous threat to both business continuity and human lives, and yet they are entirely preventable. More and more wind turbine manufacturers are acknowledging the risk to assets, and fire suppression systems are being retrofitted in existing sites. We must now continue to educate and lead, ensuring that no more lives are lost nor critical assets damaged. There are smart solutions available that enable wind turbine owners and operators to improve their fire safety management and reduce the threats to human life, and business continuity caused by any downtime, hereby diminishing the risk to business reputation.

Motive Offshore Announces MOU with Orca Offshore Azerbaijan

Tuesday, 16th June 2020

Leading marine equipment fabrication and rental specialist, Motive Offshore, continues to strengthen its global positioning as it signs an MOU with Orca Offshore.
The two-year agreement with the offshore design, fabrication and installation specialist will be focussed in Azerbaijan, and is an exclusive agreement between the two organisations.

Launched in 2010, the last 18 months has seen Motive Offshore embark upon an ambitious growth strategy, which has been reflected by the launch of several new service lines, international growth and acquisition activity. The company views overseas partnerships as a fundamental part to its ongoing success.

Motive Offshore CEO, Dave Acton, said: “We have a number of highly successful global partnerships in place, and the recent collaboration with Orca is a great addition.
“The Middle East and Asia are key growth markets for Motive, and this partnership provides the ability to showcase our capabilities in the area, working alongside Orca Offshore, which enjoys a robust presence and impressive track record in the region.”

Orca Offshore Director, Craig Dunn, said: Orca Offshore Director, Craig Dunn, said: “The MOU is a mutually beneficial collaboration that brings Motive’s extensive technical expertise to Orca’s existing oil and gas business in Azerbaijan. The MOU enhances our capability in the area and the coming together of two ambitious companies is a great fit.”

Together the companies have already secured a six-figure contract with a major EPC client in Baku, Azerbaijan and plan to continue working together to bring each of its products and services to the local market in Azerbaijan carrying out key projects in the area.

Manufacturing Holds Key to Recovery of Oil and Gas Markets, revealed at this weekâ€™s ADIPEC Energy Dialogue

Wednesday, 10th June 2020

Bounce back in China’s manufacturing sector points the way; other countries expected to follow as lockdown is lifted.

Latest in series of on-line ADIPEC Energy Dialogues hears it could be late 2021 before oil and gas markets recover to 2019 volumes

OPEC+ supply constraints coming under pressure from US shale and indebted oil producers as prices strengthen; production cuts likely to be rolled over and extended

Abu Dhabi, UAE – XX June, 2020 – A revival in manufacturing across the world holds the key to the mid-term recovery of oil and gas markets, with consumer demand likely to lag as the energy industry begins to recover from the twin shock of the COVID-19 crisis and the resulting demand crash.

Participating in the latest online ADIPEC Energy Dialogue, Rachel Ziemba, an economic and political risk expert and Founder of Ziemba Insights, said the early signs from China, the first major economy to exit from the COVID-19 induced lockdown, are that manufacturing has bounced back more than consumption and that trend could be repeated in other countries.

“It is notable that the COVID crisis and the associated economic and energy crisis has really been the first to blow out the global consumer,” Ziemba said. “2008 was much more of a hit to the financial sector and manufacturing. This time it is the reverse. The big question is how quickly consumer demand will come back.”

Ziemba added it could be well into 2021 before oil and gas markets get to volumes approaching where the industry was at the end of 2019.

Looking at the trends likely to impact the recovery of oil markets in the mid-term, Ziemba said the OPEC Plus group of producers has had some success in tightening the market. But a question mark hangs over how long supply can be constrained.

“The challenge is that a few countries, those that are most economically strapped and not eligible for debt relief, are not complying in full and some have barely reduced production,” Ziemba said. “Despite pressure from the likes of Saudi Arabia and Russia, it is going to be very difficult for them to comply because these are countries that had big fiscal deficits when oil was $70 a barrel.

“The other challenge is that we are starting to see parts of the US shale industry starting to reverse shut ins. We are also seeing more rig activity after many weeks of decline. In a price range of mid-30s into a 40 range, there will be more entities that can make some money and the risk is that it puts even more pressure on OPEC Plus. So, I do think the most likely scenario is a rolling over and extension of the supply cuts.”

Access to credit, to support economic recovery, is an additional challenge for indebted oil producing countries, which are having to deal with multiple shocks at the same time, including sizable outbreaks of the COVID-19 coronavirus that may or may not be under control. Many of the oil producers that are in a tougher financial position than their rich peers are too wealthy to qualify for debt relief, Ziemba said, heightening social, political and economic risks which could further impact the oil and gas industry.

Elsewhere, as oil and gas companies seek for ways to recover, Ziemba said she expects to see some industry consolidation, particularly in the United States with more cash rich entities looking to go into smaller, more speculative areas that are lower cost. She also highlighted the possibility of further job cuts as companies become leaner and decide between boosting commercial reserves, or partnering with governments. Meanwhile, she added she expects to see more National Oil Company enter into partnerships, for example Middle East producers and Asian buyers, which enable greater creativity in payment terms and contracts.

The ADIPEC Energy Dialogue is a series of weekly online thought leadership events created by dmg events, organisers of the annual Abu Dhabi International Exhibition and Conference. Featuring key stakeholders and decision-makers in the oil and gas industry, the dialogues focus on how the industry is evolving and transforming in response to the rapidly changing energy market.

ADIPEC 2020 is projected to attract more than 155,000 energy professionals from 67 countries; including senior decision-makers and energy industry thought leaders, over 2,200 exhibiting companies and 23 national exhibiting pavilions as oil and gas companies convene to share views and best practices to address the long-term impact of the triple challenge of lower oil prices, weaker demand and over supply.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC); and supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy & Industry, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, ADIPEC is scheduled to take place from November 9 to 11, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

GarminÂ® and FusionÂ® expand Apollo Series with new products designed to enhance onboard entertainment

Wednesday, 3rd June 2020

Apollo WB670 hideaway system and ERX400 wired remote deliver added convenience and connectivity at the helm

OLATHE, Kan./June 2, 2020/Business Wire – Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd.

(NASDAQ:GRMN), the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer1, today announced it has expanded its Fusion-branded Apollo™ Series with the introduction of the Apollo WB670 premium hideaway system and the Apollo ERX400 wired remote. Building on the innovation and success of the award-winning Apollo Series, the WB670 premium hideaway solution eliminates the need for a stereo to be present on the dash, while the ERX400 offers users complete audio entertainment control with an all-new intuitive user experience, and an ultra-compact design that can be mounted in convenient places around the boat.

“We know dash space is valuable real estate on a boat, that’s why we’re pleased to add the WB670 hideaway system and the ERX400 wired remote to our Apollo Series, giving customers more flexibility for the stereo location without compromising audio quality,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Controlling your onboard audio entertainment has never been so easy or looked this good.”

Apollo WB670 hideaway system

A powerful extension of the Apollo Series, the WB670 inherits the key audio innovations and technological brilliance from the Apollo RA670, but in a compact, space-saving form factor that can be hidden away behind the dash or mounted in a variety of locations like storage lockers, inside of the helm console or a glovebox compartment, and controlled through a compatible multi-function display (MFD) via NMEA 2000 or Ethernet.

Like all Apollo Series stereos, the WB670 includes Fusion’s Digital Signal Processing Technology (DSP) that enables the optimisation of Fusion speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers in each audio zone on the boat. With just a few clicks via the free Fusion-Link™ app, boat owners can set up the preconfigured DSP profile to play high-quality audio customised to their ears and their specific environment.

The WB670 also features Fusion’s signature PartyBus™-Network capabilities that gives boaters the freedom of musical choice across the entire boat, especially when there are multiple PartyBus-enabled stereo options onboard. For advanced control, new PartyBus-Network functions like Stereo Grouping, Volume Control, Power Options and Home Zone have been added for seamless navigation of the boat’s entire audio network. When connected to a wireless network router or Wi-Fi-enabled Apollo Series stereo network or Garmin MFD, users can also enjoy high-quality audio streaming with Apple AirPlay® 2 from their compatible Apple device.

Apollo ERX400 wired remote

Featuring Fusion’s most intuitive user experience yet, the ERX400 wired remote with ethernet connectivity allows users to add full control of their audio entertainment to any zone on board and across multiple Apollo Series stereos. It has a 2.7” brilliant, optically bonded, full-colour LCD display with an ultra-compact modern form factor that can either be mounted with a conventional flush finish, or integrated into the helm with a premium flat finish. Installation is quick and easy for the ERX400, and with a shallow mounting depth of just 49mm, it’s ideal for thin wall cavities where mounting depth is limited.

The new user experience on the ERX400 allows for easy navigation and control of the entire vessel’s Apollo Series stereo network, making audio and source control in any zone a seamless experience. Users can enjoy synchronised audio playback of one audio source across all Apollo Series stereos connected to the same network, with individual and multiple volume control for each stereo. The ERX400 can also be used to turn on or off any Apollo Series stereo or remote connected on the network.

Designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, the ERX400 meets international IPX6 and IPX7 weather resistance ratings from the front and back. It’s compatible with the full Apollo Series, including the new WB670, and the RA770, RA670 and SRX400 stereos.

For added convenience, both the WB670 and ERX400 can receive over-the-air software updates via the Fusion-Link app when connected to a Wi-Fi-enabled Apollo Series stereo network, or other wireless network router like a Garmin MFD. Engineered to Fusion’s True-Marine™ standard and backed by Fusion’s three-year consumer warranty, the Apollo WB670 and ERX400 have passed stringent pressure and water-tightness tests, and are designed to deliver crisp sound and quality entertainment season after season.

The new Apollo WB670 hideaway system is available now for £479, and the ERX400 wired remote, also available now, retails for £259. For more information about the Apollo series and the full range of Fusion audio and entertainment products, visit fusionentertainment.com.

Garmin was recently named Manufacturer of the Year for the fifth consecutive year by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), an honour given to the most recognised marine electronics company for support of products in the field. Garmin’s portfolio includes some of the industry’s most sophisticated chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar technology, high-definition radar, autopilots, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation, audio, entertainment and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use. Fusion, the leader in lifestyle entertainment, is dedicated to offering innovative solutions that enhance personal leisure time, whether on the water or on the road. Other Garmin marine brands include Navionics® and EmpirBus™.

For more than 30 years, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin.uk, instagram.com/garminukor youtube.com/garminUK

Actisense buoyed by higher than expected sales

Wednesday, 3rd June 2020

Bucking industry sales trends, marine electronics specialist, Actisense, have seen a rise in Q1 2020 sales revenues of over 6% up on 2019’s figures. 2019 delivered the company’s strongest performance financially in their 23-year history.

With particularly strong sales of their NGW-1 NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 converter as well as regular repeat orders for their A2K range of NMEA 2000 cables and connectors, Actisense has been able to ride the pandemic storm more easily than they had initially expected.

Phil Whitehurst, CEO of Actisense, explained:

“In truth, we had targeted a much higher rise in sales this year, but the industry – much like most others – has taken a knock. Having said that, we’re naturally buoyed by our Q1 sales results, as well as how things are progressing into Q2. While we may not achieve the upper target we’d originally set, as a company we are in a good position to leverage that small growth as we head into the second half of the year.”

Mr Whitehurst continued:

“We owe much of our success to our committed and dedicated distribution partners around the globe. It’s through their sense of optimism and hard work that our customers have been able to source the products that they have needed from us, which in turn has kept our production teams busy in replenishing that stock. Keeping our customers safe by having the products they’ve needed from us has been a top priority during this crisis.”
To inspire and stay connected to their customers, Actisense also ran a supportive campaign during the height of the pandemic, entitled #NoStormLastsForever, featuring positive mindset quotes.

In the past 12 months, Actisense has delivered industry-first innovations, including their SBN-2 Self-contained boat network, their W2K-1 NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi gateway, and the TER-U Smart Universal micro-Terminator. The company has also invested heavily in R&D by extending its engineering team and has won lucrative OEM contracts with industry big-hitters.

For more information about Actisense and their award-winning NMEA products, visit: www.actisense.com.

Month: June 2020

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