SubSalve USA Schwer Marine Fittings Hystat Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers BP Norse Marine Southbay Marine Services

Collett & Sons Ltd Deliver Two 160Te Shunt Reactors for Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm project

Wednesday, 29th September 2021

Collett & Sons have transported two 160Te shunt reactors over 5000 miles, to the onshore substation site for the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm project, jointly owned by EDF Renewables and ESB.

Collett were contracted with the full scope of work providing a door-to-door service, including the project management, engineering and the transportation of the two 160Te shunt reactors.

A year before deliveries commenced, Collett’s Consulting Department were contracted to undertake multiple surveys to find the most feasible route. This included all route surveys, swept path analysis reports, topographical surveys, bridge height surveys and wire cable height surveys. This resulted in Collett liaising with local authorities to temporarily remove street furniture and employing tree surgeons to remove obstructing foliage.

The shunt reactors were transported in three stages before arriving at the substation site. First, Collett worked in partnership with a trusted European partner to transport the shunt reactors ahead of their arrival in the UK. The Collett Projects Department were then responsible for all port operations including the loading of the vessel, also chartered by Collett, for the 4800 miles to the Port of Leith in Scotland.

Working closely with the port, Collett carefully planned the cargo’s discharge, including providing crane lifting plans and an agreed programme of works for all loading and discharge operations.

Once at the port, utilising an 800Te crane, the shunt reactors were discharged onto a dedicated 14-axle line modular flat-top trailer. Both shunt reactors were offloaded at the port onto stools for temporary storage. Collett also transported and stored multiple ancillary components at their port side depot in Grangemouth.

Utilising their 550Te capacity girder bridge with 20-axle lines, Collett transported the shunt reactors from Leith Docks to Innerwick. Due to narrow access along the remainder of the route, Collett transhipped each of the two shunt reactors from the 20-axle girder bridge onto a 14-axle flat-top modular trailer in a dedicated road closure area, complete with all traffic management in order to complete delivery. All movements were facilitated under police escort, as well as Collett’s in-house fleet of pilot vehicles.

At the NnG onshore substation site, located in the Lammermuir Hills, Collett’s Heavy Lift Team offloaded and positioned the shunt reactors into their final position using a hydraulic jacking and skidding system.

Part two of the project is expected to take place in the coming weeks when two 180Te super grid transformers are due to be delivered to the wind farm site.

Liferafts International DiveCo Marine Civils Sealane Maritime Engineering
SubSalve USA Schwer Marine Fittings Hystat Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers BP Norse Marine Southbay Marine Services

Boardwalk upgrade improves marina access on the River Shannon

Friday, 24th September 2021

Leitrim County Council has recently improved shoreside access to its Carrick on Shannon public marina, replacing its existing fixed boardwalk with a new 340m long by 2.4m wide floating walkway.

Working with Deane Public Works, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS), designed and manufactured the new installation which includes a 3m wide fuel berth and eight access gangways with lifebuoy housings and safety ladders, all anchored in place by a new piled mooring system.

The heavy-duty pontoon system, topped with ICMS’ unique glass reinforced concrete (GRC) decking, provides safe and non-slip, all-year-round access to the marina’s on-site facilities for the public and all leisure boat users, which includes local boat hire companies.

“Being a very popular cruising area, it was important that we completed the installation with as minimal disruption as possible to the local access,” says Ger Buckley, project engineer at ICMS. “We achieved this by taking a phased approach, closely liaising with all contractors and programming the activities in.”

Wrapping around the entire length of the marina site, the public boardwalk now connects the quayside to the access road and car park, allowing users to enter the marina via a new gangway on the eastern side and exit on the northern side.

“We’re delighted with the quality of the new boardwalk, an attractive upgrade to the waterfront providing a strong, stable walkway for visitors,” says Shay O’Connor, senior engineer with Leitrim County Council. “Even though conditions were challenging at times with access routes being periodically submerged, the team at Inland and Coastal completed the installation efficiently and without disrupting the activities of the regular commercial users of the marina.

“The boardwalk will provide a new walking route along the waterfront for both locals and visitors and new access for users of leisure vessels which cruise along this section of the River Shannon, boosting the tourist industry which plays a major role here in Carrick on Shannon’s economy.”

Liferafts International DiveCo Marine Civils Sealane Maritime Engineering
SubSalve USA Schwer Marine Fittings Hystat Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers BP Norse Marine Southbay Marine Services

New Marine Dealership Announced

Wednesday, 22nd September 2021

Great Yarmouth based Prior Power Solutions has been awarded dealership status from historic engine brand Thornycroft.

Announced at the Southampton International Boat Show last week, the partnership allows Prior Power Solutions to provide Seagoing and Inland Waterways Engines to its wide customer base, particularly across East Anglia.

For over 160 years, Thornycroft has been supplying diesel engines for the commercial and leisure marine markets.

The partnership also allows the Great Yarmouth company to supply genuine Thornycroft spares and parts.

Stuart Holland, Parts & Engines Sales Manager at Prior Power Solutions, says, “We are delighted to add the prestigious Thornycroft name to the brands we represent.

“Thornycroft’s flexibility of offering fully customisable engines is an ideal proposition for customers.

“We are heavily committed to the marine market, having appointed a Marine Specialist in 2019. Since then, our market share in both the leisure and commercial marine sectors has grown considerably.

“Being able to represent Thornycroft will not only be an honour but undoubtedly allow us to continue our growth as Prior Power Solutions continues to be a name that is trusted in the industry.”

Sean Brackstone, Sales Director at Thornycroft explains the importance of adding Prior Power Solutions to its network of dealers, “Prior Power Solutions is ideally situated, at the cusp of the Norfolk Broads, to provide to support leisure marine customers.

“With so much expertise supporting a range of vessels operating in the North Sea, Prior Power Solutions is also perfectly placed to supply to customers off the Norfolk and Suffolk coast”.

Providing two ranges of engines, Thornycroft`s Inland Waterways Engines are developed for keel or skin tank cooling and feature water-cooled manifolds and dry exhaust systems as standard, whereas the Seagoing Engines utilise heat exchanger cooling and are fitted with a water-cooled manifold and wet exhaust system.

Sean Brackstone of Thornycroft concludes, “We look forward to working with Prior Power Solutions to bring our range of high-quality, British-manufactured engines to customers in East Anglia.”

Liferafts International DiveCo Marine Civils Sealane Maritime Engineering
SubSalve USA Schwer Marine Fittings Hystat Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers BP Norse Marine Southbay Marine Services

LEEA to host Lifting and Safety in Ports and Maritime Zoom event

Wednesday, 22nd September 2021

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) will host the Lifting and Safety in Ports and Maritime event on 26 October 2021 via Zoom.

The free-to-attend event will be joined by Richard Steele from the ICHCA International Cargo Handling Coordination Association), as well as LEEA colleagues who will be delving into safety issues surrounding work around ports and maritime organisations.

Lifting and Safety in Ports and Maritime is open to anyone who will find this event helpful or works in the ‘wet logistics’ industry, including the maritime and ports sectors. LEEA will be focusing on lifting equipment used in these settings. Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA said: “The event aims to start conversations between LEEA Members and end users, particularly those further up the supply chain, to share knowledge around lifting safely and make sure that normal practice is best practice.”

Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA)

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is the global authority on the safe and efficient use of lifting equipment. Established in 1944, LEEA has grown to become the leading representative body for all those involved in the lifting industry, from equipment manufacturers to end users. With a mission to promote safety, technical excellence, and compliance, LEEA is committed to ensuring that lifting operations are conducted to the highest standards worldwide.

A Global Standard-Bearer

LEEA provides a framework for best practices in the lifting industry, offering a comprehensive range of services to its members. These services include technical guidance, training, auditing, and certification. LEEA’s membership spans over 70 countries and includes companies and professionals from industries such as construction, marine, oil and gas, manufacturing, and renewable energy. The association’s global reach makes it a vital player in setting and maintaining industry standards.

Training and Certification

One of LEEA’s key contributions to the industry is its focus on education and training. Through its training programs, the association equips professionals with the knowledge and skills required to operate lifting equipment safely and effectively. LEEA also offers globally recognized certifications, ensuring that its members meet the highest levels of technical competence.

Technical Support and Compliance

LEEA provides its members with access to expert technical advice and the latest industry updates. The association works closely with regulatory bodies and standardization organizations to ensure that lifting equipment complies with international laws and guidelines. LEEA’s audits and inspections help companies maintain operational safety and legal compliance.

Driving Innovation and Safety

By fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, LEEA plays a crucial role in driving innovation and improving safety in lifting operations. Its commitment to excellence ensures that lifting equipment and practices evolve to meet the challenges of modern industries.

Liferafts International DiveCo Marine Civils Sealane Maritime Engineering
SubSalve USA Schwer Marine Fittings Hystat Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers BP Norse Marine Southbay Marine Services

Sub Hub Tow From Strangford Lough to Pembroke Dock

Wednesday, 22nd September 2021

The Challenge

Welsh specialist marine engineering firm Mainstay Marine Solutions required the Sub Hub (The Kraken) to be relocated from Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland, to Pembroke, South Wales.

How did we help?

In February 2021 it was announced that QED Naval had awarded Welsh specialist marine engineering firm Mainstay Marine Solutions the contract to undertake refit works on the Sub Hub including the fabrication of new crossbeam sections and the subsequent fitting of 3 new Tocardo T1 tidal turbines to these. Shipbuilder Mainstay Marine diversified into the marine energy world in 2014 and has completed one Tidal and three Wave Energy devices since. QED Naval intends to establish an operational base at Mainstay as a result of the contract.

Williams Shipping was selected for the towing operation to relocate the Sub Hub from Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland, to Pembroke, South Wales due to the suitability of vessels in its fleet and also because the company has operational bases in Pembroke, Southampton and Fawley, which suits the ongoing operational requirements for QED Naval and the TIGER project.

The Whole Story

QED Naval is a naval architecture consultancy that is focused on the development of the marine renewable energy industry and the vessel requirements for deployment of offshore wind, wave and tidal devices. QED Naval alongside its collaborations also supports the development of port and near shore infrastructure required to deploy marine renewables such as quays, breakwaters and pontoons. QED Naval has developed the Sub Hub, a tidal energy device that is essentially a submersible, gravity based, foundation platform which supports the commissioning, testing, transportation, and installation of an array of wave and tidal turbines.

The Sub Hub, known as Kraken (named after the legendary sea monster of huge size and cephalopod-like appearance in Scandinavian folklore), was initially positioned in Strangford Lough as this location offers fantastic facilities to tidal developers for testing their technology with easy access to the water and test sites. There are a broad range of flow rates, water depths and seabed characteristics to suit a wide range of tidal devices. The Queens University Marine Lab is also located nearby, which supports the development of this sector both from a technology point of view and from an environmental impact perspective. The Sub Hub Community Demonstrator (Sub Hub-CD) was situated at a sheltered water anchorage site in Castle Ward Bay just off Audley’s Castle with QED Naval having also submitted an application to lease their own area of seabed in Ballyhenry Bay, which is exposed to tidal flow rates up to 2.5m/s.

The Sub Hub project has been assisted via funding from the Tidal Stream Industry Energiser Project, known as TIGER, an ambitious €45.4m project, of which €29.9m (66%) comes from the European Regional Development Fund via the Interreg France (Channel) England Programme.

TIGER meets the requirements of the funding category for low carbon technologies of the Programme, whose Managing Authority is Norfolk County Council and which co-funds collaborative projects between organisations in the south of the UK and north of France. The project was launched in 2019, will be completed in 2023 and aims to deliver new designs for improved performance and lower cost turbines, as well as associated infrastructure and ancillary equipment. The objective is to

demonstrate that Tidal Stream Energy (TSE) is a maturing industry by installing up to 8 MW of new tidal capacity at sites in and around the Channel region, thus driving innovation and the development of new products and services. Essentially, turbines submerged off the coast will harness the energy of tidal currents that will be converted into electricity. The theoretical tidal energy capacity in the Channel region is estimated at 4 GW, enough to power up to three million homes.

In February 2021 it was announced that QED Naval had awarded Welsh specialist marine engineering firm Mainstay Marine Solutions the contract to undertake refit works on the Sub Hub including the fabrication of new crossbeam sections and the subsequent fitting of 3 new Tocardo T1 tidal turbines to these. Shipbuilder Mainstay Marine diversified into the marine energy world in 2014 and has completed one Tidal and three Wave Energy devices since. QED Naval intends to establish an operational base at Mainstay as a result of the contract.

Williams Shipping was the obvious choice for this job as the company’s expertise encompasses complex tows and tows of sensitive equipment. Other such technical work and towage projects have involved pipelines, buoys, super yachts, the present Cowes Floating Bridge chain ferry (from Milford Haven to East Cowes), the freight-only Cross-Solent ferry Red Kestrel (from Birkenhead to Southampton), the Lymington-Yarmouth ferry Wight Sky after a serious failure (from Yarmouth to Portsmouth) and much more.

The 137gt and 2007-built Willendeavour, one of 11 vessels in the present fleet capable of towing operations, was used for the task because of the right combination of bollard pull and functionality.

The Willendeavour is a 22m long/9m beam Eurocarrier 2209 with a bollard pull of 15t and is powered by two Caterpillar C18 main engines that drive two 1,350mm diameter 4-blade fixed pitch propellers in nozzles. The 9-knot Willendeavour easily took the job in her stride as the towing speed was limited to just 3 knots, a slow and steady pull for the 60-hour passage (approx. 200 nautical miles) from Strangford Lough to Pembroke. The ensemble set off from Strangford on 27th May and reached its destination on 29th May 2021.

Next Phase

Once the works are completed by Mainstay Marine Solutions, the refreshed and restyled 300kw capacity Sub Hub will be towed to Southampton prior to being positioned on a permanent mooring in the Solent to the west of Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, at a location between Sconce Point and Black Rock. The currents here are strong thanks to the narrowest part of the Solent, the Hurst Narrows. These upcoming trials at the test site are expected to validate the associated design tools and processes for tidal power generation.

Link to the case study: https://www.pembrokemarinerenewables.co.uk/news/sub-hub

Liferafts International DiveCo Marine Civils Sealane Maritime Engineering
SubSalve USA Schwer Marine Fittings Hystat Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers BP Norse Marine Southbay Marine Services

Predicting future changes in water quality

Friday, 17th September 2021

How Maxon helped Dublin City University engineer new technology for monitoring aquatic environments.

As the impact of climate change and land use continue to harm aquatic environments, it is becoming increasingly important to measure and monitor changes in water quality. When Dublin City University (DCU) Water Institute was developing its new mobile lab technology to help predict future changes in water quality, it turned to precision drive and motor specialist Maxon for help.

The project was led by Professor Fiona Regan, Joyce O’Grady, a PhD student at DCU, and Dr Nigel Kent, then the director of the Centre of Research and Enterprise in Engineering (engCORE) at the Institute of Technology Carlow. The Irish Marine Institute sponsored the project, which involves studying freshwater sites where the quality is good and monitoring any changes that could impact the ecosystem.

The team developed a sensor to detect low phosphate levels in selected catchments for real-time monitoring. Phosphates are a measure of nutrient pollution and control the pace at which algae and aquatic plants are produced.  To mix and measure the water sample and the reagent fluid, O’Grady and Kent developed a centrifugal microfluidic disk that acts like a mobile lab, with six tests per disk. Using a mobile lab reduces the risk of contamination, delivers a faster turnaround for results and produces real-time data.

When they needed support developing the disk, Kent contacted Martin Leahy, Maxon’s sales engineer in Ireland, who specified a DCX 22 mm DC motor and the robust ENX 10 EASY 3-channel encoder for the necessary high precision and speed control. Also, modifications were made to the shaft length since a longer shaft was required with a flat edge to mount the disk.

It was critical that the motor could spin above 5,000 to 6,000 rpm to drive fluids towards the outside of the disk for at least 60 seconds and, at the measurement stage, index the disk through 60-degree increments with sub-1 degree precision. The DC motor and encoder form part of a more extensive integrated firmware system. The system needed to be fully integrated with minimal sample handling to lessen contamination.

Leahy also introduced the team to Maxon’s Young Engineers Program (YEP). The programme, aimed at students and start-up companies, supports innovative projects with electric drive systems. It offers technical support, Maxon products at discounted prices and promotion opportunities on Maxon channels.

“I assumed pricing would be a barrier, but the YEP made it a no-brainer as Maxon products would have always been on my wish list. The level of customisation available, especially at such low volumes, was impressive, and Martin’s advice has been invaluable to the project,” added Kent. “I had previously only considered Maxon products in final applications but not for prototyping.”

The sensor is now fully validated, and studies are continuing in other areas with the full device. One study has been completed on the River Liffey, and another is due in a lower catchment area. The system will be replicated for four more studies to complete the project in its fifth year.

“Industry 4.0 is finding its way into many different industries. The kind of system that Joyce is developing will be prevalent; autonomous sensors that you can leave out and get real-time feedback on the state of rivers or lakes will play a huge role in areas like Agriculture 4.0. For example, the interconnected nature of technology, using drones for smarter spraying, reduces water runoff, which helps prevent water pollution and protects our drinking water resources. This will be the industry focus over the next decade,” concluded Kent, currently an assistant professor in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at DCU.

Dublin City University (DCU) is part of Beyond 2020, a research cluster consisting of six Irish and UK institutes examining new technologies for monitoring environmental waters to understand the role of aquatic ecosystems in a changing global environment.

Liferafts International DiveCo Marine Civils Sealane Maritime Engineering
SubSalve USA Schwer Marine Fittings Hystat Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers BP Norse Marine Southbay Marine Services

Southbay Civil Engineering Limited to construct new quay wall which will be used to service the worlds largest offshore wind farm

Thursday, 16th September 2021

Southbay Civil Engineering Limited, together with their appointed designer, GHD, are currently responsible for the construction of 113m of new quay wall on behalf of the Port of Tyne. The new quay wall structure consists of a driven steel pile combi wall which is tied back to the land with heavy tie bars and anchor piles.

The project is being undertaken to enable the mooring of Service Operation Vessels, which will be used to support the operation of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which, once complete, will be the largest offshore wind farm in the world. The Operations and Maintenance Base used to service the wind farm will be located within the Tyne Dock Enterprise Park which forms part of the Port of Tyne.

The new section of the quay wall includes a combi wall, which consists of 24no. 1067mm diameter and 15no. 1422mm diameter tubular piles. The combi wall will be connected to a new anchorage system located approximately 30m to the rear via a series of heavy tie bars. The anchorage system includes 12no. 1422mm diameter, and 16no. 914mm diameter tubular piles. Associated groundworks include the construction of an 18m wide concrete ground slab throughout the length of the quay, with a ground bearing capacity of 10t/m2. Once complete, the quay will include fenders, bollards, grab chains, safety ladders, life buoys and all necessary services to accommodate shipping.

GHD have successfully developed the design in accordance with challenging ground conditions including those arising from unknown historic structures, with the existing site previously used for shipbuilding as well as offshore oil and gas module fabrication. As a result, the construction detail of the new quay wall, in particular, the anchorage system, varies across its length to take account of the existing infrastructure. Due to the variability of sandstone bedrock levels, sections of the combi wall have been designed to include a selection of spigots to achieve the required pile depth for stability purposes.

Paul Stephenson, Managing Director, Southbay Civil Engineering Limited, commented: “As a company, we are immensely proud of being responsible for delivering a project that will contribute towards such a regionally significant development for the North East in the form of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. The project will allow us to demonstrate our full range of marine capabilities whilst highlighting our ability to develop innovative design solutions in accordance with challenging site conditions.”

Steve Best, Engineering Manager, GHD said: “We were delighted to work with Southbay and the Port of Tyne to develop the design for this exciting and challenging project, and are pleased to be in a position to support the construction of infrastructure that will benefit renewable energy developments in the region. Our team’s experience of working with Southbay and on complex maritime projects meant that we were able to overcome the significant project risks including those associated with existing structures. We hope the benefits associated with the new facility will form a significant part in the revitalisation of the North East and in a wider context, encourage a greener, more sustainable future in the local area and beyond.”

Simon Brett, Commercial Director at Port of Tyne commented: “We’re delighted the ground and quayside improvements at Tyne Dock Enterprise Park are well on track and the new quay wall represents our investment and commitment to the Dogger Bank project and our journey to supporting the World’s largest offshore wind farm.”

Liferafts International DiveCo Marine Civils Sealane Maritime Engineering
SubSalve USA Schwer Marine Fittings Hystat Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers BP Norse Marine Southbay Marine Services

Mainprize Offshore awards MO8 vessel build contract to Manor Marine

Thursday, 16th September 2021

Mainprize Offshore has awarded the MO8 vessel build contract to Manor Marine, which is a bespoke designed 26-metre Supa Swath catamaran by Walker Marine Design, which is due for delivery in Q2 2022.

The build of the MO8 will be the eighth addition to the already superior fleet of vessels operated by Mainprize Offshore; featuring a Supa-Swath hull form, the vessel will have 175m2 of deck space, a cargo capacity of 35 tonnes, seating for 24 passengers and a maximum speed of 27 knots.

Bob Mainprize, Managing Director at Mainprize Offshore commented, “We do not only operate vessels, but we are also highly involved with the vessel design from concept to delivery, a detailed weight control is included in the specifications to ensure shipyard deliver a quality product.

The drive for technically efficient, terrifically optimised vessels which can do much more in less time has been the mainstay of Mainprize Offshores Fleet.

We are delighted to work with Manor Marine on this exciting new build adventure, expanding our fleet to continue delivering top quality, safe, professional, and reliable services to our clients.

Mainprize Offshore: A Leader in Offshore Support Services

Mainprize Offshore is a UK-based company renowned for providing high-quality offshore support services to the renewable energy, oil and gas, and marine sectors.

Based in Yorkshire, the company has established itself as a trusted name in the offshore industry, offering an impressive fleet of multipurpose vessels designed to meet the demanding requirements of offshore operations.

Comprehensive Offshore Services

Mainprize Offshore specialises in delivering a broad range of services tailored to the offshore industry. These include:

  • Crew Transfers: Safe and efficient personnel transport to and from offshore installations.
  • Cargo Transport: Delivery of essential equipment and supplies to offshore sites.
  • Survey Operations: Supporting marine surveys with state-of-the-art vessels for monitoring and data collection.
  • Turbine Maintenance Support: Assisting in maintaining offshore wind turbines, a critical service for the renewable energy sector.
  • Diving Operations: Offering support for underwater inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Modern Fleet of Vessels

Mainprize Offshore operates a versatile fleet of custom-built vessels. These vessels are designed for durability, efficiency, and safety, ensuring they can handle the challenging conditions of offshore environments. With features like high cargo capacity, advanced navigation systems, and excellent manoeuvrability, Mainprize Offshore’s fleet meets the rigorous demands of the industry.

Commitment to Quality and Safety

Safety and reliability are at the core of Mainprize Offshore’s operations. The company is committed to meeting the highest standards, adhering to stringent regulations, and employing well-trained, experienced crews. Their focus on innovation and sustainability ensures that they remain at the forefront of the offshore industry.

Liferafts International DiveCo Marine Civils Sealane Maritime Engineering
SubSalve USA Schwer Marine Fittings Hystat Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers BP Norse Marine Southbay Marine Services

New short and service-friendly shaft coupling

Wednesday, 8th September 2021

With the ROFLEX, KTR launches a new shaft coupling according to DIN 740, which is characterised by its short design and its service-friendliness.

In addition to power transmission, the torsionally flexible coupling compensates for misalignments and dampens torsional vibrations.

The ROFLEX is available in two designs and currently in seven sizes for torques from 65 to 790 Nm. Another five sizes will be added by the middle of 2022 and extend the performance range up to 5,000 Nm.

The ROFLEX is a short shaft coupling in which the input and output shafts can be pushed together between 3 and 6 mm, depending on the size.

The torque is transmitted via elastomer packages, which at the same time compensate for misalignments and dampen shocks and torsional vibrations. Should the elastomers fail due to extreme loads, the fail-safe coupling continues to hold the torque.

The ROFLEX is made of grey cast iron and is available in two types: In type N, both the pocket and the cam part consist of standard hubs. In the SH SPLIT design, on the other hand, the cam hub is split. Here, the hub is specifically and mechanically separated into two halves by “fracture cutting”, or “cracking”. The resulting fracture surfaces centre both hub halves precisely with each other, which makes incorrect assembly almost impossible. The hub halves can be mounted on block, the fit of the bore remains unchanged. Depending on accessibility, the hub can be pushed on for assembly. Or the two hub halves can be joined around the shaft; thus the split hub can be radially installed and removed without dismantling the adjacent units.

“As a rule, we recommend that our customers fit the SH-SPLIT hub onto the motor shaft. This makes the coupling easier to assemble overall, and in case of service, there is more space available, for example, to exchange the elastomer packs”, says Michael Brüning, Product Manager at KTR. “In addition, it allows the user to carry out the direction of rotation check on the engine without the coupling hub.”

The ROFLEX has been assessed and confirmed according to the European ATEX product directive 2014/34/EU and is suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Core industries are pumps and compressors; other areas of application in general mechanical engineering are gearboxes, fans and belt drives.

Both types are currently available in seven sizes for torques from 65 to 790 Nm. Five more sizes in the power range up to 5,000 Nm are to be added by mid-2022.

Liferafts International DiveCo Marine Civils Sealane Maritime Engineering
SubSalve USA Schwer Marine Fittings Hystat Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers BP Norse Marine Southbay Marine Services

Flexibridge with new people on the bridge

Monday, 6th September 2021

After several years of standstill, it is with great joy and pride we can announce that Flexibridge is once again ready to offer its product to the maritime market!

Sveinung Pile is employed as Managing Director of the company and has started the job of bringing the company back to the surface again.

Much of the work has consisted of organizing the warehouses and systematizing production drawings, but there has also been room for contacting a few of the former customers: “Already in the first conversation with a former customer of Flexibridge, I got the feeling that this is a company that its clients have missed.

The history of the company is simply impressive, and being able to take the lead in this new chapter in Flexibridge’s history is a task I look upon with great enthusiasm and joy,” Sveinung comments.

The work of rebuilding Flexibridge is well underway, and the company already paid a visit to the impressive fishing fair Aqua-Nor in Trondheim. The presence at the fair was mainly to establish new contact with former customers and acquaintances of the company.

“The fishing industry has been and will be very important to Flexibridge. We have previously been a main supplier of bridge solutions to many shipping companies, and it is incredibly motivating to see the reception we have received from former customers after touching base about the new investment” says Sveinung.

Even though the company hasn’t performed any active sales in the past years, we are proud to say we delivered module-based bridge consoles to the well-known hybrid well-boat “Ro Vision” back in 2020, also awarded with the Ship of the Year award, Sveinung Continues.

The forthcoming months will be occupied with further development of the product range and the launching of exciting product solutions for new and existing customers.

About Flexibridge

Flexibridge has its origins in Haugesund, Norway, where it was once founded in 2000 by the company Hatteland.

In 2004 the company was taken over by Steinsvik Group. In recent times, the company has not operated any form of active sales, and its product has only been delivered to a few loyal customers.

Among the customers, the company is known for delivering quality at the highest level and they are preferred by many shipowners and yards along the Norwegian coast.

The product range mainly consists of workstations and bridge solutions for navigation, operation, and control of the bridge.

Liferafts International DiveCo Marine Civils Sealane Maritime Engineering
Seaplant Marine & Offshore Magazine

Join us

Our commercial marine magazine is designed to provide the perfect place for buyers and sellers of marine equipment and services to find each other.  Provide us with your name and address to receive your copy every month and upload your details to our website to be part of the Seaplant marine Business Finder.

add your company