Merlin Group orders 135m dry cargo vessel from Concordia Damen

Wednesday, 26th April 2023

Inland navigation shipyard Concordia Damen (NL) will build a ‘Type CDS443’ container ship for ID Shipping and Merlin Group. The vessel measures 135 x 14.20 m and is the first vessel of this type, which is an improved version of an existing hull shape.

This design has been further developed over the past two years: the updated hull shape leads to 20% fuel savings. Efficiency and sustainability considerations and cargo capacity were the deciding factors for Merlin Group to contract Concordia Damen. Besides the Dutch and Belgian markets, the vessel will be deployed on the Rhine River.

Merlin Group, a company of Dutch inland shipping entrepreneur Jan Kleine, is not a traditional shipping company, Instead it is set up as a ‘participation company’, i.e. every vessel in the fleet is a joint endeavour of Merlin and a partner.

With a fleet of currently 9 marine vessels Merlin Group mainly operates in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland and is now expanding its fleet to put its sustainability aspirations into practice.

Concordia Damen – Doing business together

Since 1995, Merlin Group has been primarily engaged in the operation of inland shipping barges, participating and investing in shipping projects, and providing management and administrative support to its participants.

Each vessel in the fleet is an equal participation between Merlin Group and a captain co-owner. Kleine: “The operational partners sail the vessel; they handle operations and staffing. We handle the commercial support for the ship. Nevertheless, I still sail regularly myself. I wouldn’t want to miss that for the world.”

The concept is very suitable for both young skippers and inland navigation entrepreneurs who want to grow. Kleine: “A captain just leaving school is a professional, but not yet an entrepreneur. Both financially and organisationally it can be difficult to just buy a ship and start.

We offer the network, the market knowledge and the financial stability. By entering into a partnership you can start or grow with confidence. Together we run the business, the ship.”

10 percent more 40-foot capacity

Merlin Group and co-owners Danny and Ilse van Deurzen of ID Shipping are clear about the reasons for choosing this Concordia Damen newbuild. Danny van Deurzen says: “The energy transition is in full swing and we think we should actively be involved. This ‘next generation’ ship fits well with that ambition. Thanks to the efficiently designed hull shape, we will soon consume up to 20% less fuel and thus also emit less CO2 and other substances.”

Cargo capacity has also been expanded in the CDS443. Kleine: “There is room for 18 container lengths to be placed in the hold instead of the usual 17. So the 40-foot capacity is 10% larger! We chose to sail with diesel-electric propulsion, but Concordia Damen is building the vessel in such a way that it is already prepared for full-electric propulsion.”

Chris Kornet, Managing Director Concordia Damen, is very pleased with this contract: “Both family businesses have known each other for years. We are very grateful that Merlin Group has once again chosen Concordia Damen.”

Jan Kleine confirms this: “Our family has worked with Chris and the yard since time immemorial. Relations are good and we have always been satisfied with their ships and service; already for 20 years our collaboration has worked very well.”

Kornet: “It is interesting to see that more and more shipping companies not only have to think about the energy transition but also want to do so. With this contract, too, we see that we have taken the right path with the designs we currently offer, which we have developed in-house.

The models that are currently doing well have a favourable speed-power curve and more cargo capacity than comparable vessels due to their efficient hull shape, saving fuel and reducing emissions.

Also, those designs leave ample room for customisation based on customer requirements, both in terms of accommodation and propulsion types, which we can adjust quite easily if and when customers, market developments or regulations demand it.”

Associated Listing:

Concordia Group

Ocean Business 2023 back with a bang!

Wednesday, 26th April 2023

Ocean science and technology experts from around the world descended on Southampton last week for the biggest ever Ocean Business exhibition and conference.

Record crowds of more than 5,000 gathered at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) for three days of ground-breaking innovation, exciting product launches and quayside demonstrations as Ocean Business 2023 welcomed visitors from more than 80 countries to the Solent.

Returning to its spring slot post-Covid, Ocean Business – last staged in autumn 2021 – saw 300 exhibitors, nearly 150 hours of live demonstrations, and a thought-provoking conference programme, reuniting an international roll-call of technology pioneers, game-changing manufacturers and innovative service providers.

Show organiser Cheri Arvonio said this year’s event had exceeded all expectations and the feedback from participants had been fantastic.

‘The stars were aligned for this year’s show and it was wonderful to see so many friends, Ocean Business regulars and, since we last got together, an emerging generation of innovators.

‘Exhibitors reported brisk business, renewing old acquaintances and forging new friendships, and many of the classroom sessions and dockside demonstrations were packed out. People were evidently enjoying meeting up, inside and outside the main exhibition spaces. Even the sun shone for most of the week!’

Ever more sophisticated robotics were on display in the water, with all-day ROV demonstrations highlighting the rapid pace of development in the industry.

Robosys Automation demonstrated its AI solutions for future shipping; Chelsea Technologies presented LabSTAF, its instrumentation measuring phytoplankton primary productivity, on board Callista, NOC’s purpose-built research vessel; and Maritime Robotics staged separate demos of its Otter Pro USV with Kongsberg, Teledyne and Norbit multibeam systems.

Kongsberg’s Richard Mills said collaboration in the sector was key: ‘We have to work together because there is no one company that can do everything.’

On the first day of the show, Kongsberg unveiled its new business, Kongsberg Discovery, dedicated to delivering advanced ocean robotics and sensor technology.

Mills, head of sales and marketing for the Americas, said there had been ‘a really positive response’ to the new venture and its branding, the result of an in-house competition.

‘We wanted a name that says what we do but doesn’t limit us. It’s all about exploration and finding out new ways of doing things, new technologies, new information.’

As always, Ocean Business provided a platform for product launches, among them Valeport’s SWiFT profiler, which can measure depths of 6,000m; Blue Robotics’ BlueBoat USV, described as ‘the planet’s most affordable robotic surface vessel’; and Sonardyne’s next stage Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), with integrated modem for communications and positioning.

Sonardyne’s Tom Bennetts said the new ADCPs were a significant advance in ocean current profiling technology, analysing data in real time: ‘Now we can talk to the ADCP when it’s on the seabed and check it’s collecting the right data.’

New partnerships formed at Ocean Business 2023 included Saildrone, a leading provider of USVs, and Nippon backed Seabed 2030, which signed an MOU to collaborate on the effort to map the entire ocean floor.

Steve Hall of Seabed 2030 said, with 23.4% of the ocean mapped by last year, Saildrone’s long-range uncrewed ocean mapping operations would help fill the gaps in global knowledge.

‘There’s a marriage of robotic technology with traditional methods. Saildrone vessels let the wind do the propulsion so they don’t waste battery power, and therefore can go for weeks at a time.’

Over at the Canada pavilion, Nova Scotia based Dartmouth Ocean Technologies (DOT), a manufacturer of oceanographic instruments, announced a new partnership with NatureMetrics, a nature intelligence and environmental DNA company.

Cathy Williams, at the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, said 16 Canadian companies were represented on the stand: ‘We’re thrilled to be back here again, the traffic has been amazing and our companies are elated with the quality of the attendance.’

Facilitating future business relationships, Innovate UK Edge hosted the popular B2B matchmaking event, the biggest to date, said organiser Tim Benzie.

‘It’s a different way of networking, like speed dating, with plenty of CEOs and MDs participating. It gives busy people a chance to sit down together away from the exhibition floor.’

Alongside the exhibition and demonstrations, speakers and expert panels drawn from across the sector shared ideas to help shape the future of ocean technology.

PopEye Labs’ team of five from the University of Pennsylvania flew in on the Red Eye to present their breakthrough technology, the first step towards autonomous anchoring for large commercial vessels. Afterwards, they said they were approached by ‘a variety of industry experts’ expressing an interest, making the trip well worth the effort.
And the Society for Underwater Technology, which hosted a ‘Routes for Innovation in the Defence Market’ session, said: ‘It was inspiring to see such a diverse group of professionals coming together to explore and discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the subsea defence industry.’

Helping make Ocean Business a success was the Society of Marine Industries (SMI), whose team and members had ‘a highly productive week’, according to SMI’s Emma Johnson.

‘SMI is proud to support such a brilliant marine science and technology show, it was great to be able to catch up with members and meet many potential new members too. The quality of the visitors was great and the buzz is certainly back – bring on 2025!’

Phil Bishop, head of commercial development at NOC, said it had been a pleasure to welcome the thousands of visitors to the National Oceanography Centre.

‘As well as discovering the latest developments in the ocean technology field, Ocean Business is one of the most vibrant industry networking opportunities of the year. We were particularly pleased this year to host our NOC Innovations conference, giving us the opportunity to present the cutting-edge insights and technology being developed by researchers and engineers here at NOC, and their ongoing impact in the real world.

‘There has been an incredible amount of excitement and activity throughout all three days of the event and we are already looking forward to Ocean Business returning to NOC in 2025.’

And Tim Minshull, chairing MARELEC 2023, the international conference on marine electromagnetics, held in conjunction with Ocean Business for the first time, said they had seen a wide range of ‘excellent presentations’.

‘It brought together a diverse group of researchers and technologists from across the UK, Europe, the US and elsewhere who are unlikely to meet each other in any other venue.’

Ocean Business 2025 will take place at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, from April 8-10. Visit https://www.oceanbusiness.com

Associated Exhibition:

Southbay Civil Engineering receive the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East Medium Project of the Year award

Monday, 17th April 2023

Southbay Civil Engineering Limited are proud to announce that they have received the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East Medium Project of the Year award, for the recently delivered Tyne Dock Enterprise Park Quay Wall scheme . The award was presented to the project team at the ICE North East annual dinner.

This technically challenging design and build contract involved the construction of a new 113m quay wall, complete with anchorage system, deck slab and quayside facilities. The project was delivered across a site that included challenging ground conditions, which were the result of unknown historic structures associated with its former industrial heritage.

The new quay wall will enable the mooring of Service Operation Vessels, which will be used in the operation and maintenance of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which once complete, will be the largest offshore wind farm in the world.

Managing Director of Southbay Civil Engineering Paul Stephenson commented ‘We are delighted to receive this prestigious award, which recognises the hard work by the project team in delivering this technically challenging contract. By maintaining a collaborative working environment with our delivery partners, we were able to utilise the specialist skills and experience of all involved to the benefit of the contract’.

Southbay Civil Engineering

Southbay Civil Engineering is a prominent provider of marine engineering solutions, specialising in a wide range of services tailored to the marine industry. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Southbay Civil Engineering offers comprehensive solutions to meet the diverse needs of clients in the maritime sector.

As detailed on their website, SCE offers a variety of services specifically designed for the marine industry. These include marine construction, dredging, coastal protection, harbor maintenance, and port infrastructure development. Their team of skilled professionals utilises advanced technologies and innovative techniques to deliver projects efficiently and to the highest standards.

One of the key strengths of SCE lies in their ability to undertake complex marine projects from concept to completion. Whether it’s constructing new port facilities, maintaining harbor infrastructure, or implementing coastal protection measures, they have the capabilities and expertise to deliver results that exceed client expectations.

Furthermore, Southbay Civil Engineering is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility in all their marine projects. They prioritise eco-friendly practices and adhere to strict environmental regulations to minimize their impact on marine ecosystems and coastal environments.

Overall, Southbay Civil Engineering is a trusted partner for clients in the marine industry, offering reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions to meet their maritime infrastructure needs. With their dedication to excellence and proven track record of success, they continue to be a leading provider of marine engineering services in the UK.

Associated Listing:

Glasdon Launch New eBook: Get a Handle on Specifying Cycle Storage

Monday, 3rd April 2023

Offering exponential health, social and financial benefits, cycling is proven to be a rewarding method of travel. But with cycling also comes the need for safe, secure, and reliable storage solutions.

From cycling racks and stands to bike compounds and enclosures, there is a wide range of contemporary and traditional forms of cycle storage available to choose from.

UK manufacturer, Glasdon, compiled this eBook to help answer all the questions you may have when choosing your ideal cycle storage facility.

In the guide, they delve into the facts about cycling to explore:

How commuting on a bike can provide a win-win situation for both employer and employee.
The criteria that should be met and the questions that need answering before installing a storage facility.
What types of facilities are available to you.

The Importance of Cycling

Cycling holds significant importance for both physical health and ease of travel, offering a myriad of benefits to individuals and communities alike. From improving cardiovascular fitness and strengthening muscles to reducing stress and enhancing mental well-being, cycling is a low-impact exercise that promotes overall health and wellness.

Regular cycling helps to lower the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, while also improving joint mobility and flexibility. It provides a convenient way to incorporate physical activity into daily routines, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.

Moreover, cycling offers an eco-friendly and sustainable mode of transportation that reduces carbon emissions and promotes cleaner air quality. As cities increasingly prioritise cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes and shared paths, cycling becomes a viable alternative to driving, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Additionally, cycling promotes community connectivity and social interaction, as cyclists often gather for group rides or participate in cycling events and initiatives. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging while encouraging active lifestyles and environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, cycling plays a crucial role in promoting individual and community health, providing a convenient, affordable, and sustainable mode of transportation that benefits both people and the planet. By embracing cycling as part of daily life, individuals can enjoy improved health outcomes while contributing to a greener and more vibrant society.

The Benefits of Cycle Storage

Cycle storage offers numerous benefits for both individuals and communities, promoting cycling as a convenient, sustainable, and healthy mode of transportation. Firstly, cycle storage provides a safe and secure place for cyclists to store their bikes, reducing the risk of theft and vandalism. This encourages more people to cycle, knowing that their bikes are protected and easily accessible.

Moreover, cycle storage helps to declutter public spaces by providing designated areas for bike parking, reducing sidewalk congestion and promoting pedestrian safety. By encouraging cycling, cycle storage also contributes to reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions, leading to cleaner air and healthier cities.

Cycle storage shelters, such as those offered by Glasdon, provide additional benefits by protecting bikes from the elements, such as rain, snow, and UV exposure. This helps to extend the lifespan of bicycles and reduces the need for maintenance and repairs.

Furthermore, cycle storage shelters can enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces, providing a sleek and modern design that complements the surrounding environment. This makes cycle storage an attractive addition to public areas, workplaces, schools, and other locations where cycling is encouraged.

Overall, cycle storage plays a vital role in promoting cycling as a viable transportation option, offering convenience, security, and protection for cyclists and their bikes. By investing in cycle storage infrastructure, communities can create more bike-friendly environments and reap the numerous benefits of cycling for individuals and society as a whole.

The full eBook is available to download below for free.

Associated Listing:

Collett Complete South Kyle Wind Farm

Monday, 3rd April 2023

Located 5km to the East of Dalmellington, lying within both East Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway, Collett have completed the delivery of 50 Nordex N133 wind turbines to South Kyle Wind Farm.

Under construction by Swedish multi-national power generation company Vattenfall, South Kyle’s 50 turbine site is the company’s largest onshore wind farm in the UK in terms of power generation.

Appointed to undertake the delivery of the 450 components required to construct the fifty 84 metre hub height Nordex N133 turbines, both the Port of Ayr and King George V Dock were used to store and handle components.

The heavier of the components, namely the 68 Tonne nacelles, 73 Tonne drive trains and the 63 Tonne hubs arrived at King George V Dock, with the lighter components, including the 18 Tonne blades and the 150 individual tower sections arriving at the Port of Ayr.

At both ports, each of the components were discharged from the vessel to a precise laydown plan, allowing Collett Team to access each in line with the wind farm’s construction schedule.

Utilising a combination of 6-axle trailers, 7-axle trailers, 8-axle trailers, 2x tower transporter clamp trailers and 3x super wing carriers from across the Collett fleet, the Project Team transported the components to site, approximately 5km East of Dalmellington town.

On site, Collett had an additional Team in place to undertake tower transport operations across the 50 turbine site, delivering each of the tower sections to their respective crane pads for a just in time for installation service.

With a total of 6 heavy haulage tractor units and 6 steersman/escort vehicles in operation throughout, each of the 67, 48 & 50 Tonne tower sections, along with the 65 metre blades travelled in overnight convoys in order to minimise road traffic congestion from both ports and in the surrounding areas.

Travelling under Police Scotland and Collett private escort from both ports of entry, Collett planned and executed 450 abnormal load movements. Operating seven days a week (as required), and with Police escort resources high in demand and low in frequency, Collett requested double runs in order to maximise deliveries with the limited resources available.

The Team alternated between tower convoys, blades and nacelle sets as per demand required on site, until all 450 wind turbine components were successfully delivered.

Throughout the entire project, Collett provided a dedicated Project Management Team to successfully handle all aspects of South Kyle Wind Farm, from the initial route surveys to the arrival of the components and through to final delivery.

Over the course of the project Collett have handled and transported 150 tower sections, 50 nacelles, 50 hubs, 50 drive trains and 150 blades to South Kyle Wind Farm.

Expected to be operational in 2023, the 50 Nordex N133 turbines feature a 133.2m rotor with a swept area of 13,935m2. With a capacity of 240MW, South Kyle Wind Farm is expected to generate enough electricity to meet the demands of approximately 170,000 homes annually, while offsetting up to 300,000t of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Associated Listing:

Month: April 2023

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