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

Unique Group Unveils Revolutionary Aquila Subsea – The Subsea Industry’s First Generative AI Chat Solution

Friday, 8th September 2023

Unique Group , global innovators in subsea technologies and engineering, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking advancement in the subsea survey sector – Aquila Subsea. This state-of-the-art generative AI chat solution is set to revolutionize the industry by providing instant and accurate responses to a wide range of queries, empowering survey engineers and researchers to swiftly understand manuals, troubleshoot issues, and access critical information.

Aquila Subsea marks a monumental leap forward as the first-ever generative AI chat solution tailored specifically for the subsea survey industry. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, Unique Group is delivering an unparalleled value addition to survey engineers and researchers, facilitating rapid resolution of technical challenges.

With its comprehensive repository of manuals, data sheets, and manufacturers’ information, the AI platform guarantees precise and reliable solutions for queries of all complexities, providing access to a Knowledge Repository with over 10,000 Survey Equipment solutions.

“It’s with immense pride that we introduce Aquila to the subsea industry,” said Sahil Gandhi, CEO of Unique Group. “As relentless innovators, we are committed to pioneering technologies that redefine industry norms. Aquila showcases our dedication to bringing cutting-edge solutions to our customers, enabling them to elevate their operations and make informed decisions swiftly.”

Developed entirely in-house by Unique Group’s Research and Development Team, Aquila stands as a testament to the organization’s prowess in driving innovation. This AI solution promises to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and enhance overall productivity for survey engineers, researchers, and industry professionals.

One of the standout features of Aquila Subsea is its extensive and meticulously curated database, encompassing a wealth of technical resources. By drawing on this repository, the AI-driven platform provides precise solutions tailored to the specific queries posed by users. The technology ensures that technical hurdles are surmounted in a matter of seconds, reducing downtime and significantly contributing to cost savings, while elevating operational efficiency to unprecedented levels.

To mark this pivotal moment in the subsea survey industry, Unique Group is excited to announce that limited signups to access Aquila Subsea are now open. This exclusive opportunity allows industry professionals to be among the first to experience the transformative potential of this game-changing technology. Register under www.aquilasubsea.ai

As Unique Group continues to lead the charge in technological innovation, Aquila Subsea stands as a testament to their commitment to driving progress within the subsea sector. With its ability to provide swift, accurate, and insightful solutions, Aquila Subsea is poised to reshape the way survey engineers approach their work and ultimately redefine industry standards.

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

ICMS signs as production partner and supplier for Living Seawalls in the UK and Ireland

Friday, 8th September 2023

Pontoon manufacturers Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) has signed an agreement with Living Seawalls to be its production partner and supplier in the UK and Ireland.

A flagship programme of the Sydney Institute of Marine Science in collaboration with Reef Design Lab, Living Seawalls designs and produces innovative modular panels which mimic foreshore and inter-tidal habitats to revive the increasingly ‘urbanised’ oceans as construction ventures ever further into the sea.

The three-dimensional tile-like concrete panels attach in a mosaic pattern, adding texture, shape and form to flat seawalls and other ocean-facing structures, which otherwise would lack the complexity required for a biodiverse marine environment.

ICMS will be manufacturing the Living Seawalls’ concrete habitat panels at its facility in Banagher, Ireland, using waste material from the production process of its floating concrete breakwaters and pontoons.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Living Seawalls and support its aim of increasing the ecological value of breakwaters, pontoons and other artificial structures in the marine environment,” says Oliver Shortall, Managing Director at ICMS.

“As part of our sustainability initiative, we’re looking at ways to minimise the impact of our business and the products we produce on the environment, and the partnership with Living Seawalls provides us with a dual-purpose solution. We’re now able to reduce our manufacturing waste while helping to breathe life back into the oceans – it’s win win, and we couldn’t be happier to be involved.”

With projects spanning three continents, Living Seawalls currently has 10 habitat panel designs, each targeting different features of natural shorelines which benefit diverse groups of marine organisms. The modular design allows the Living Seawalls to be tailored to each site, and as sea levels rise in coming years, they can provide habitats for species to migrate vertically.

“The new partnership will be a game-changer for Living Seawalls, allowing our solution for greening marine constructions to scale across Ireland and the UK,” says Professor Melanie Bishop, co-leader of the Living Seawalls’ programme.

“Living Seawalls is a global solution and can continue to grow its impact through this new manufacturing and distribution hub. Given the focus of Living Seawalls on sustainable design, we are particularly excited that Inland and Coastal Marina Systems will upcycle waste products from pontoon fabrication to manufacture habitat enhancement panels.

“As a major manufacturer of pontoons, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems will also play a pivotal role in sharing the message of co-design of marine built structures for humans and nature.”

The Living Seawalls programme is supported by sustainable development consultancy, Arup, through its partnership with the The Earthshot Prize. It was Arup that introduced Living Seawalls to ICMS.

James Turley, Associate Director at Arup, comments: “Through Arup’s collaboration with Living Seawalls, we have helped demonstrate how its products can assist in regenerating biodiversity in our oceans in a sustainable way.

“Coastal infrastructure is often crucial, yet its construction can impact and encroach upon the intertidal zone. Living Seawalls is part of the solution, and I am delighted that by using our industry connections we were able to introduce Living Seawalls to ICMS. I look forward to the partnership flourishing and seeing many more Living Seawalls habitat panels around our coasts.”

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

Six factors to consider before purchasing a safety shower

Friday, 1st September 2023

Ensuring the safety of workers should be one of your primary concerns as an employer. Investing in safety showers ensures you are investing in the safety of your employees as well as providing yourself with peace of mind that you are compliant to international standards. It can, however, be a challenging task.

Knowing you need safety showers is half the battle, but it can be hard to know where to start when purchasing this safety equipment. To help in the process, we have put together a list of considerations prior to purchasing a safety shower and or eye/face wash equipment.

  1. Consult the standards

The European standard EN15154 Parts 2 and 5, and the internationally recognised ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard recommend performance requirements for industrial eye wash units and emergency safety showers.

They are focused on the performance, use, installation, testing, maintenance, and training of this essential safety equipment and while not legally binding it is considered best practice to adhere to them in order to remain compliant.

We recommend consulting the standards in their entirety before purchasing a safety shower. For a general overview to assist in understanding the guidelines take a look at our summary documents.

  1. Consult the Safety Datasheet (SDS)

This will provide more detail on the decontamination procedure required for the chemicals in question in the event of an incident or contact with the skin. For example, if ammonia comes into contact with the skin it must be rinsed with water at a temperature of between 25-30C for at least 15 minutes.

Always ensure you read the full safety data sheet carefully and follow the recommendations within.

  1. Perform a risk assessment

Assessing risk is a large part of the overall process used to control hazards in your workplace.

Site risk assessments will provide the information you need to understand the location, specification and quantity of equipment required.

A proper risk assessment includes making sure that all relevant risks are taken into consideration (not just the immediate or obvious risks) and checking the efficiency of safety measures and equipment already in place. These assessments must be updated regularly.

  1. Check existing site standards for safety showers

Is there an existing site standard and/or specification for emergency safety showers and eye/face washes? There could be a company-specific standard in place that must be adhered to.

  1. Which employees will be using the showers

Who will potentially be using the safety showers and eye/face washes and what are their function? Do employees wear PPE, gas-tight suits or industrial workwear? This will identify the type of models required.

  1. Location

When considering the location of your safety showers and eye/face washes ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is the ambient temperature of the location of the hazard?
  • Do you have sufficient drainage to contain potentially contaminated water?
  • Do you have a potable and reliable water supply with enough pressure at the site of the hazard?
  • Is the shower being used in an explosive area?
  • Have you considered electrical requirements such as ATEX and IECEx?

There are many fundamental points to think about when selecting the right safety showers and eye/face washes for your site. Ensure you make the right choice with our help. With half a century of expertise in this field, we can guide you through the purchasing process.

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

Jotron AS acquires Skipper Electronics AS

Thursday, 17th August 2023

Merete Berdal, CEO of Jotron AS, expresses her excitement about the acquisition: “We are thrilled to welcome Skipper Electronics AS to the Jotron family. Their strong brand presence and exceptional reputation within the maritime market will build a more solidified position for Jotron as a global leader.

Renaming the company to Jotron Skipper AS ensures the continuity of the SKIPPER brand while capitalizing on the synergies between the organizations.”

Sigurd Paulsen, Managing Director of Skipper Electronics AS adds “This strategic alliance marks a new era for Skipper Electronics AS. We are proud to be a part of Jotron AS, continuing to operate under the SKIPPER brand, which has gained significant trust and recognition in the maritime market. Together, as Jotron Skipper AS, we are confident in our ability to provide innovative solutions and exceptional service to our customers.”

Jotron Skipper AS and Jotron AS are committed to preserving the strong brand presence of SKIPPER while leveraging their collective resources to drive growth and innovation.

With this acquisition and the creation of Jotron Skipper AS, both companies reaffirm their commitment to providing top-quality solutions and upholding the esteemed SKIPPER brand. Together, they will continue to prioritise customer needs and deliver outstanding products and services to the maritime market.

About Jotron Skipper AS

Jotron Skipper AS, now part of Jotron Group, is a prominent provider of advanced maritime communication and safety solutions, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and safety for vessels worldwide. The company’s comprehensive range of products and services caters to the diverse needs of the marine industry, encompassing communication, navigation, and safety equipment.

One of the companyes flagship offerings is its line of maritime communication systems, which includes VHF and MF/HF radios, AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders, and GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) equipment. These systems enable reliable and efficient communication between vessels, shore stations, and maritime authorities, ensuring seamless coordination and enhancing situational awareness at sea.

In addition to communication systems, the company provides advanced navigation solutions, such as radar systems, ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems), and GPS receivers. These systems play a crucial role in navigating vessels safely and efficiently, providing accurate positioning data, real-time weather information, and collision avoidance capabilities.

Furthermore, Jotron offers a wide range of safety equipment designed to enhance onboard safety and emergency response capabilities. This includes EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons), SARTs (Search and Rescue Transponders), and NAVTEX (Navigational Telex) receivers, which help facilitate rapid response to distress situations and ensure the timely rescue of crew members in emergency situations.

Moreover, Jotron Skipper provides comprehensive support services, including installation, commissioning, training, and maintenance, to ensure the seamless integration and optimal performance of its products onboard vessels. Their team of highly skilled engineers and technicians is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to clients worldwide.

Overall, Jotron Skipper AS, now part of Jotron Group, is a trusted partner for the maritime industry, offering cutting-edge communication, navigation, and safety solutions to enhance operational efficiency and safety at sea. With its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Jotron Skipper continues to be at the forefront of maritime technology advancement.

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

Hamble Lifeboat goes viral on TikTok with over of 154,000 views

Thursday, 17th August 2023

A lifeboat that operates independently in Southampton water and the Solent, recently gained viral attention on TikTok for a training video showcasing a life-saving training winch in collaboration with Bristow Helicopters and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

This video not only highlights the importance of lifeboat and aircraft familiarisation for life-saving rescues but also brings attention to the crucial work of independent lifeboats in ensuring the safety of those at sea.

In today’s digital age, social media has become a powerful tool for marketing and increasing brand awareness. HambleLifeboat recognised the importance of utilising social mediato reach a wider audience attract potential sponsors and support fundraising efforts. To tap into a new and younger demographic, the Marketing and Communications volunteer recently decided to create a TikTok account for HambleLifeboat. With its visually appealing content and engaging format, TikTok provides a unique opportunity to showcase the Lifeboat’s mission-critical work to a whole new audience.

A video capturing the training of a Bristow Helicopter and Hamble Lifeboat volunteers has gone viral, thanks to its use of a popular TikTok-style audio track and hashtags. The video, filmed by volunteer Chris Bruty, has garnered over 154,000 views and thousands of likes, sparking interest in the work of the Independent Lifeboat and its volunteers not just locally, but globally.

Unlike the RNLI, Independent Lifeboats rely solely on fundraising to keep their operations afloat. Recent support from the National Independent Lifeboat Association means all independent lifeboats can finally work together nationally to help raise awareness and fundraise. Coxswain and StationManager, Paul Ackland said, “Social media has been a valuable tool in raising awareness and funds for the Hamble Lifeboat, with a surge in awareness, donations and corporate support in recent years”.

Their next goal is to raise funds for a new lifeboat, and they believe that the increased awareness from the recent viral video will greatly aid in achieving this goal.

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

200 times faster subsea inspection with the goddess of the deep

Thursday, 10th August 2023

The cold water of the ocean floor is an inhospitable environment for humankind, yet key infrastructure is operating down here. These subsea installations help provide us with vital resources such as oil, gas, and renewable energy, but meanwhile, their structures are in a constant fight against the hostile sea. This means that finding and repairing corrosion that can develop on essential components, such as pipelines and manifolds, is a crucial and regular requirement.

At depths of up to 3,000m, this is beyond the limits of divers. To carry operatives down requires specialised submersibles, making subsea inspection very costly and highly time-consuming. But, propelled through the murky depths, a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) removes human risk and significantly speeds up the operation. The ROV itself is just one component; it relies on an inspection system that must be able to collect data in order to provide an accurate assessment of the situation. As the ROV operator’s time at sea is a high expense, precision inspection has to be carried out quickly.

Inspection technology

Deliverable from any size of ROV, Tiamat, named after the Mesopotamian goddess of the sea, is a subsea inspection technology that can detect wall thickness, cracks, and flaws on complex subsea infrastructure – even including submarines and inside windmill monopiles. Crucially, the device achieves this with 200 times faster data collection than existing subsea scanners. Currently undergoing deepwater trials, Tiamat has been created by subsea inspection experts 1CSI.

Providing precise data collection is achieved with a full HD camera image, as well as an ultrasonic inspection mapping resolution of 1mm by 1mm with a +/-0.3mm field measuring accuracy. Tiamat’s ultrasonic weld inspection involves phased array transducers comprising as many as 250 elements.

With the ROV guided onto the desired inspection area, Tiamat goes to work. Its wide A4-size scan footprint sweeps forward and backwards across the infrastructure, in an arc of 312 mm by 154mm in 10 seconds, before the ROV guides Tiamat onward to the next inspection area. It’s this relatively large scale of data capture, combined with the video and transducer array, that helps Tiamat achieve such high-speed scanning coverage.

Precise motion control

The smooth and stable travel of Tiamat’s sensors, running on a track that adapts to flat or curved surfaces, is fundamental to the speed and quality of scanning. High-performance motion control is vital to manage the position and velocity of the inspection probe carriage, and this is achieved thanks to a pair of maxon MA30 subsea actuators.

This underwater drive system is designed specifically to provide control at extreme depths. The compact, low-weight actuators are fully sealed and are highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring reliability and long-life operation in the tough marine environment.
maxon’s engineers specified the motion solution to provide precision control. To enhance capabilities for smooth motion, maxon’s engineers customised the motor and gearbox, reducing speed and increasing torque to achieve the optimal rating to suit the application’s requirements.

“The motors are absolutely crucial, because scanning demands smooth, frictionless motion,” says Matthew Kennedy, CEO, 1CSI. “While the phased array transducers are collecting data, movement of the carriage needs to be seamless and repeatable, including when scanning a changing diameter asset. We chose maxon because their motors give us the precision we need.”

Subsea operation is one of the most challenging arenas for motion control. With an ROV and its crew located potentially hundreds of miles from resupply, it’s vital that the motors powering Tiamat’s probe carriage are highly reliable and continue to operate efficiently whatever the depth and conditions. This includes overcoming pressure and buoyancy forces.

Deep sea operation

“The motors need to work perfectly at depths down to 3,000m and 300 bar pressure, in a very hostile, cold environment. We wanted a motor that we knew was going to keep working reliably in those conditions, time after time, and the maxon motors achieve this,” says Matthew.

Tiamat is small enough to be carried by observation class ROVs, and measuring just 665mm by 672mm, it can even scan within the most space-restricted locations. 1CSI’s scanner can be used to inspect a submarine’s internal air tanks, accessed from outside the hull even when the vessel is at sea, and it can also enter within the monopile base of an offshore wind turbine.
To achieve this compact footprint, the motion solution had to be small enough to fit within the pre-designed housing, while still delivering the required torque and power. A multi-stage gearbox increased overall length, but careful engineering specification, along with the motors’ high power density, enabled use of a shorter motor design to compensate.

1CSI has completed final testing of Tiamat at its Aberdeen facility and is now moving to deep sea trials in the southern hemisphere. Completing a live test off the west coast of Africa using a previous ROV system, Matthew and his team are already satisfied with the performance of the maxon motors at depths down to 3,000m.

In mythology, Tiamat was a powerful goddess of the sea, and amongst the challenging marine environment, faith needs to be strong. But, thanks to 1CSI’s innovation, ROV operators and subsea infrastructure management teams have state-of-the-art technology on their side to reduce the time and cost of inspection.

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

ICMS partners with The Yacht Harbour Association to support B2B networking at SIBS

Wednesday, 2nd August 2023

Pontoon manufacturer Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) has partnered with The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA)

This is to create a dedicated space for marine businesses to meet and network at the Southampton International Boat Show, 15-24 September 2023.

“Having taken space on The Yacht Harbour Association’s ‘Find a Marina’ stand with other marina-related companies for the last few years, we’ve seen the value of bringing together a group of like-minded marine businesses,” says Jon Challis, Sales Manager at ICMS.

“This year, we wanted to take it a step further and create a ‘hub’ on the stand where other marine industry professionals are welcome too, expanding the opportunity for B2B networking to a wider industry audience.”

By sponsoring the central refreshment area and breakout zone on TYHA’s Find a Marina stand, ICMS has made this dedicated networking space possible and invites members of the trade to make use of the facility on stand J150 during the 10-day boat show.

Jon continues: “Conversations in a relaxed environment over a coffee allow ideas to be thrown around, and it’s these chance conversations or introductions which can provide valuable insight and/or identify previously unrecognised synergies and expertise, often resulting in mutually beneficial business opportunities.”

At the Southampton International Boat Show this year, ICMS is calling upon marina operators and harbour masters looking to upgrade their berthing facilities to take a fresh look at its extensive range of pontoons and floating breakwaters – all designed to offer safe, stable and non-slip water access to craft of all shapes and sizes, from kayaks to superyachts.

To find out more about Inland and Coastal’s pontoon ranges and unique decking options, or to book and appointment to speak to a member of the team at the show visit https://inlandandcoastal.com or email sales@inlandandcoastal.com

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

Major Names Onboard For AntwerpXL 2023

Monday, 31st July 2023

The biggest names in breakbulk, project cargo and heavy lift will be exhibiting at AntwerpXL when it returns to Antwerp Expo 28-30 November 2023.
It’s fitting that an event hosted at the home of Breakbulk will feature suppliers from around the world and across the entire Breakbulk supply chain.

Cargo owners and carriers, ports, freight forwarders and a host of shipping, maritime and supply chain experts will be showing their products, services and latest innovations at the three-day event.

Major names already signed up include C.Steinweg, Conti-Lines, Grimaldi Group, MSC, Spliethoff, Fednav, BBC Chartering, Konecranes, Varamar, and Zuidnatie.

They will be joined on the expanded show floor by companies such as Mammoet, Chipolbrok, Saudi Ports Authority, Katoen Natie, Deufol Belgie, Caribbean Line and Aertssen, Mantsinen Group, Aprojects, Navonus, Q Terminals, Port of Sunderland, Ultrabulk and Fracht Polytra.

Speaking at last year’s event, Frank Voet, commercial manager at Grimaldi Group outlined why his company values AntwerpXL: “We’re in Antwerp because it’s one of the biggest ports in Europe.  AntwerpXL is a great opportunity to show off Grimaldi Group’s vast range of services all around the world.”

Reinaaart Van Den Broek, Northbound Trade Coordinator Europe Service at Universal Africa Lines agreed: “Antwerp is the gateway to Africa and breakbulk, so we have to be present and meeting all our partners and prospects.”

Many exhibitors use the event’s platform to showcase their products and services, launch new technologies and make major announcements. Others are drawn by its the huge networking opportunities. After all, as the only event solely dedicated to the breakbulk industry, and hosted at a global gateway, AntwerpXL is an ideal place for the industry to meet, connect and do business.

Margaret Dunn, Portfolio Director at AntwerpXL, comments, “The maritime breakbulk industry is growing fast and facing a pressing number of changes, challenges and opportunities.  This means innovation, new thinking, getting even closer to current partners and forging connections with new ones are all more important than ever – and as our exhibitor list already shows, AntwerpXL is going to be the place for this to happen.”

For more information or to register to visit or exhibit at AntwerpXL 2023, click here.

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

Damen Marine Components awarded contract to supply energy efficient steering equipment to Chilean Navy

Monday, 31st July 2023

Wärtsilä has awarded Damen Marine Components (DMC) a contract to provide steering equipment to two Landing Platform Docks (LPD) of the Chilean Navy being built at ASMAR. DMC is supplying a range of energy-efficient equipment to the vessels, which will reduce fuel consumption and resultant emissions.

The LPDs are being constructed for the Escotillón IV project at the state-owned Astilleros y Maestranzas de la Armada (ASMAR) shipyard. The 110-metre long vessels will fulfil the dual purpose of increasing Chile’s defence capabilities as well as the nation’s ability to perform humanitarian operations.

DMC will supply the two vessels with its Commander™ piston type steering system. This compact and efficient system is built to a standardised, proven design.

Additionally, DMC will supply two Atlantic rudders including Silent Bulbs. The Silent Bulb is a fuel-saving device designed to reduce the risk of cavitation on the rudder by lowering flow losses from the propeller, thereby expanding the lifecycle of the rudder. Additionally, the Silent Bulb increases propeller thrust, thereby enabling the vessel to sail at the required speed with considerably less power output.

DMC’s Sales and Marketing Director, Wim Knoester, says, “We are very pleased to be awarded this contract and I’d like to express my gratitude to Wärtsilä for placing their trust in DMC. These vessels will perform an important role in Chile. The equipment we are supplying to the project will enable them to fulfil their duties with increased efficiency, optimised performance and reduced underwater noise, greatly improving the sustainability of their operations.”

Simon Riddle, General Manager / Marine Solutions / Navy at Wärtsilä, adds, “DMC’s energy efficient rudders are combined with the vessels’ high efficiency propeller and fairing caps. With the addition of the Silent Bulb to the rudders, testing has demonstrated that required power values are reduced by 3-4% for the desired sailing speed. This offers a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 1.5%, offering considerably increased efficiency during operations.”

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

Canada celebrates the historic arrival of its first fully electric tugboat

Wednesday, 26th July 2023

Canada celebrates the historic arrival of its first fully electric tugboat, the HaiSea Wamis, built by Sanmar Shipyards in Turkey.

This vessel marks the beginning of a series of three ElectRA 2800 battery electric harbour tugs commissioned for HaiSea Marine, a joint venture between the Haisla First Nation and Seaspan ULC.

Alongside dual-fuel escort tugs, the fleet will navigate the Douglas Channel to Kitimat, serving LNG carriers at the LNG Canada export facility within the Haisla Nation’s traditional territory.

The ElectRA 2800 series, designed specifically for LNG carrier assistance, features three fully electric tugboats. These ABS-classed vessels are equipped with Corvus’ Orca Energy ESS and boast a total battery capacity of 5,288 kWh, powering two Schottel azimuthing L-drive propulsion units with integrated electric motors. Each tug also incorporates a pair of Caterpillar C32 generators, although all operations will be conducted using electricity.

Recharging at shore facilities using hydroelectric power in Kitimat allows the harbour tugs to achieve near-zero emissions when operating on batteries, enhancing their environmental sustainability. Additionally, the fleet includes two powerful 40-meter RAstar 4000-DF escort tugs, operating on dual fuel (LNG and diesel) and offering a bollard pull of 100 tonnes, making them the most formidable on Canada’s west coast.

Specifications of the ElectRA 2800 tugboat include a length overall of 28.4 meters, a molded breadth of 13 meters, a navigational draft of 5.9 meters, and an international gross tonnage of 472. It can accommodate a regular crew of four and a maximum of six persons.

The tugboat achieves a full speed of 12.0-12.5 knots on batteries alone, while endurance transit speed reaches 8-10 knots when utilising generators. Its bollard pull is estimated at 65 tonnes throughout its lifespan, approximately 70 tonnes on batteries during trials, and around 35 tonnes when operating on generators.

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