K Line to Expand Use of Eco-efficiency Software
NAPA and ClassNK announced a deal with Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (K Line) to install an eco-efficiency and operational optimization solution, ClassNK-NAPA GREEN, on three additional vessels. The vessels will be fitted with the software in June 2015 after the ClassNK-NAPA GREEN suite of systems proved itself on a trial installation early in 2014. The self-learning component of ClassNK-NAPA GREEN, the dynamic performance model was also found to be accurate during the same trial.
Hoists Facilitate Offshore Crane Repairs
When the diesel engine of a deck crane failed, it caused major handling problems for an offshore platform operating in the Dutch sector of the southern North Sea, problems that were solved with the use of J D Neuhaus air operated hoists. The crane was operating at 40 meters above sea level and provided a lift capacity of 20 metric tons. Replacing the broken engine, which itself weighed-in at approximately 2750lbs, presented some logistic problems.
Wärtsilä Bags Seawater Desalination System Orders
The Meyer Werft Germany, Meyer Turku, STX France and Fincantieri shipyards have all placed orders with Wärtsilä for the supply of fresh water generators to a total of seven cruise ships. The orders were placed between September and November 2014, and delivery is scheduled to commence in May 2015 and will be completed by autumn 2017. Wärtsilä's delivery comprises a total of 10 large MSF distillation systems with unit capacities spanning from 115 tons/day to 900tons/day…
NRL Researchers Demo Ship-to-Shore Data Link
Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) along with Mercury Continuity (MC) have demonstrated the Tactical Reachback Extended Communications (TREC) system in the port of Miami. The NRL-developed communications technology, which provides a very high data rate transmission over long ranges, was tested as part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with MC and Intelligent Designs, LLC.
LR Supports Chinese Recycling Yards' EU Application
LR’s initial verification of the Ship Recycling Facility Plans for both Zhoushan Changhong International Ship Recycling Co. Ltd. and Jiangyin Xiagang Changjiang Ship Recycling Yard – the first non-EU applications – is a vital first step towards the facilities’ inclusion on the European Union’s list. Lloyd’s Register (LR) said it is working with facilities seeking to be at the forefront of sustainable…
Chinese Yards Apply for EU Regulation on Ship Recycling
Two Chinese ship recycling yards have applied for inclusion of their facilities in the future EU list of Ship Recycling Facilities. The official documents for the…
Bulker Chief Engineer Convicted of Environmental Crimes
A chief engineer from the M/V Trident Navigator was convicted by a federal jury in New Orleans late yesterday after a week-long trial, of knowingly falsifying the vessel’s oil record book in violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), obstruction of justice and witness tampering, announced the Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Jackup Rig Delivered to Abu Dhabi’s NDC
Lamprell has completed the construction of jackup drilling rig, the Shuwehat, and has delivered the rig to Abu Dhabi’s National Drilling Company (NDC) within budget and as scheduled. The delivery follows Lamprell’s announcement on November 12 stating that the group received a new $365 million contract award from NDC for the construction of two further jackup drilling rigs of a similar design and specification.
Transas Installs ECDIS Simulators at Romanian University
Transas Marine has installed the ECDIS simulator class at the Constanța Maritime University (CMU), one of the first maritime schools in Romania to launch simulator-based courses to train bridge watchkeeping officers and other personnel in safe and efficient use of ECDIS in full compliance with the STCW 2010. The newly installed simulator is based on the Transas Navi-Sailor ECDIS Multifunction Display MFD 4000 with inbuilt Navi-Planner voyage planning software…
Wrecked Bulker’s Bow Refloated, Scuttled off S.Africa
TITAN Salvage, Crowley Maritime Corp.'s Houston-based marine salvage, emergency response and wreck removal company, has refloated and scuttled the largest section of the wrecked bulk carrier, Smart. The vessel was carrying a load of coal when it went aground in August 2013 in heavy seas in Richards Bay, South Africa. Complications ensued when the carrier broke apart after only two days. At the end of 2013…
US Obamacare Impacts the Global Marine Industry
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as Obamacare, the recent healthcare plan in the United States, is affecting the international superyacht industry…
Even 'Small' Vessels are Getting Bigger
The Shipowners’ Club is a mutual provider of P&I insurance that has throughout its 160 year history been dedicated to serving owners of small and specialist ships. These vessels, active in a range of different operations, are at the lower end of the size spectrum and, in keeping with the trend seen across vessel design as a whole, are also getting larger in order to cope with the demands of their individual markets.
BCG Delivers Upgrades to Long-time Customers
Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) Inc. has recently delivered two upgrades to long-time customers Columbia Pacific Maritime in Portland Ore., and The River School in Memphis, Tenn. The River School ordered additional laptop computers preloaded with BCG’s simulation software to assist with training courses. The laptop will be used in conjunction with BCG’s PCS-250 Portable Radar Stimulator and four Furuno Radars for portable radar training at various locations around the country.
Transpacific Container Shippers Plan Price Rise
A container shipping organisation urged companies on Wednesday to raise Asia-U.S. freight rates by at least $600 per 40-foot container (FEU) from Jan. 15, corresponding…
DP World: Shareholders Back EZW buy, London Delisting
Shareholders of DP World have approved buying Economic Zones World from its majority shareholder and also backed the port operator's delisting from the London Stock Exchange…
Maersk to Continue Russian Operations
Denmark's A.P. Moller-Maersk said its four subsidiaries with activities in Russia continue to operate as planned despite the recent sharp drop in oil price and the rouble's collapse.
Shell Resuming Nigeria EA Oil Production
Royal Dutch Shell said on Thursday it had resumed production of Nigerian EA crude oil and lifted its force majeure on the grade after completing repairs to a mooring platform.
EU Bans Crimea Investment, Targets Oil, Cruise Sectors
Measures take effect on Saturday; aim is to keep pressure on Russia over Ukraine. The European Union banned investment in Crimea on Thursday, halting European help…
Hiab Switches to Dealer-based Distribution in Mexico
Hiab, part of Cargotec, and Consorcio Industrial Puebla S.A.P.I. de C.V. (CIPSA) have signed an agreement regarding a long-term distribution partnership in the Americas region.
Mermaid Wins Subsea Contract in Gulf of Thailand
Mermaid has secured a 2-year contract for its dive support vessel, ‘Mermaid Commander’, to provide subsea construction support in the Gulf of Thailand for a repeat…