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Autonomous Barge Master gangway landing solution set to improve safety for offshore structures

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Autonomous Barge Master gangway
Autonomous Barge Master gangway

A new autonomous landing solution for offshore structures, called the Barge Master gangway, is designed to significantly improves both safety and performance.

Through a combination of radar technology, cameras and sensors, Bosch Rexroth’s system automatically attaches the landing from the ship to the required site without the need for manual input. This means that the operation is consistent and reliable, regardless of weather and ocean conditions.

After the automated landing procedure, the Barge Master gangway is held safely in place through a combination of motion compensation and the ship’s dynamic positioning.

“There are a number of benefits to the autonomous landing system,” says Rene Coppens, Business Development Manager for Continue reading “Autonomous Barge Master gangway landing solution set to improve safety for offshore structures”

Washington Maritime Blue leads joint innovation project to design innovative Mosquito fleet

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Washington Maritime Blue is leading a joint initiative to develop the Mosquito fleet of fast, fuel efficient ferries
Washington Maritime Blue is leading a joint initiative to develop the Mosquito fleet of fast, fuel efficient ferries

Led by Washington Maritime Blue, a consortium of players in the blue economy has come together to launch a Joint Innovation Project to speed the design of a fast foil ferry, an innovation that promises a leap forward in zero-emissions, high-speed passenger ferry service.

In this unique public-private partnership, three ports in Washington have joined forces to support the effort: Port of Anacortes, Port of Bellingham, and Port of Skagit. The vessel is under design by Glosten, a naval architecture and marine engineering firm, and Bieker Boats, a performance marine craft designer. Kitsap Transit has identified a potential route for its ferry operations and sponsored the team in applying for additional funding to advance the concept. Leading this collaborative joint innovation project effort is Washington Maritime Blue, a strategic alliance formed to foster maritime innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy, and DNV GL, a Continue reading “Washington Maritime Blue leads joint innovation project to design innovative Mosquito fleet”

Paddle steamer Waverley makes triumphant return to passenger service

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The paddle steamer Waverley following her boiler refit
The paddle steamer Waverley following her boiler refit

Paddle steamer Waverley, has made a triumphant return to passenger service on the Clyde with a two-week series of cruises from Glasgow and other piers on the river.

The inaugural cruise of the ship’s 2020 season left the ship’s base at the Glasgow Science Centre for Rothesay and Kilcreggan on Friday 21 August, following the fitting of new boilers and the successful completion of sea trials.

Other cruises will serve destinations such as Lochranza, Loch Fyne and Tighnabruaich. All bookings have to be made in advance, on-line, with a phone system being used for passengers joining for part-day cruises from smaller piers.

Continue reading “Paddle steamer Waverley makes triumphant return to passenger service”

What types of biofuels could ships burn in 2030?

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What types of biofuels could ships burn in 2030?
What types of biofuels could ships burn in 2030?

Shipping is the backbone of the global economy, responsible for about 90% of world trade. But it also accounts for almost 3% (and rising) of man-made carbon dioxide emissions. The industry’s regulator set a series of emission-cutting targets back in 2018 aimed at driving a transition away from high-polluting fossil fuels. If the more ambitious goals are to be hit, the world’s ships will need to start burning new, clean fuel by 2030; such as biofuels. The question is, which one?

1. What are the bio-bunker options for ships after 2030?
Ships burn about 5 million barrels of fossil fuel every day, pumping a constant stream of CO2 and other chemical nasties into the atmosphere. Yet figuring out the fuel of the future isn’t just about emissions. It’s got to have enough power to propel gigantic tankers around the globe, be storable and transportable, and, of course, not too costly. Here’s a list of the front- Continue reading “What types of biofuels could ships burn in 2030?”

New crew transfer vessel get ABS approval in principle

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New crew transfer vessel get ABS approval
New crew transfer vessel get ABS approval

BAR Technologies and Chartwell Marine have secured the Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design and construction of a new crew transfer vessel (CTV).

BAR, with the support of Chartwell, developed the new crew transfer vessel, a 30m CTV with FOSS technology (foil optimized stability system), said to enhance seakeeping and maneuverability while reducing vertical acceleration by up to 70% in 2.5m wave heights.

This initial vessel will be closely followed by a 50m variant capable of 45kn top speed and 30kn in a 3m high sea, the companies said, adding that the new design will work in partnership with the vessels Continue reading “New crew transfer vessel get ABS approval in principle”

Artificial intelligence based system detects misdeclared cargo

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AI based system detects misdeclared cargo
AI based system detects misdeclared cargo

Dealing with misdeclared cargo and its consequences is one of the most challenging issues for the shipping industry at this current time. Known to be at the root of many major marine accidents, including fires causing loss of life and significant damage, shipping lines have been seeking to develop an approach to detect and reduce the risks of misdeclarations.

In July 2020, the National Cargo Bureau (NCB) reported that its recent inspection initiatives revealed an alarming number of containers included misdeclared dangerous cargoes. Citing the fact that on average a containership suffers a major fire every 60 days, the NCB reported that it conducted more than 32,000 dangerous dry and tank good inspections in the US in 2019, finding that more than six Continue reading “Artificial intelligence based system detects misdeclared cargo”

US wholesale boat shipments soared 60% in June

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US wholesale boat shipments soared 60% in June
US wholesale boat shipments soared 60% in June

Boat building in the US has ramped back up after the Coronavirus forced shutdowns at many plants, according to the latest statistics from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). According to the NMMA’s latest Monthly Shipment Report, wholesale boat shipments increased for the second consecutive month in June, up 60% compared to May, as boat building activity ratcheted back up following lockdown restrictions during the early days of the pandemic response. However, the big resurgence in sales is not likely to make up for the interruption in boat sale for the year overall. Compared to June 2019, wholesale shipments are down 5%.

“We’re encouraged to see that wholesale shipments in June increased across all segments. Manufacturers are gradually returning to capacity and working to meet the heightened demand for Continue reading “US wholesale boat shipments soared 60% in June”

Why oh why oh why are deaths still occurring in enclosed spaces?

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Yves Vandenborn, of the Standard Club, asks why enclosed space entry fatalities are still happening on a regular basis. This article is reprinted from the July/August edition of Maritime Risk International.

Despite the well-known risks and the numerous publications and articles available on the topic, enclosed space entry fatalities continue to account for a significant proportion of deaths at sea to date. More drastic measures are required if the industry wishes to turn this tide.

The most recent in a long list of such incidents is the death of a chief officer who entered a fumigated hold to inspect the cargo condition. In this case, detailed instructions for the fumigation of the cargo were given to the vessel clearly stating that the fumigant was potentially Continue reading “Why oh why oh why are deaths still occurring in enclosed spaces?”

President Geoff Waddington cuts the ribbon at Murrills House official celebrations

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As the Institute has finally taken ownership in recent weeks of Murrills House as its new flagship headquarters, President, Geoff Waddington, arrived (pictured right) to perform the ribbon cutting duties and ceremony to officially mark the completion.

The work to restore this magnificent Grade II listed, 500-year-old building to its former glory will begin shortly. Completion on the deal took far longer than was anticipated, but the outcome marks something of a triumph for the Institute. IIMS is soon to make a significant financial investment in essential maintenance and repair work which will only add to the value of this new asset.

Discussions have taken place with a local construction firm and the scope of work has been drawn up and agreed. The building survey Continue reading “President Geoff Waddington cuts the ribbon at Murrills House official celebrations”

Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Workboats good practice guide published by Workboat Association

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The new Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Workboats good practice guide released by the Workboat Association
The new Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Workboats good practice guide released by the Workboat Association

The Workboat Association has published a good practice guide and it is printed and ready for distribution.

“The Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Workboats good practice guide has been developed between the industry and regulators, providing a zero to hero knowledge on both the regulations and best practice associated with the transport of Dangerous Goods by sea on board Workboats,” said Kerrie Forster, Workboat Association CEO.

Written with Seafarers, the vessel management, stakeholders and end-clients all in mind, this guide is set to be an unmissable tool from the education and training of those wishing to operate, work with or contract workboats of any nature.

Continue reading “Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Workboats good practice guide published by Workboat Association”

Education paper on maritime accidents and how they can be prevented entered into Congressional Record

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A recent education paper exploring maritime accidents and how they can have prevented if regulations are followed has been entered into the Congressional Record. The educational maritime paper, titled Spotlight on Safety: Why Accidents Are Often Not Accidental, discusses major marine accidents and tragedies.

The paper looks at causal effects behind calamities that could have been prevented if promulgated Maritime Regulations were followed.

“In the shipping economy, however, commercial pressures may lead to conflicts with the regulatory regime. It is therefore no surprise that failure to comply with the regulatory regime is a factor in many maritime casualties,” the paper reads.

Continue reading “Education paper on maritime accidents and how they can be prevented entered into Congressional Record”

P70 motor yacht unveiled by Spirit Yachts

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P70 motor yacht unveiled by Spirit Yachts
P70 motor yacht unveiled by Spirit Yachts

Spirit Yachts has unveiled its largest modern classic to date: The Spirit P70 motor yacht.

The 21.7m P70 was designed and built by Spirit Yachts for an experienced motor yacht customer who requested an owner-driven yacht capable of cruising 1,000nm at an average of 18 knots across the North Sea without having to refuel.

“The launch of the P70 motor yacht represents a significant step forward for the Spirit Yachts power range. Whilst the company’s core business remains sailing yachts, we are seeing increasing demand for larger motor yachts tailored to suit an owner’s cruising plans,” says Spirit Yachts managing director Nigel Stuart. “We are responding to that demand by investing in innovation and expertise devoted to delivering beautiful modern classic motor yachts that perform on the water.”

The design of the yacht took into account the owner’s itinerary and preferences. Spirit Yachts founder and chief designer Sean Continue reading “P70 motor yacht unveiled by Spirit Yachts”

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