Yara Birkeland autonomous and zero emission vessel test model design demonstrated

A six metre long model of the final design of the autonomous and zero emission container vessel “Yara Birkeland” was launched in SINTEF Ocean’s sea laboratory in Trondheim, Norway, on 28 September.

In May, Yara announced the partnership with technology company Kongsberg to build the world’s first electric container ship.

The vessel will be built and put to use late 2018, as part of Yara International’s logistics value chain at the plant in Porsgrunn, Norway. The project is a collaboration between Yara and KongsbergGruppen, a Norwegian technology company.

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Concept multipurpose sea-going Wing-in-Ground craft could cut search and rescue response time

This bizarre looking Wing-in-Ground craft could cut search and rescue response times
This bizarre looking Wing-in-Ground craft could cut search and rescue response times

Is it a bird, a plane, or a boat? This startling looking craft is being developed by a team of Russian developers that have been working on the creation of a multipurpose sea-going Wing-in-Ground or ekranoplan, which they believe could contribute significantly to the speed of seaborne traffic and Search and Rescue response times.

The unique project will be presented by MariNet, the National Technological Initiative (NTI) working group, on the sidelines of the International Exhibition NEVA-2017 in St Petersburg, September 19-21.

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Bureau Veritas approves RIMS BV for use of drones during surveys

David Knukkel, CEO of RIMS BV, whose company has been approved by Bureau Veritas
David Knukkel, CEO of RIMS BV, whose company has been approved by Bureau Veritas

RIMS BV (Robotics In Maintenance Strategies) are the first company to receive an attestation from Bureau Veritas (BV) Marine & Offshore, as an approved service supplier, allowing the use of Remote Inspection Techniques (drones) during surveys of hull structure of ships and mobile offshore units classed with BV.

RIMS are a global provider of high tech, safe, autonomous and sustainable surveying and maintenance solutions. They supply and provide services which aid with the replacement of old and expensive, slower, high-risk and resource intensive maintenance activities, with new smarter drone and robotic technologies.

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The first vessel in Germany to be powered by methanol fuel cells has been named

The MS innogy, the first vessel in Germany to be powered by methanol fuel cells, has been named. The passenger ferry, which will sail on Lake Baldeneysee, Essen, features a fuel cell system manufactured by the Danish fuel cell manufacture SerEnergy.

The ferry was built to showcase the potential of methanol as a fuel of the future and is the result of cooperation between energy company innogy and SerEnergy.

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World’s first electric aquaculture support vessel powered by PBES

Powered by PBES, the Elfrida is the world's first electric aquaculture support vessel
Powered by PBES, the Elfrida is the world’s first electric aquaculture support vessel

Plan B Energy Storage (PBES) has announced a milestone project in the aquaculture industry. The award of the contract for energy storage aboard the electric fish farm vessel Elfrida underscores the ongoing trend toward adoption of green technology in Norway.

“We see this as crucial preparation for a low-carbon future,” says Roger Bekken, Managing Director of Salmar, the vessel’s owner and leading Norwegian aquaculture company. “In keeping with our forward thinking management, and focus on operational efficiency, adding battery technology to our vessels brings cost savings and environmental stewardship together in one package.”

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Salmon processing and transportation vessel set to be the world’s first with a hybrid battery solution

New salmon processing and transportation vessel for Hav Line AS, Norway, is the world’s first of its kind with a hybrid/battery solution
New salmon processing and transportation vessel for Hav Line AS, Norway, is the world’s first of its kind with a hybrid/battery solution

Technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted to deliver the ship design for a new processing and transportation vessel to be built at the Balenciaga shipyard in Spain on behalf of Hav Line AS of Norway. In addition to the design, Wärtsilä will also supply an integrated solution comprising a 10-cylinder Wärtsilä 31 main engine, auxiliary engines, propulsion machinery, the propulsion remote control system, and the electrical & automation system. The delivery of the Wärtsilä solutions will be during autumn 2017 and the vessel is scheduled for delivery in summer 2018.

Notable environmental gains are made possible by a Wärtsilä hybrid propulsion solution supported by batteries, which results in very low emission levels. This is the world’s first processing and transportation vessel for the fish farming industry to utilise this solution. By Continue reading “Salmon processing and transportation vessel set to be the world’s first with a hybrid battery solution”

The Quadriga set to become the world’s biggest sailing cargo ship

As innovators look for ways to further reduce the carbon footprint and create greener vessels using renewable technology in the future, it has been announced that Quadriga, an innovative sustainable shipping project from Hamburg based Sailing Cargo, aims to become the world’s biggest sailing cargo ship. It seems as if time goes in a full circle as developers look to significantly harness wind power once again and match it with ships.

The project outlines a plan to build a 170 metre car carrier, capable of carrying between 1,700 and 2,000 cars, which will be equipped with four DynaRig masts and will operate on hybrid propulsion with sails and diesel-electric engines, and an optional battery system for peak loads. The vessel will be capable of sailing at 10-12 knots with the aim of reaching 14-16 knots in the next few years through combined expertise.

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DNV GL carries out its first offshore drone survey

DNV GL surveyors have carried out the classification society’s first offshore drone survey on the semisubmersible vessel Safe Scandinavia in the North Sea. This 25,383 GT tender support vessel (TSV) is owned and operated by Prosafe, supporting Statoil’s drilling operations off the coast of Norway. Using camera-equipped drones, DNV GL’s drone pilots checked the TSV’s fairleads and their connection with the vessel’s two columns as part of the intermediate survey.

“Innovation is one of Prosafe’s core values. We are very pleased that we chose to try the drone survey, as it helped us optimize our survey requirements and allowed us to save significant amounts of time and money. Normally, this kind of operation would cause disruption to our client for several days. The drone survey took only a few hours and was just as effective,” says Ian Young, Chief Operating Officer at Prosafe.

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ABS set to join Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance to advance autonomous shipping

ABS to join Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance. Image credit Rolls-Royce.
ABS to join Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance. Image credit Rolls-Royce.

ABS has confirmed that it plans to join the Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance to work with industry partners, including class organisations, shipyards, equipment manufacturers, surveyors, designers and others to contribute to the advancement of autonomous shipping.

The design will integrate features of independent decision-making, autonomous navigation, environmental perception and remote control.

As ABS Greater China Division President Eric Kleess explains, the increasing connectivity and advanced technologies are changing the way the shipping industry operates:
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Superyachts and their interiors could be created by 3D printers says naval architect Greg Marshall

Naval architect Greg Marshall predicts the technology for 3D printed yachts and superyachts could be available by 2030. Entire superyachts and their interiors could be created by 3D printers, using more efficient materials for stronger and more affordable designs.

Already used across many industries, 3D printing is currently used in the maritime industry on a relatively small scale, but could soon revolutionise and dominate the industry. Next generation 3D printers are due later this year, which will have the ability to print large scale parts.

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New subsea crane that can handle both wire and fibre is breaking new ground

Rolls-Royce is involved in a subsea crane refit that can handle both wire and fibre
Rolls-Royce is involved in a subsea crane refit that can handle both wire and fibre

A refit that’s turning a PSV into a ROV support vessel is taking advantage of a very new subsea crane that can handle both wire and fibre, providing flexibility in a challenging market.

The 76.7m platform support vessel CBO Manoella is one of a pair that’s being transformed into RSVs. As a Rolls-Royce UT715 design that first went into service in 2009, this vessel isn’t exactly old: however the market has changed dramatically during its lifetime. Despite that, this series of ‘North Sea standard’ PSVs were designed to be practical, flexible workhorses with a fair sized deck and good sea keeping characteristics, so it’s no surprise that Manoella’s adaptability has found it work in other segments.

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Grant awarded to Teignbridge Propellers for research into propeller efficiency

A purpose designed 14m catamaran will allow Teignbridge Propellers to test propeller efficiency
A purpose designed 14m catamaran will allow Teignbridge Propellers to test propeller efficiency

Teignbridge Propellers received a £3m grant to research propeller efficiency last year with much of the work to be carried out from a new vessel due to be launched later this summer.

The grant to Teignbridge Propellers from the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) comprised 50% from industry finance and 50% from the UK Government and will enable the company to look for energy and CO2 savings of 8% in the UK’s heavy-duty vessel fleet.

Testing of a range of propellers for various vessels is due to begin in the Autumn. And while initially this will be for ships, the efficiencies will inevitably filter down to the pleasure industry says Teignbridge Propellers MD Mark Phare.

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