Offshore

Seawork 2018 speeds to success

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Photo credit: Adventurer ‘Bear’ Grylls trialled Rafnar’s latest Leiftur 1100 RIB
Photo credit: Adventurer ‘Bear’ Grylls trialled Rafnar’s latest Leiftur 1100 RIB

At a time of political and economic uncertainty, the 21st annual Seawork exhibition was a clear demonstration that the UK and European commercial marine sector is open for business. With deals being struck, exhibitors showing confidence and visitor numbers up, Seawork was again successful at bringing together businesses, trading opportunities and new ideas.

The commercial marine sector is a vital facilitator to trade, security and maintenance of the world’s coastlines.
The UK Maritime Minister, Nusrat Ghani, opened the 21st edition of Seawork International on Tuesday 3 July with her speech focusing on the importance of the maritime sector, seafarer training, women in maritime, and Maritime 2050; the long-term strategy for the future of the UK maritime industries. As the engine of British trade, the maritime sector supports nearly Continue reading “Seawork 2018 speeds to success”

Stainless steel bolts at offshore facility fail due to corrosion cracking

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A number of strain-hardened, Type 304 stainless steel bolts, (ASTM A193 B8, Class 2) failed unexpectedly at an offshore facility
A number of strain-hardened, Type 304 stainless steel bolts, (ASTM A193 B8, Class 2) failed unexpectedly at an offshore facility

The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) published an alert regarding an unexpected failure of certain kinds of strain-hardened Type 304 stainless steel bolts. The failure happened at an offshore facility during a pneumatic leak test of gas piping exiting a test separator.

The incident
A number of strain-hardened, Type 304 stainless steel bolts, (ASTM A193 B8, Class 2) failed unexpectedly at an offshore facility while a pneumatic leak test of gas piping exiting a test separator was being conducted.

Strain-hardening austenitic stainless steel nuts and bolts to increase their strength may increase their sensitivity to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC) and reduce their safe upper temperature limit. Other factors such as Continue reading “Stainless steel bolts at offshore facility fail due to corrosion cracking”

New innovation for inspecting mooring chains above and below water successfully trialled

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The ground-breaking, new climbing robot, named RIMCAW (Robotic Inspection of Mooring Chains in Air and Water)
The ground-breaking, new climbing robot, named RIMCAW (Robotic Inspection of Mooring Chains in Air and Water)

A robot designed to hook onto, and scale up and down, large mooring chains, both at sub-sea level and in the air – with a non-destructive testing (NDT), ultrasonic imaging system on board that scans for critical defects – has recently undergone successful field trials.

The ground-breaking, new climbing robot, named RIMCAW (Robotic Inspection of Mooring Chains in Air and Water), is the result of a year-long, fast-track project that secured funding from Innovate UK, the Government agency behind finding and driving the innovations that will grow the UK economy. It is being delivered by collaborative partners Computerised Information Technology Ltd, Innovative Technology and Science Ltd, London South Bank University and TWI Ltd.

The inspection of large mooring chains, such as those being increasingly employed in Continue reading “New innovation for inspecting mooring chains above and below water successfully trialled”

IMCA and OCIMF team up to improve OVID inspection system

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The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) have agreed to establish a joint committee to review, share and progress developments of the Offshore Vessel Inspection Database (OVID) inspection system.

The aim of the OVID Inspection system will be to improve the efficiency of the vessel assurance process by pooling the knowledge and expertise of oil companies and their marine contractors, while at the same time maintaining the highest standards of vessel assurance and risk management.

The joint committee will discuss and review various elements of the system on an ongoing basis, to ensure continuous improvement. Elements to be reviewed include:

– the Offshore Vessel Particulars Questionnaire (OVPQ),
– the Offshore Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (OVIQ) and
– the Offshore Vessel Management and Self Assessment (OVMSA).

Continue reading “IMCA and OCIMF team up to improve OVID inspection system”

Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design

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Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design
Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design

Automation presents a set of unique challenges to designers, insurers and operators of ships. In this article, reprinted from the Shipowners P&I Club website Keir Gravil, a naval architect at Frazer-Nash Consultancy in Bristol, UK discusses some of the key issues that could face automated ships of the future from a design perspective.

It is a truth recognised by many industries that the future of transportation lies with greater automation. Over the last 50 years we have seen huge changes not only in shipping, but in every form of transportation and vehicle. Aircraft now incorporate automation routinely on flights around the world, cars are being developed to drive themselves and many railways have been totally automated for some time. As each step in the evolution of transportation progresses, the human element of control is reduced or eliminated altogether. But what of shipping? Surely an industry the size and scope of international shipping faces unique challenges in the realm of automation?

The background
It is often the job of ship designers, especially those in the naval defence industry, to think ahead and anticipate future technological changes. One could argue that Continue reading “Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design”

North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di

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North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di
North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di

North Sails has ceased production of laminated sails reliant on mylar and has committed to spread filament, prepreg, 3D composite structures, introducing 3Di NORDAC for smaller cruising boats and 3Di RAW 760S for smaller race boats. It has also converted its manufacturing facilities in Minden, Nevada, US and Sri Lanka to increase production capacity.

“The expansion of the Sri Lanka factory is in response to the successful launch of 3Di RAW 760S sails for smaller race boats and 3Di NORDAC for smaller cruising boats,” North Sails CEO Dan Neri stated. “3Di sails continue to meet the requirements of sailors in all classes from the Continue reading “North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di”

Improper maintenance could have cost the lives of two surveyors says UK P&I Club case study

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Photo credit: UK P&I Club
Photo credit: UK P&I Club

In UK P&I Club’s latest ‘Lessons Learned’ series of case studies, Captain David Nichol presents the case regarding improper ventilation after a maintenance operation, which could have led to the deaths of two surveyors during a third party survey on the emergency fire pump.

About the incident
During a third party survey, the surveyor made a request to test the emergency fire pump, which was arranged with the assistance of the chief engineer. The emergency fire pump was located in a recessed well in the steering gear compartment, approximately 3 metres deep and accessed by an inclined stairway. At the start of the test, the surveyor asked to observe the pump being started locally and operating before proceeding on deck to check the hoses rigged fore and aft.

Shortly after descending into the fire pump well, the chief engineer urgently ordered the surveyors to get out and by the time both men reached the steering compartment deck, they were Continue reading “Improper maintenance could have cost the lives of two surveyors says UK P&I Club case study”

The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready

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The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready
The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready

Preparations for the 23rd China (Shanghai) International Boat Show 2018 are well underway for April 2018, with organisers announcing more exhibitors, conferences and initiatives than ever before.

As Asia’s biggest boat show, organisers are expecting over 40,000 visitors to explore all aspects of the boating industry, from yachting culture and maritime lifestyles to water sports, water tourism, accessories, equipment and entertainment.

This year, the show will present more than 550 exhibitors in three key sectors, including Continue reading “The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready”

First hydrogen fuelled passenger vessel to be passed by a class society launched

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First hydrogen fuelled passenger vessel to be passed by a class society launched
First hydrogen fuelled passenger vessel to be passed by a class society launched

‘Hydroville’ is a custom designed and built 14m high speed displacement catamaran and, according to its builders, BWSeaCat, is the first vessel in the world to be passed by a class society to operate with passengers using Hydrogen fuel in her propulsion engines. Consequently it produces no CO2, particulate matter or sulphur oxides.

Built in the UK by BWSeaCat Ltd for owners CMB Technologies of Antwerp Belgium, using a Hydrogen system supplied and installed by Revolve of Essex UK and in close collaboration with Lloyds, Belgian Flag, Air Liquide and Naval Architect Steven Lee, the vessel was launched late last year.

Based on a hull form originally designed by BWSeaCat Ltd Managing Director Iain Worrallo, by working closely with Naval Architect Steven Lee, BWSeaCat were able to adapt the hull’s internal layout and structural characteristics to accommodate Continue reading “First hydrogen fuelled passenger vessel to be passed by a class society launched”

Recalls for personal floatation devices sold in Australia and New Zealand issued

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Recalls for personal floatation devices sold in Australia and New Zealand issued
Recalls for personal floatation devices sold in Australia and New Zealand issued

Product safety recalls have been issued for two personal flotation devices sold on the local market due to concerns about their effectiveness in an emergency situation.

Following testing by Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV), Jarvis Walker has issued a voluntary recall of its Adult Block PFD Type 1 which was sold under two brands as three separate codes:

– Single unit code 241050 Platinum brand, sold from July 2011 to December 2015
– Single unit code 56000 JW Brand, sold from January 2012 to December 2015
– Twin pack code 241300 JW Brand, sold from August 2014 to October 2017
Regardless of the brand, all have the single unit marking of “PFD TYPE 1”

According to MSV, it tested a single lifejacket batch and model number and identified a suspected Continue reading “Recalls for personal floatation devices sold in Australia and New Zealand issued”

Maritime UK has established a Taskforce to increase the number of women within the UK maritime sector

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Maritime UK has established a Taskforce increase the number of women within the UK maritime sector
Maritime UK has established a Taskforce increase the number of women within the UK maritime sector

The Taskforce brings together leaders from across the maritime sector to identify practical steps to increase the number of women in maritime, and crucially within senior roles across its shipping, ports, marine and business services industries.

Achieving a balanced workforce at all levels in the maritime sector will undoubtedly improve culture, behaviour, outcomes, profitability and productivity.

During London International Shipping Week, then Maritime Minister Rt Hon John Hayes MP called for industry to address gender imbalance in the sector. Government are represented on the Taskforce.

The Taskforce will make a series of recommendations and utilise Continue reading “Maritime UK has established a Taskforce to increase the number of women within the UK maritime sector”

Confusion surrounds antifouling paints which have not been banned in the UK

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Confusion surrounds antifouling paints which have not been banned in the UK
Confusion surrounds antifouling paints which have not been banned in the UK

There is still confusion regarding the future availability of antifouling paints says the British Coatings Federation’s Marine Coatings Group.

The group has produced an explanatory note that it says is intended to provide clarity on the Biocidal Products Regulation, making it clear that antifoul paints – including copper-based antifoul – have not been banned.

“Antifouling paints containing co-biocides also known as ‘booster’ biocides have not been banned,” added Trevor Fielding, regulatory affairs manager at the BCF.

“The industry and the regulators are working hard to make the implementation of Continue reading “Confusion surrounds antifouling paints which have not been banned in the UK”

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