Kongsberg and Wilhelmsen joint venture to launch an autonomous shipping only organisation entitled Massterly

Kongsberg and Wilhelmsen joint venture to launch an autonomous shipping only organisation entitled Massterly
Kongsberg and Wilhelmsen joint venture to launch an autonomous shipping only organisation entitled Massterly

The inexorable race to develop autonomous ships has taken another step forward with the announcement of an autonomous shipping only joint venture between well known shipping major Wilhelmsen Group and technology company Kongsberg, entitled Massterly.

“Norway has taken a position at the forefront in developing autonomous ships,” said Thomas Wilhelmsen, Wilhelmsen group CEO.

“[Through] Massterly, we take the next step on this journey by establishing infrastructure and services to design and operate vessels, as well as advanced logistics solutions associated with maritime autonomous operations. Massterly will reduce costs at all levels.”

Continue reading “Kongsberg and Wilhelmsen joint venture to launch an autonomous shipping only organisation entitled Massterly”

Norway targets IMO to halve global shipping emissions by 2050

Norway targets IMO to halve global shipping emissions by 2050
Norway targets IMO to halve global shipping emissions by 2050

Global shipping should set a goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Norway’s government and shipowners’ association said on Thursday before talks by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London next week.

Norway’s fleet is worth about $45 billion, the fifth most valuable in the world behind Japan, Greece, China and the United States. Norway’s shipping includes offshore, gas, chemicals, car vessels, dry bulk, crude, crude products and containers.

The IMO, which says international shipping represents about 2.2 percent of world carbon dioxide emissions, will meet from April 9-13 to develop a strategy to combat climate change. Shipping was not included in the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

Continue reading “Norway targets IMO to halve global shipping emissions by 2050”

Lessons Learned from El Faro on main propulsion published by USCG

Lessons Learned from El Faro on main propulsion published by USCG
Lessons Learned from El Faro on main propulsion published by USCG

The US Coast Guard has published a safety alert to inform operators and other interested parties of the role that the main propulsion lube oil system was found to have played in the El Faro incident. They have recommended that operators, especially ships’ engineers, review the operational procedures and limitations of vital propulsion machinery and verify compliance with SOLAS, Classification Societies and regulatory standards.

The El Faro sank along with its 33 crew onboard in October 2015, marking one of the worst maritime disasters in US history. The USCG official report on the sinking of the El Faro revealed that loss of propulsion during heavy weather was contributing to the sinking. The exact operational status of all vital El Faro engineering equipment prior to the casualty could not be determined, but bridge audio recordings indicate that the vessel lost lube oil pressure to the main propulsion turbine and reduction gear bearings, resulting in loss of propulsion.

Continue reading “Lessons Learned from El Faro on main propulsion published by USCG”

A plan for a digital twin to develop Blue Denmark is announced

Digital Tvilling
Digital Tvilling

Danish Maritime Authority has prepared a report on “the digital twin”. A digital twin presents a ship digitally throughout its lifetime.

Imagine having access to every bit of information on a ship – from engine performance to hull integrity – available at a glance throughout the full lifetime of the vessel?

A digital twin is a ”digital presentation” of a vessel with associated processes and systems, based on continuous data collection. And these processes or systems are presented digitally. Rather than arranging for a physical test cycle, the processes can be followed easily and quickly.

Mogens Schrøder Bech, Senior Consultant of R&D at the Danish Maritime Authority:
“The potential of the digital twin is huge because it is possible to make a number of decisions on optimisation digitally rather than by means of physical tests. And this potential will increase along with the development of digital tools.

“This enables us Continue reading “A plan for a digital twin to develop Blue Denmark is announced”

Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver

Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver
Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver

Trimble has announced the MPS865 marine positioning system multi-frequency and multi-application GNSS receiver.

The Trimble MPS865 is a versatile and rugged GNSS positioning and heading solution for a wide variety of real-time and post-processing applications for marine survey.

It features integrated communications options such as Wi-Fi, UHF radio, cellular modem for internet connectivity, Bluetooth and MSS satellite-based correction channels.

The patented GNSS-centric technology uses all available GNSS signals to deliver reliable positions in real time. The GNSS receiver provides for the connection of two GNSS antennas for precise heading.

With a modular form factor, the MPS865 is flexible and can be used as an integrated on-board rover receiver, a base station, or a continuously operating reference station. The built-in precise heading feature ensures the receiver is of minimal size, consumes less power, and has less cabling which are all benefits when on-board space it at a premium.

The MPS865 adds new features to improve usability in a Continue reading “Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver”

ABS launches digital e-certificates

ABS launches digital e-certificates
ABS launches digital e-certificates

ABS launches e-Certificates. Continuously available, tamper-proof, independently verifiable and secure digital equivalents of traditional ABS paper certificates, e-Certificates are now available to ABS’ entire classed-fleet, subject to individual Flag Administrations’ authorisation. Traditional paper certificates are always still available.

“E-Certificates are the latest product from ABS’ FutureClassTM program. Defining the future of class focuses on the utilization of data and digital technology to deliver benefits for our clients,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki. “ABS’ e-Certificates are a perfect example of how we strive to add value and operating efficiencies for our customers.”

Uniquely, ABS’ e-Certificate system allows a simultaneous, vessel-wide view of all applicable certificates, rather than requiring the user to look up each certificate individually.

Fully compliant with IMO Guidelines, ABS e-Certificates will reduce Continue reading “ABS launches digital e-certificates”

OCIMF releases new information paper about the preparation of a safety management system

OCIMF releases new information paper about the preparation of a safety management system
OCIMF releases new information paper about the preparation of a safety management system

Addressing the need for clear and consistently applied definitions of ‘critical spares’ and ‘critical equipment’ across the industry, this information paper provides guidance on the identification of safety critical spare parts for companies to consider when preparing a Safety Management System (SMS).

The paper, released on 29 March 2018, introduces some boundary conditions to consider and walks through several steps that may be required to identify safety critical spare parts. It is equally applicable to companies managing any type of vessel.

“The identification of safety critical equipment and the need for safety critical spare parts is a complicated subject”, says OCIMF Director Andrew Cassels. “This paper provides guidance on the challenges that may be encountered when considering safety critical spare parts so that a ship owner can strive to efficiently manage their risks.”

Continue reading “OCIMF releases new information paper about the preparation of a safety management system”

Possible new cure for diesel bug

Possible new cure for diesel bug
Possible new cure for diesel bug

A new product that removes water from the bottom of diesel tanks is expected to end all diesel bug problems.

The Diesel Dipper is a self-contained system independent of the engine. Fitted with a 12-volt pump, it is designed to suck water from the floor/bottom of a fuel tank below the fuel suction and by doing so, makers Marine 16 say it eliminates or prevents diesel bug and engine failures.

Marine 16 said: “Water and sludge lying on the bottom of the tank is drawn up into a ‘tank separator’ where it separates from the diesel and collects on the bottom. This accumulated water and sludge is then periodically drained off into a container.”

The clean diesel exits the top of the separator and flows through a Continue reading “Possible new cure for diesel bug”

Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping

Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping
Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping

DNV GL has announced a joint partnership to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping. The class society’s partners in the effort include flag states, research institutions, battery and propulsion suppliers, fire system manufacturers, shipowners, vessel operators and yards. DNV GL says that the hope is to identify improvements not just for the batteries themselves, but for the associated systems, procedures, and approval processes.

“We put a great deal of effort into ensuring the safety of these new alternative systems, but the cost of the present safety and approval methodology is cumbersome. This collaborative effort gives a chance for an even greater level of safety,” said Rasmus Nielsen, a naval architect and officer at project partner Scandlines.

The project’s deliverable’s are focused on safety. Tasks include the development of Continue reading “Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping”

Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers

Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers
Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers

The US Coast Guard has published an information bulletin about the ongoing issue regarding inadequate deck water spray systems on LNG carriers. US Coast Guard has noted that inadequate coverage of the required areas by a deck water spray system is one of the main deficiencies identified when certificate of compliance inspections are undertaken on these vessels.

The Deck Water Spray system is required by the IGC Code 1993, Regulation 11.3. This requirement text has remained nearly identical back through the GC Code 1983 and to the EGC Code. The new 2016 edition of the IGC Code incorporates the amendments adopted by the IMO MSC at its ninety-third session (May 2014) by resolution MSC.370(93).

These amendments, which entered into force on 1 Jan 2016, consist of a complete replacement text of the IGC Code and will apply to ships whose keels are laid or are at a similar stage of construction, on or after 1 July 2016.

Across the industry, vessel operators and crews have struggled to keep these simple systems operating properly. Ineffective operation of the deck water spray appears easily managed by periodic removal of the Continue reading “Deck water spray failure highlighted as one of the main deficiencies on LNG carriers”

MAIB report into Windcat 8 catastrophic damage and resulting fire published

Photo credit: Image copyright 't schippertje
Photo credit: Image copyright ‘t schippertje

On 7 September 2017, the 15.87m crew transfer vessel, Windcat 8, was on passage to Grimsby, UK, from the Lynn Wind Farm in the North Sea with two crew and eight windfarm technicians on board. Shortly after setting off, the vessel’s port engine suffered catastrophic damage and caught fire.

The passengers were quickly transferred on to Windcat 31 and the fire was contained within the port engine space and soon extinguished. Windcat 8’s port engine was badly damaged and the vessel was towed to Grimsby by Windcat 30. There was no pollution and no injuries.

Continue reading “MAIB report into Windcat 8 catastrophic damage and resulting fire published”

Fleet of battery powered zero emissions barges set for French waterways

Fleet of battery powered zero emissions barges set for French waterways
Fleet of battery powered zero emissions barges set for French waterways

A fleet of zero emissions 100t barges that operate solely on battery power are being built for canal trips in France.

UK company Backwater Cruising is currently constructing the first of 21 38m long vessels barges that will have a 300kWh battery bank powered by purpose-built canalside charging points to achieve zero carbon operation.

Isle of Wight-based Hybrid Marine will provide hybrid systems for the vessels, which Graeme Hawksley, founder and managing director, explained can ‘operate in serial hybrid mode, parallel hybrid mode and for five hours propulsion under battery alone along with air-conditioning’.

The hybrid system comprises twin Beta 105 parallel hybrid engines and a 49kVA generator. If an overnight charging point is not available then Continue reading “Fleet of battery powered zero emissions barges set for French waterways”

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