Marine & Maritime Gazette October 2020

MARINE & MARITIME

GAZETTE Commercial Marine & Renewables Worldwide

ISSUE 68

OCTOBER 2020

INSIDE: 8

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Autumn throughout the maritime world...

With Covid struggles still very much with us, is the maritime world coping?

Welcome to the October 2020 issue of Marine & Maritime Gazette the monthly magazine aimed at Worldwide coverage of the commercial marine, shipping and waterbased renewables markets.

With Hallowe’en nearly upon us and a plethora of ‘postCovid’ problems still affecting the maritime industry worldwide, just what can we all expect for the future - and more importantly, can we all continue to cope and keep moving forward?

Inside this issue, as usual, we will be covering a huge amount of topics including ‘Vessel Build, Repair & Maintenance’ on page 26, to the ‘ins and outs’ of ‘Navigation, Communication & Radar’ from page 20.

We also have a ‘quick peek’ into ‘Anchors, Mooring, Rope & Chains’ on page 34 and a dive into ‘Pollution Control & Clean-up’ from page 40.

Commercial Ma rine & Renewabl Anyway, we hope you enjoy reading es Worldwide this edition and look forward to seeing many of you in and around events later this year.

If you have any news, reviews, product launches or absolutely anything else of interest across the whole marine market, please email it through to me at info@bljournals.plus.com for future consideration in our forthcoming issues.

MARINE & MARITIME

GAZETTE

Arthur Peaches - Editor

www.marineandmaritimegazette.com

ISSUE 68

OCTOBER 202 0

INSIDE: 8

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Cover story Macduff Ship Design announce another successful design built by TOR Group.

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New premises for SMS

The SMS Group are relocating their Southampton headquarters as part of a longer-term plan to ensure both sustainability and commercial longevity.

p18 Crew Supplier Damen deliver Fast Crew Supplier to Rederij Groen in The Netherlands.

p9 Four ferries Wight Shipyard delivers four ferry simultaneous build to Malta.

The business will proudly become the only ship repairer based within the Port of Southampton.

The business will move to Western Avenue, within ABP Southampton’s footprint adjacent the King George V drydock.

The move represents a strategic decision to move the business closer to its core customer base, and at the same time improve its geographical location.

Ben Rowe, General Manager, said: “Since the acquisition of 2017 we deliberately, and decisively, made the decision to retain the Western Avenue site within our Estates Portfolio to ensure that when the time came we were best placed to capitalise on the benefits of this historically proven footprint.

“I started my career on the footprint as an

p29 Marine study Heriot-Watt scientists investigate the myriad of marine life connected to rigs, pipelines and other infrastructure in the North Sea.

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EDITORIAL Arthur Peaches - Editor Tel 01322 352648 Email info@bljournals.plus.com

SALES & PROMOTIONS David Peters - Publisher Tel 01322 352648 Email info@bljournals.plus.com

Brian Wakefield - Advertisement Director Tel 01622 682667 Mob 07973 139959 Email brian_wakefield2003@yahoo.co.uk

PUBLISHING COMPANY BL Journals, 3 Biddenden Way, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent DA13 9DE Tel 01322 352648 Email info@bljournals.plus.com

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All contents of the publication are copyright and remain the sole property of the publishing company.

apprentice for Testbank Ship Repair. Up until 2005, the site was A&P’s home - perfectly adjacent to the 366m King George V dry dock.

The site is great, the location perfect and the move long overdue.”

Dave Chaffers, General Manager, said: “We’ve taken this decision now due to three very credible reasons.

“One, the time is right, as a Group, and as a Business Unit, we’re trading profitably and ahead of budget.

“Two, the site is perfect - it’s within the port, adjacent to a main transit route, easily accessed from the M271; it’s close to all the ports agents, and, as Ben mentioned, the site is historically proven to be good home for ship repairers.

“It makes up part of our Estates Portfolio and the location is second-to-none; it really is ideal.

“And three, it coincides nicely with the planned ‘change of purpose’ at Ocean Quay; they’ll be undertaking further works of non-marine restoration which is contrary the modern profile of SMS and that of our customers’ requirements.”

The SMS Group will be investing in both the fabrication workshop and the new mechanical workshop.

The site will benefit from new signage and further investment in the offices.

The location will also improve the company’s quayside presence, and its mobility with the city’s port infrastructure.

The new trading address is: The SMS Group, Western Avenue, Western Docks, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 0HH.

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Ports of Auckland gets consent to deepen Auckland’s shipping channel

Orkney launch infrastructure vision Orkney Harbours recently launched an ambitious £230 million infrastructure vision that would place Orkney at the forefront of the drive for a cleaner, greener future.

The Orkney Harbours Masterplan Phase 1 considers five main locations on the Orkney mainland. Proposals focus on harbour infrastructure enhancements over a 20-year period that will generate jobs, additional revenue and attract new business. It represents the first step in a review of Orkney Harbour Authority-owned infrastructure to create a base for innovation and secure the long-term future for the community.

The Masterplan embraces decarbonisation and transition away from fossil fuels. The infrastructure proposals have been designed to enable Orkney to manage this transition while continuing to generate social and economic benefit from ongoing oil and gas activity.

An Outline Business Case commissioned by Orkney Marine Services found that the proposals will have a transformational impact on Orkney’s economy and society, with as many as 115 new jobs created. In addition, there will be a substantial number of job opportunities during the construction phase.

Harbour users and key stakeholders were consulted from the outset to help gain an understanding the issues, constraints and opportunities associated with harbour infrastructure around Orkney through workshops and interviews. The range of stakeholders includes local communities, harbour users, potential funders and environmental bodies such as Scottish Natural Heritage.

Phase 1 focuses on the Scapa Deep Water Quay; Hatston Pier; Kirkwall Pier; Scapa Pier; and Stromness. Phase 2 will ultimately develop the Islands’ smaller harbours and piers across the archipelago. Orkney Islands Council, the Statutory Harbour Authority, has overall responsibility for the project.

Central to the project is the unique geographical advantage of Scapa Flow, the largest natural deep-water harbor in the northern hemisphere, as the potential setting for internationally significant marine logistics to serve the new and emerging sectors including low carbon fuel transition and offshore wind developments.

Scapa Deep Water Quay is seen as the optimal location for construction and Operations & Maintenance activities associated with offshore wind, as well as for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage and distribution hub. At the same time this infrastructure has the capability to accommodate semi-submersible platforms of all types, giving Orkney a unique UK competitive edge within the existing oil and gas market. The project team believes it could be delivered by 2025. Other proposals, such as Hatston and Kirkwall could take three or four years to deliver.

Orkney Islands Council leader James Stockan said: “Our vision is to build a truly sustainable business that is a core economic asset for Orkney, but also a first phase in enabling a scale of investment and logistical capability for the UK which will be of international significance.

“Prime Minister Boris Johnson clearly welcomed our ambition and Orkney’s potential during his recent visit to our islands. Describing as a ‘fantastic idea’ our vision for Orkney as a low-carbon, zero-emissions hub of innovation, with Scapa Flow at its heart.

“We believe the time is right to maximise the incredible natural assets and geography of Scapa Flow and Orkney to ensure a long-term sustainable future for our communities. We are open for business now and ready to work with potential investors and operators to develop the significant strategic and international opportunities Scapa Flow offers.

“The Scapa Deep Water Quay proposal has been included in the Islands Deal list of projects that has received funding commitment from the Scottish and UK governments, and we are continuing to ensure that the funding earmarked for this will be secured.”

Chairman of the council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee and Harbour Sub Committee Graham Sinclair said: “The Masterplan seeks to build on the decades of marine expertise and activity across Orkney and create new facilities which will consolidate Orkney’s position on the maritime map for the 21st century.

Harbour Master James Buck said: “Tackling decarbonisation is the strand that binds these proposals together providing infrastructure and knowledge for renewable energy developments around our waters will allow us to reach climate change targets. We will also look at the potential for net environmental gain through habitat reinstatement and enhancement.”

Ports of Auckland was recently granted consent to deepen Auckland's shipping channel.

The consent allows the channel to be deepened from 12.5 metres to between 14 metres and 14.2 metres. It safeguards Auckland's vital

international supply line by allowing larger container ships to enter Auckland's port, such as 366-metre-long New Panamax vessels with a maximum draft of 15.2 metres. Tidal windows will be used to make best use of the natural water depth and keep dredging to a minimum.

Ports of Auckland's Chief Executive Tony Gibson said "The COVID-19 lockdown highlighted the essential role Auckland's port plays in the economy. A deeper channel will ensure Auckland's port can continue that essential role for decades. By allowing larger ships to reach the port, it will also reduce carbon emissions and the cost of transporting Auckland's freight."

The consent process was unusual because Ports of Auckland asked for the application to be publicly notified even though it was not required, so people could have their say on the project. Over two hundred submissions were received with the main concern raised being the disposal of dredged material.

Ports of Auckland acknowledges that this is a genuine concern and is committed to working with key submitters to look for ways to reduce or even eliminate the need for sea disposal. www.poal.co.nz

www.orkneyharboursmasterplan.com

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Land & Water demonstrates

environmental commitment

through its reuse of

materials across projects

Leading wet civil engineering specialist, Land & Water is demonstrating its environmental commitment across a range of dredging projects as it removes, reuses and recycles dredged materials to enhance the ecology of the areas it works in.

From the removal of contaminated spoil to the reuse of materials to create habitats for local wildlife, Land & Water prides itself on having the specialist knowledge and equipment to work in areas with challenging conditions or sensitive habitats.

The civil engineering firm recently undertook dredging works at Thurrock, on the River Thames, on behalf of client Navigator Terminals. The works carried out included deepening the berth so that it can handle larger vessels, as well as removing naturally forming contaminated materials from the site.

As part of its ongoing environmental commitment, Land & Water dredges contaminated materials in order to maintain and improve the UK’s diverse waterways using its expertise to keep water bodies across the country navigable, functional and in the best shape.

Using its ZX690 long reach excavator, the largest in its fleet, Land & Water has dredged down to -13.5 cd, in designated locations using a GPS dig system. This highlights how the company’s industry leading plant allows it to work to strict and minute tolerances in order to accurately target specific areas and meet client demands.

Andy McBride, Project Manager at Land & Water says: “The dredge profile for this project has not been straightforward, mainly due to us coming up against a fast-flowing tide as Thurrock is positioned at the end of the River Thames.

“However, this contract is a perfect example of how the Land & Water team uses innovative solutions to overcome challenging environments to meet client needs and protect the UK’s waterways.”

When dealing with contaminated materials significant cost can be incurred in disposal. Therefore, the route to disposal is always thoroughly investigated. Land & Water’s knowledge and experience in this field enabled them to examine the material analysis to determine a solution.

In this instance Land & Water was able to offer Rainham Marshes Habitat Creation site for end disposal, negating the need to haul material long distances to a hazardous waste facility. Working with partners Veolia, the civil engineering firm was able to apply remediation techniques where required to provide the client with a solution to dredge, transport and dispose of all material removed, in the most cost-effective way.

Successful projects, like Thurrock, and the vital role Land & Water plays in preserving the health of waterway’s is perhaps one of the reasons it has developed a highly regarded reputation within the services it carries out.

Another significant project involving reengineered spoil, that has continued to build this prominence, is the habitat creation scheme at Rainham Marshes on the River Thames – the largest project of its kind within the M25.

Since 2017, Land & Water has worked closely with the RSPB, Natural England and the Environment Agency to incorporate non-hazardous dredged material, from its projects across the UK into an ambitious habitat creation scheme. The redundant waste is being reused to create landforms that will provide a much-needed wildlife haven that increases biodiversity within the East London area.

As part of Land & Water’s commitment to achieving a disposal policy of less than 10% the habitat creation scheme, which will see the company operating 152 hectares of silt lagoons until 2042, will result in over six million tonnes of wet and dry spoil material being repurposed to benefit local ecology.

This material will not only form the basis of the new landform but it will also allow the site to collect rainwater to create the wetlands and provide 1,000,000m2 of habitat.

The recently completed Colchester Hospital project, which saw Land & Water Services alongside its Terraqua Environmental Solutions team regenerate the lake within the hospital grounds through dredging accumulated spoil and fitting a new liner, is just one example of where wet silt from a site has been sent to be reused at Rainham Marshes to encourage greater areas of greenery along the Thames Corridor.

Land & Water is currently also carrying out dredging works at Knottingley Hydropower Outlet at Brotherton Weir in West Yorkshire, on behalf of client Northern Hydropower Ltd. This is part of the civil engineering firm’s successful portfolio in safeguarding the function of hydropower plants across the UK so that renewable energy can be generated, as it looks to support sustainable solutions that help preserve the planet.

Land & Water is using its 22m long reach excavator to dredge a build-up of sand, caused by flooding during the winter months, in the enclosed outlet to allow the plant’s turbines to work at full capacity.

The dredged material will then be transferred to a designated deposition area to enable safe removal. www.land-water.co.uk

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MJR completes third mobilisation project in quick succession

MJR Power and Automation has successfully completed a series of complex offshore mobilisation projects in only a matter of months for a major globally recognised subsea services provider.

Most recently the company - based in Stockton on Tees - has completed its third and, largest mobilisation project this year for Enshore Subsea, a division of DeepOcean Group that holds full responsibility for subsea intervention activities across the globe.

The project has been completed on the recently overhauled Assister vessel - commercially operated by JD Contractor - which services both the renewables and oil and gas sector. The specialised vessel, housing state-ofthe-art equipment, has been uniquely designed to perform a variety of functions including deep water anchor handling and offshore cable installations, towing subsea plough systems, as well as subsea and ROV support work.

Priding itself on its ability to quickly mobilise its highly experienced electrical installation team, often at very short notice, MJR supported with the deployment of back deck equipment on the vessel whilst located at the port of Blyth.

The team installed a full range of power, electrical and auxiliary supplies for mobilisation of equipment from power and control vans for the Enshore AMP1500 plough, the largest in world, through to winches, HPU and ROV’s.

Speaking about the successfully completed mobilisation project, Paul Cairns, Managing Director at MJR Power and Automation said: “We are delighted to have recently completed what has been a very complex offshore mobilisation project. The swift execution is true testament to our team’s skills and knowledge, coupled with extensive experience, that has allowed us to smoothly install new systems alongside existing older equipment, which is a very intricate process.

“Having built such an excellent reputation for installing electrical equipment right, first time, is why MJR Power and Automation is successful in securing contracts with major companies across the globe such as Enshore Subsea.

“DeepOcean is a valued customer of MJR Power and Automation having provided local engineering and installation services supporting their complex offshore projects for over 20 years and we continue to enjoy an excellent relationship built on trust and integrity.”

An additional flagship project completed by MJR included a fast track design, fabrication, installation and offshore support of an innovative cable handling control system for DeepOcean’s Maersk Connector. The system enables safe and efficient installation of array cable second ends and has led to significant savings being made, both in time and money.

The company operates in full adherence to the Classification Society requirements and all national and international marine service legislation, ensuring first time compliance with regulations governing design, construction and operation of a wide variety of marine and offshore assets. www.mjrpower.com

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Early last month, Damen Shipyards Group delivered a Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 2710 to Rederij Groen. This, the first delivery of the new FCS vessel in the Netherlands, took place in Scheveningen. The vessel has been named Green Waves. It has been less than 6th months from contract signing to vessel handover.

Damen delivers FCS 2710 Green Waves to Rederij Groen

The speed of delivery is due to Damen’s practice of building standardised vessels in series and for stock, the hull was already under construction at Damen Shipyards Antalya, Turkey. Rederij Groen has secured a contract to use the vessel to undertake crew transfers for the oil & gas industry in Germany and Denmark.

Rederij Groen already operates ten Damen vessels, including three Damen FCS 2610 vessels. Like its predecessor, the FCS 2710 draws upon Damen’s Sea Axe hull – here seen in Twin Axe formation – to deliver safety and comfort, even in rough seas. The Sea Axe significantly reduces vertical slamming, enabling the vessel to glide through the waves.

Building on the success of the FCS 2610, Damen has designed the FCS 2710 to offer more flexibility, greater deck space, more tank capacity, increased comfort and more accommodation. A key aspect of the improved comfort credentials is the vessel’s 1 metre increase in height above the water. This enables the FCS 2710 to operate in waters with over 2 metre wave height, considerably raising uptime.

Although the vessel is just one metre longer than the FCS 2610, it is able to transport twice as many passengers – the FCS 2710 can transport 26 personnel in its standard configuration. Damen has achieved this be creating a flush desk for the FCS 2710, maximising efficiency in space usage. In addition to the increased accommodation, this has enabled an increase in the size of the wheelhouse, whilst retaining 90m2 for cargo transportation.

Vincent de Maat said, “We are very proud of the fact the Rederij Groen has decided to use three Damen crew tender vessels –three FCS 2610 vessels and now the new FCS 2710, for their new project. Two of the FCS 2610 vessels – Green Wind and Green Water have been refitted earlier this year at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld in preparation for their new job.” www.damen.com

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Fugro begins extensive site

characterisation for ScottishPower

Fugro has begun the geophysical survey phase of a large multidisciplinary site investigation contract worth around £55 million (GBP) for ScottishPower Renewables’ (SPR’s) East Anglia Hub project. The phased site investigations are scheduled to finish at the end of 2021 and support the development of wind farms in the UK southern North Sea over an area of more than 800 km2.

The results from Fugro’s site characterisation will feed into SPR’s ground models for the East Anglia Hub and support seabed mobility assessment, foundation design and cable-route engineering.

Operating from dedicated geophysical survey vessels, the Fugro team began the UXO surveys in July; full coverage bathymetric surveys and sub-bottom profiler surveys across the site and export cable routes will follow. Data processing and reporting will be completed in Fugro’s UK and Netherlands offices.

Geotechnical investigation of the wind turbine locations will start later this summer and will comprise ultra-deep seabed cone penetration tests (CPTs) using Fugro’s innovative SEACALF® Mk V DeepDrive CPT system, downhole and seismic CPTs, geotechnical sampling, and geophysical borehole logging. Shallow geotechnical testing and sampling will be performed along the export cable routes, while standard and advanced soil testing will take place at Fugro’s soil laboratory testing facility in Wallingford, UK. Richard Hill, Fugro’s proposal manager for the project, said: “This is a significant and exciting project for Fugro that will see us deploying multiple geophysical and geotechnical vessels from our fleet to the East Anglia Hub for the next 2 years.

Fugro’s innovative technologies, experienced geophysical and geotechnical survey teams, and large capacity for advanced soil testing laboratory in the UK will be crucial in helping SPR to meet their project timescales.”

SPR’s East Anglia Hub will eventually consist of 263 wind turbine generators capable of delivering a total installed capacity of up to 3.1 GW, enough to power up to 2.7 million homes. www.fugro.com PICTURE SHOWS: Fugro’s innovative SEACALF® Mk V DeepDrive 200 kN cone penetration test (CPT) system will perform ultra-deep seabed CPTs for geotechnical investigation of the wind turbine locations

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Tetra Tech Invests in Smart USV technology from UK company USS The Marine Services Division of the global consulting and engineering firm Tetra Tech,

has taken delivery of an Inception Class MKII Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) with a bespoke cooling system and two additional survey instrumentation pods for harbour survey projects.

The first payload pod has been fitted out with an R2SONIC 2020, SBG Ekinox-D, Valeport SVS and Hypack Hysweep software for undertaking high-resolution multi-beam data acquisition. A second pod will be fitted with an EdgeTech side-scan sonar and the third with a single-beam echo-sounder, both for subsequent operation in the USA. Director of USS, James Williams explained: “Our customers often have many different applications for our Inception Class USVs, but it’s almost impossible to fit small platforms with so many different sensors at the same time. That’s why we designed the MKII to incorporate an easy swappable payload pod system which was perfect for Tetra Tech, who had multiple requirements for installing a complete single-beam, multi-beam and side-scan sonar package on one USV. However, the most challenging aspect of this delivery was the extreme operating temperatures in country of over 40 degrees C. To meet this requirement, our engineers designed and upgraded the USV hulls with active cooling across heat sinks and the primary pod was fitted with watertight air vents, active circulation cooling and a unique solar radiation heat shield.”

Tetra Tech Hydrographer, Per Steenstrup says: “We were really impressed with the Inception Class USV from Unmanned Survey Solutions. We needed something small, portable and customisable to our requirements all in a short delivery timeframe. This USV has a stable catamaran configuration and modular payload pods which stood out from the other USVs on the market in this size class.

Working with the team at USS it was evident that practical hydrographic surveying knowledge had influenced the platform design from day one. They understand not only how to build the vessels, but how they will be used in the field. It’s clear that this USV has been designed for surveyors, by surveyors. The knowledge and professionalism of the team at USS gave us the confidence to deploy the Inception directly from the production line to an international six-week survey job. “ Tetra Tech also purchased a modified launching trolley for slip way deployment and to act as a Launch and Recovery System (LARS) when working from high-sided quay ways.

The Inception Class MKII USV is a sensor agnostic, semi-autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) composed of tough aluminium hulls, weed cutting power propellers and a versatile modular payload pod system. It has been designed to conduct survey operations in areas such as harbours, ports, lakes, lagoons, mining ponds and other shallow water zones. It can be operated by Remote-Control (RC) or as a semi-autonomous vessel for waypoint line running. www.unmannedsurveysolutions.com

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Damen launches Marine Aggregate Dredger for Hanson Recently Damen Shipyards Group launched a Marine Aggregate Dredger (MAD) 3500 at its Galati yard in Romania. Damen is building the MAD for UK-based Hanson.

The company will use the vessel to conduct offshore aggregate extraction in water depths up to -55 metres in the North Sea and English Channel.

The MAD was successfully launched, despite the impact of the coronavirus during this critical stage of production. To ensure the safe continuity of its business operations around the world, Damen has taken numerous measures at its yards and offices.

Sales manager Joppe Neijens explains, “Throughout the pandemic our number one priority has been the safety and wellbeing of our personnel, our co-workers and the communities in which we work. However, by combining a robust approach to safety measures with coordinated team work, we have been able to continue production.

The measures we have taken include strict hygiene and disinfection routines, and the establishment of shift teams to ensure maximum distance between people working, whilst at the same time keeping to schedule. The project team and yard have done a great job. Together they have taken the necessary measures to keep on track with minimal loss of time. In this way, we are able to maintain our support to our clients.”

Damen’s MAD range applies innovative maritime engineering to ensure safe, comfortable operations even in adverse conditions. Safety is further enhanced by the positioning of all dredge pipes above main deck. The equipment itself is protected by the MAD’s enclosed bow.

The MAD 3500 model specifically aims at achieving the optimal balance between payload and efficiency within the limited dimensions required for the vessel to traverse the Shoreham Lock on the English south coast.

Following the launch, Damen will complete work on the vessel, to be named Hanson Thames, and afterwards undertake commissioning, including of dredge equipment and screening installation from Damen Dredging Equipment in the Netherlands and a dry unloading system from PLM Cranes.

A short video is available at youtube.com - click on: https://youtu.be/62PkwOOWR8U www.damen.com

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Teignbridge Propellers ‘propelled to success’

Teignbridge Propellers is Europe’s leading manufacturer of propellers. Established over 45 years ago this firm undertakes the whole process from vessel assessment, design, engineering and through cutting, making, foundry casting, machining, finishing and inspection.

It’s all done in one facility in Newton Abbot, our head office and manufacturing outlet,” says Mark Phare, Sales and Marketing Director for the company. “We also have a foundry and machine shop in India and then we have a facility in Dubai, a sales office and warehouse with a propeller machining and shaft machining shop. That facility also specialises in propeller repairs and modifications. We also have offices in Italy and Penang with a range of agents from South America through Europe and into the Middle East and the Far East and out to Australia, New Zealand and China.”

With a truly global reach, Teignbridge is able to serve its customers, thanks to a talented team and state of the art software and techniques.

“One of our key selling points is our technically advanced propeller design team that has a wealth of experience combined with the latest software. This includes CFD and ship simulation software which enables us to look at the whole vessel, not just the propeller in isolation,” Phare continues. “It lets us look at the whole boat and, uniquely, look at the wake-field, how the water flows past the hull around the propeller and out past the propeller. Not many companies have that capability. We offer an advanced design, then we also have 3D printing and a 5-axis CAD/CAM pattern mill to produce patterns to a high degree of accuracy.”

This impressive range of capabilities is all rooted in one building, Teignbridge Propellers’ Newton Abbot HQ. “Everything is undertaken in one building. We have the ability to manufacture everything, verify tolerances and make sure it fits together perfectly before being sent overseas,” Phare tells us. “Around eighty per cent of our sales are export, so we need that confidence that it’s easy to unpack and fit onto the boat without setting or fitting at the shipyard.”

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BUILDING KNOWLEDGE Building a sound knowledge base, and developing people who can further that knowledge, is a key part of Teignbridge Propellers’ strategy.

“Last year we completed a two-year propeller efficiency research project funded by the Energy Technology Institute, 50% government and industry-funded. Having completed that project the result is a team including a PhD hydrodynamicist and chartered engineer who spent two years looking at propeller efficiency, new designs and innovation,” Phare adds. “Now they’ve completed it they can take up consultancy work on behalf of customers so they can lend those tools to provide advanced propeller analysis and design optimisation through the whole range, yachts, commercial and military. It’s an extremely strong world-leading position to be in, in terms of the design and technology we can provide our customer.”

Meanwhile, Teignbridge Propellers continues to invest in the company and has recently been building a new office facility which they will be occupying later this year, as well as investing in new machinery and processes.

MANY EGGS, MANY BASKETS The markets that Teignbridge Propellers serves are, by their very nature, unpredictable ones, and so the business has learned to spread its bets.

“Traditionally there’s a lot of movement in each of the markets we’re involved in, whether it’s the production of motor yachts, superyachts, commercial craft, or military craft. Within each section, geographically or by category, they have ups and downs,” Phare points out.

“Six or seven years ago oil and gas was very strong and then when the price of oil collapsed that market collapsed. You have to be able to respond and focus on other markets and we’re fortunate in that we have a foot in a broad base of markets spread across the world. Today the leisure market is going through an extremely difficult period, but we can respond by focusing our efforts on other areas that are more robust like military and windfarm vessels.”

Of course, the one issue to really hit the leisure market on all fronts has been the COVID19 pandemic.

“It’s affected us in a number of ways,” Phare says. “On our order book, we’re probably looking at around about a 30% reduction in order intake, mostly in the leisure market. A lot of boatbuilders are closed down here and in Europe and overseas. They closed down for

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Mark Phare, Sales and Marketing Director

F O C U S

six to eight, some of them for twelve weeks and also some stopped paying. We had a reduction in production but also had a lack of payment which affects our cash flow. So we had that aspect to contend with and that seems to be working its way through now at a somewhat reduced level.”

Despite these hits to their income, thanks to the diverse portfolio Teignbridge maintains they’ve been able to stay healthily afloat.

“That accounts for about 25% of our market. So with 25% of our income potentially down 80%, it’s not going to kill us,” Phare explains. “Combined with that there have been slowdowns in commercial and military projects where shipyards haven’t been able to work.

But again they seem to have found ways of working and have lifted lockdown restrictions.

One market we’re active in is ferry boats and there’s a lot of nervousness there reflected in orders cancelled or postponed for new ferries. Putting that together that’s 30% of our business. However, the 70% that remains is more than sufficient for us to operative profitably even if we’ve had to undertake some restructuring.”

The challenges COVID-19 presents don’t just come down to a loss of sales, however. The virus also introduces practical challenges.

“The other problem was managing production and office support during the crisis. During lockdown over half of our staff was working from home. We have a skeleton crew in the office and those that were working from home worked very successfully so we could continue to provide sales support, which we managed very well and continue to do so,” Phare says.

“As far as production goes, we maintained production at the same levels throughout with a series of protocols and supplied PPE to ensure staff can work safely. We introduced distance marking on floors and thorough cleaning routines. It’s a completely new way of working but it’s working very well and we’re maintaining output at pre-lockdown levels.”

Teignbridge expects these precautions to be in place for a while, but they’re optimistic about the market’s ability to recover. “I think some of the measures we’re taking will be with us for the next 12 months. We think in terms of safe working practices, we don’t see the post-COVID line at the moment,” Phare says. “But we’re going to continue to work with COVID restrictions in place. Regarding the market, there are going to be some markets that will be slow to recover.

But there’s also quite a strong feeling that once the economy starts to recover there might be a bounce-back in the motor yacht and superyacht sales as a safe environment for the very wealthy to have holidays with their family that can control the biosecurity of their environment much more than a hotel. So in the superyacht industry, they’re expecting a surge in sales.” www.teignbridge.co.uk

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S T O R Y

Another successful new design from Macduff Macduff Ship Design is delighted to announce the completion of another successful design built by TOR Group. The 30m ASD FiFi tug is a development of the previously successful 30m tug and marks the 22nd launched vessel that Macduff Ship Design have designed for TOR Group.

In recent years Macduff has continued to expand within the workboat sector by steadily producing high-quality designs for a wide range of tugs and workboats of all sizes and roles.

Classed to Bureau Veritas BV-I HULL MACH TUG FIRE FIGHTING SHIP 1 AUT-UMS Unrestricted Navigation the vessel carries 160m3 of oil fuel, 30m3 of freshwater, 16.6m3 of water ballast, 9m3 of foam and 9m3 of detergent. Her overall length is 30m, beam 11m and moulded depth 5m with an operating draft aft of about 5.2m USK. Propelled by two Yanmar 6EY22AW 1330kW main engines rated at 1330kw, driving Schottel SRP 1012 CP ASD units, on trials it produced 42 Tonnes of Bollard pull ahead and 40 tonnes astern.

Equipped as a FiFi 1 tug she has two fire monitors with a capacity each of 1200m3 provided by two main engine pumps rated at 1329m3 each. Auxiliary power is from two Cat C6.6 each rated at 125kw. The deck equipment comprises of a forward-mounted towing winch with a rated line pull of 20t and brake load of 130t, an aft Mampaey 65t towing hook and a hydraulic deck crane.

Accommodation is for 9 persons in a mixture of single and twin-berth cabins, with en-suite and communal wash places, galley/mess and laundry. As of September 2020 and following successful sea trials the vessel is available for charter or sale through the TOR Group.

In addition to the newly launch 30m tug, Macduff have also secured another contract to design a 25m tug for TOR Group which is in conjunction with other ongoing builds. The vessel is a development of the two 25m ASD harbour tugs previously built by Tor Group to Macduff designs.

The arrangement will have accommodation for 16 crew including two single berth officer cabins and feature separate junior and senior mess rooms. The new more powerful vessel is predicted to achieve a minimum bollard pull of 48 tonnes ahead.

The company are pleased to extend their successful partnership with Tor Group and look forward to working on this and future projects. www.macduffshipdesign.com

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Groningen contracts Castor Marine to outfit thirty vessels with Global and EU 4G connectivity packages Shipping Company Groningen (SCG) has contracted offshore internet services provider Castor Marine to install its Global 4G Connectivity package on all 30 of its vessels.

With this, the coasters will have a fast, global 4G-LTE internet connection for its crews.

On its fleet, SCG offers its personnel a Crew Welfare Zone with free internet within the 12-mile (4G) zone. To realise this, SCG wanted a plug&play, cost-efficient system that is always operational and doesn’t interfere with the crew’s activities.

Seamless internet connection To make this happen, a seamless transition between 4G and the Inmarsat Fleetbroadband (or Iridium Open Port L-Band satellite connection) outside that zone was needed. Castor Marine’s 4G Connectivity Package (incl. dedicated software installed on the Peplink routers) ensures a seamless failover of connectivity between the 4G and satellite connection. Hence, the crew doesn’t notice the transition and simply can get on with their work. Furthermore, the connection allows for real-time data insights from any device.

When Clemens Ros and Marc van Gemert from SCG’s IT department wanted advice about a 4G service for its crew, Castor Marine came up with a hybrid connectivity solution switching between 4G LTE and L-band.

Marc van Gemert, IT Manager at SCG, says: “We chose Castor Marine because of the pleasant cooperation, correct pricing and their responsive way of working which ensures that the technical solution we were looking for was customised to our fleet. Actually, some of our captains have already reported that they had 4G connectivity at 45 nautical miles from the coast. We are looking forward to see the system installed and then be able to forget about it!”

Things have to work…

Raymon Lubbers, sales director at Castor Marine says: “With our system, you’ll never have to check if an internet connection is still running when it shouldn’t. The services and equipment we deliver have to work, always. Both as crewmember and in the office, you don’t notice these things until it doesn’t work. We strive, on every vessel, to never reach that point. That is why we have tested and certified the 4G solution extensively. It is also the reason our Support Network Operating Centre is on call 24/7.”

User control For those who are more technically inclined: no matter where the vessel is or with which network it is connected, the software ensures that a VPN tunnel continues to exist even when the IP addresses change when the vessel connects to another network.

With a mix of, amongst others, user rights, firewalls, SD-WAN and real-time monitoring tools for each individual data stream and access point, the user is in control. www.castormarine.com

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Active- RTE and Passive Radar Reflectors ECHOMAX ACTIVE-XS dual band RTE with multiple visual and audible alarm functions and now with optional waterproof control box for RIBS or exposed mounting - Meets ISO 8729-2 - NATO stock No 5741-99269-3512 - Our Actice RTE have been fitted to the Clipper Around the World Yachts for the last 5 years.

Active XS, EM230 and EM230i were all mandatory fits on the 2018 Golden Globe Race Yachts.

IC-SAT100M Satellite PTT

mobile radio from Icom

The IC-SAT100M is the world’s first satellite PTT mobile radio and uses the Iridium satellite communication network. Designed to be used either in-building or installed in vehicles /vessels, the IC-SAT100M provides a global radio service to users with the push of a PTT (Press to Talk) button.

It can be used as a communication tool in remote and isolated areas where there is no mobile phone or land-based radio network infrastructure. Also, in the event that radio or cellular network infrastructure may be rendered unusable by human or natural disasters, satellite communication can provide a stable and reliable backup solution.

The IC-SAT100M Satellite PTT mobile radio uses the Iridium satellite network in the same way as its handheld counterpart, the IC-SAT100 handheld. The system uses 66 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Iridium satellites that provide broader, more reliable network coverage compared to Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) satellites. As part of a satellite two-way radio system, an organisation can get wide-area global coverage across the whole earth, including the Arctic and Antarctic. So someone at the North Pole could talk to someone at the South Pole, there is no other two way PTT system that can do this.

The IC-SAT100M has been designed for use inside a building as well as in-vehicle and on vessels. Whereas the handheld can be supplied individually (e.g. first responders, engineers, security) the mobile can be used as a base radio in a building. Installation of the IC-SAT100M in a building is straightforward, and you can use LAN cable (Maximum 100 m, 328 ft) to its antenna. Alternatively, by using a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch (for power supply to the antenna) and IP network, you can install the IC-SAT100M more effectively up to a maximum extension of 400 metres. The radio can also be used to support other users by being installed in a vehicle or a vessel. By attaching the AH-40 antenna on the roof, you can use the radio in a vehicle. The IC-SAT100M has Bluetooth capability allowing hands-free operation while driving. By adding a third-party antenna cover over the AH-40 you can make the whole installation look more covert.

With a VE-PG4 RoIP gateway, the IC-SAT10M can interconnect with other two-way technologies including IP phone, WLAN, LTE, digital/analogue radios, and other communication systems. So, this is an ideal solution for those who want global communications while being able to connect a local communication network.

The IC-SAT100M is a perfect communication tool for governments, military, border security, coastguard, local government, disaster response teams, humanitarian, multinational, energyexploration organisations plus any user that need to communicate in remote, isolated areas or for emergency assistance where terrestrial communication does not exist. It can be incorporated as part of a much larger satellite PTT system with its handheld counterpart the IC-SAT100. www.icomuk.co.uk

ECHOMAX EM230/230BR Ships Wheel Mark passive radar reflector for Life Boats and Rescue Craft - Meets ISO 8729-1997 - Module B and D certificates available upon request.

Available in white, orange, yellow, red, green etc. NATO stock number 5840-99-742-6193.

ECHOMAX EMAO3I Inflatable radar reflector for liferafts - Certified to Schedule 4, Part 4, Paragraph 1.1.14 of Merchant Shipping (life saving appliances Regulations 1986 - chapter III, Regulation 38.5.1.14 of the 1983 (SOLAS) 1974). Suitable for stowage in liferaft emergency packs up to 36m above sea level as required by IMO Notice M.1485, 1991 - Certificate no.

QQ-TAN-04/3-01.

EM325

EM325

EM230 Basemount

EM230 Basemount

All our passive-reflectors are also now available in red and green. The base mounted EM230BM and EM325 with responses up to 86M2 and optional fittings for Sealite or Carmanah lanterns are ideally suited for pedestal or buoy mounted land or sea hazards

We are proud that all Echomax products are designed and manufactured in the UK and 60% of our business is export.

echomaxsales@aol.com www.echomax.co.uk www.marineandmaritimegazette.com

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Radar minimises waves

Alphatron Marine’s JMR-611 features a GPS compass, smart calculation technology, an aerodynamic scanner and an associated modified motor.

It minimises waves and will ensure that small items and navigation buoys remain clearly visible as is equipped with the Echo Border function for a sharp display of the radar echoes and in combination with the Expansion function, the echoes will be displayed with a clear outline.

JMR-611 is the first river radar to meet the stricter requirements for maximum reflection from radar monitors. There is a choice of two different fully dimmable monitors, the standard 19-inch LED monitor with a black aluminium front, and the all-glass 19-inch LED monitor, where the LED panel is optical bonded to the glass for maximum performance.

Depending on the available space on board and the desired sharpness of the picture, different scanner units are available in sizes 6, 7 or 9ft.

Alphatron Marine has re-processed and improved certain functionalities from the JMA-610 model in this new radar, such as the prediction lines, docking information and image recording.

New developments include the 6 and 7ft antennas featuring an aerodynamic design, suitable for all weather conditions and, to benefit fast ships, the rotational speed of the antenna can be easily switched to high speed. www.alphatronmarine.com

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Damen Shiprepair Harlingen completes repair project on Rederij Doeksen Vlieland ferry Damen Shiprepair Harlingen (DSHl) has recently completed a repair project to Rederij Doeksen’s passenger/car ferry Vlieland. The vessel operates a ferry service across the Wadden Sea between Harlingen in the north of the Netherlands and the island of Vlieland.

The Vlieland required repair following a recent incident that took place as she was departing the harbour in Harlingen. As a result of the accident, the vessel’s SB engine room became flooded. DSHL carried out an emergency operation, closing the hole, before moving the vessel on to the yard for full repairs.

At the yard, DSHL carried out a series of works on the vessel, including the removal of the main- and auxiliary engines, the gearboxes and all electrical equipment and wiring – of which there is over 4 kilometres.

Following this, the yard undertook the rebuilding of the engine room. This included re-installing the CAT 3508 main engines and Cat 3406 & 3408 auxiliary engines cpl/w generator sets that had been overhauled by PON. Klaas Krook account manager product support at PON explained, “We value our relationships, most of which are long-term. When Doeksen was faced with the damage on the Vlieland, we went for the extra mile.

Together with our valued partner Damen, we overhauled the engines in the SB engine room, and used REMAN parts to get it done cost efficiently.”

At the same time, the yard blasted the hull and repainted the vessel. A local company, electrical technicians Piet Brouwer installed a new monitoring and safety system to the Vlieland - Rederij Doeksen having decided to take the opportunity to do so while the vessel was in dock.

Damen Shiprepair & Conversion sales manager Klaas Kuper says, “Rederij Doeksen is a long-standing client of Damen Shiprepair Harlingen, visiting the yard on a regular basis for the scheduled maintenance of their fleet. We enjoy an excellent relationship and are pleased to be able to assist them in getting the Vlieland safely operation again.”

Richard de Vries, manager operations at Rederij Doeksen: "We are pleased to be able to take MV Vlieland back into active ferry service. We are very satisfied with the cooperation between the various parties, who have made every effort to get this job done as quickly and professionally as possible.” www.damen.com

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Damen Shipyards Cape Town lays

keel on second Project BIRO IPV

At the end of August, Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) held a keellaying for the second of three Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPV) that DSCT is building for the South African Navy’s Project BIRO. The inspection was a unique event, planned to ensure the well-being of delegates during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As well as stringent safety measures on location, physical attendance was reduced to a minimum, with the majority attending remotely with digital conference facilities.

The South African Navy’s Project BIRO aims to develop maritime security, ensuring the country’s capabilities to respond effectively, rapidly, and cost-efficiently to maritime threats such as piracy and illegal fishing.

Following a safety briefing, DSCT board member Sefale Montsi opened the keel laying inspection welcoming guests. Ms Montsi said, “I give thanks as a South African to be associated with this project. There is much value in the seas for South Africa and its economy.

I am proud to be part of a project that protects our borders and resources.”

The MMIPVs draw on proven technology from Damen’s standardised range of patrol boats, which covers everything from 10-metre Interceptors and 50-metre patrol vessels, to 140-metre frigates. The vessels for Project BIRO are tailored to the specific requirements of the South African Navy and feature the Damen Sea Axe Bow – a vertical hull form that reduces slamming for safe, comfortable operations in rough seas. The MMIPVs are the first Sea Axe vessels to operate in South Africa.

Speaking at the keel laying inspection, Acting Chairperson of Armscor Mr Motimele said, “I would like to thank the DSCT team for ensuring that the requirements as articulated by the South African Navy are brought to life. Armscor is extremely proud to be part of this project that will deliver multi-mission patrol vessels to the South African Navy, that will serve them well for decades to come with their mission to protect South African coastal and marine interests.”

Mr Motimele was followed on the podium by the Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Hlongwane, who said that the current situation with the coronavirus pandemic only serves to increase the importance of Project BIRO. “A well-managed maritime sector is key to the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic…

Fighting Covid-19 poses new dilemmas for South Africa in addition to the existing challenges of policing one of the largest maritime zones in Africa. South Africa must also fulfil numerous international safety responsibilities… any reduction in South Africa’s supply chain efficiency could wreak economic havoc on the country and its neighbours. “I would like to say well done and congratulations to all staff involved in the production of the MMIPVs here at DSCT for being able to maintain the construction schedule to this extent under very challenging circumstances.

Your commitment to excellence is commendable. I can say with confidence to the South African people that we have selected a good partner to make this project a success. I thank you.”

The project undertaking serves as a demonstration of Damen Maritime Security Solutions in action. With this initiative, Damen not only delivers a ship, but rather a total maritime solution, encompassing every aspect of vessel operation throughout the lifecycle as well as the contribution to a sustainable maritime industry in the region in which it operates.

To that end, Damen has truly and enthusiastically embraced, adopted and integrated the various applicable government programmes, such as the Defence Industrial Participation (DIP), Department of Trade and Industry’s Local Content and Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) and Youth Employment Service (YES Initiative) into its project approach, and by doing so is looking to over-achieve on the requirements of these programmes.. For example, Damen will exceed Project BIRO’s 60% local content requirements, issuing contracts to a large number of local suppliers. As a result of their work on Project BIRO, many of these suppliers are now earmarked for work on Damen projects in and outside of South Africa. Additionally, DSCT’s undertaking of the project has created over 300 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs in line with the South African Government’s Operation Phakisa objectives.

Damen’s Project Director for the MMIPV projects, Jos Govaarts, elaborates, “It’s not only our objective to build three IPVs. We, as DSCT, feel it is our responsibility to create jobs and to develop our suppliers. We have the commitment to make sure that the South African maritime industry fully benefits from South African projects for the long-term. The jobs that we are creating are there to stay.”

Following the speeches, the tradition of welding a coin to the keel was observed. On this occasion, the coin was welded into place by Jenny-Lee Fortuin (2nd Year Apprentice: Welder) An apprentice of DSCT’s Apprentice Training Centre, an institution established by the yard in order to bridge a skills gap in South Africa and provide employment opportunities to local learners. The minted coin being laid on this occasion was a commemorative medal that was made in the honour of the late Honourable President Mandela as the winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize for Peace. The obverse of the coin was designed by British Artist Avril Vaughan and the reverse was designed by artist Danuta Haremska. www.damen.com

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New Wetwheels vessel

nears completion

Wetwheels provides accessible powerboating for its disabled participants by providing the opportunity to access the sea in a fun, safe, stimulating and rewarding way using specially modified, fully accessible powerboats.

Wetwheels was started back in 2011 and, so far, has taken thousands of disabled people on voyages of discovery.

The aim is now to provide access to the water to thousands more by launching new boats in new communities.

Founder Geoff Holt MBE DL recently visited the home of Cheetah Catamarans on the Isle of Wight to take a first glimpse at the latest Wetwheels boat, which will be launched in the South West of England later this year. Geoff was joined on the visit by David Rogers, who is going to be the operator of the new boat in Falmouth.

The vessel shell is now complete and the build is really starting to come together. Cheetah are currently working on the interior and will soon be installing an array of the latest Raymarine equipment on the dash. Hypro Marine, who provide the steering components, have been helping to determine the steering position at the helm, which is crucial in allowing wheelchair users to take the helm and drive the boat.

All of the Wetwheels fleet are powered by Suzuki outboards and this one will be no different as it will be powered by twin DF325A outboards, with their unique dual propeller technology. One of Suzuki’s Authorised Dealers, Marine Matters based in Warsash, will soon be rigging the boat with its outboards.

Geoff commented, “We are blessed with a fantastic team of supporting partners for Wetwheels boats and I am pleased to say that this latest build is going very smoothly indeed. We have established a very good design and specification for our boats which has proven to be hugely successful, so we are all really looking forward to the launch of this latest addition to the Wetwheels family.”

David Rogers added, “We are all really excited to see the new boat come to fruition. I have been hugely impressed by the set-up on the other Wetwheels boats so I can see why Geoff sticks with a tried and tested model. From the electronics through to the awesome power of the outboards, everything just works perfectly which gives us a huge amount of confidence.” www.wetwheels.co.uk

FREE F REE A NNUAL ANNUAL C ALIBRATION CALIBRATION FREE F REE TECHNICAL T ECHNICAL SUPPORT S UPPORT FREE F REE YEAR 3Y EAR WARRANTY WA RRANTY

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Large bright 10mm display for poor visibility with simple measurem information.

No zeroing required.

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One integral battery with 55 hours runtime.

Can be upgraded to have topside repeater options by simply replaci cap.

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Pressure tested to 500 metres.

Supplied in a Peli case.

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Wight Shipyard delivers four ferry simultaneous build to Malta Wight Shipyard Co has achieved a UK first by building four ferries simultaneously at its yard in Cowes, IOW, for a leading Maltese tour operator.

The order, WSC’s largest ferry export order to date, consists of two 20m and two 33m light weight ferries, designed by One2Three Naval Architects.

Jo Daly, COO, WSC, said: “We are proud of being able to produce four large ferries within a year, despite the restrictions and changes to working brought about by the worldwide pandemic Covid19.

This is testament to the outstanding team that made such a quick completion possible whilst still achieving the same high build standards and attention to detail that WSC has become synonymous with.”

Valletta’s Grand Harbour is both steeped in history and a geological site of significant interest dating back to prehistoric times where many of the ancient wharfs still exist. Creating a vessel that could operate within these parameters was led by One2Three Naval Architects, the clients, and the design team at WSC. The bespoke vessels for Captain Morgan Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Fortina Investments Ltd, have been created to be lighter and more fuel efficient than anything that the yard has built before.

WSC specialises in the build of light weight ferries with the subsequent benefit of lower fuel burn.

Meticulous attention is paid to the weight of every element of the materials and equipment used on the builds, which has led to outstanding weight reductions on all four of the ferries offering substantial fuel savings. Every one percent of weight saving equates to one percent of fuel saving.

The two newbuild 20m harbour catamarans will replace existing vessels which already service the historic harbour cruise around the two natural harbours surrounding the capital city of Valletta and the 3-cities.

The 20m is designed to be a slower harbour waterbus for frequent stopping in ports surrounding the sheltered waters around the capital. It is designed for optimum efficiency achieving speeds of between 8-10 knots, with a top speed of 20 knots.

It is powered by two MAN D2676 LE434 rated to 2 x 270kW = 540kw total @ 1800 rpm coupled to ZF500

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marine transmissions and twin CJR 5 bladed dynamically balanced fixed pitch propellers.

The vessel’s layout provides for seated passengers on both the main and upper decks whilst providing excellent comfort levels in an open-plan deck arrangement. The wheelhouse main steering station is located on the second deck level for excellent visibility. It can carry 197 passengers and three crew.

The two 33m medium speed vessels meanwhile will service a new commuter/tourist hop-on hop-off service along the east coast of Malta as far as the island of Gozo.

These vessels are also replacing a number of old existing vessels which transport commuters between the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino.

The main aim for these vessels is to move commuters and tourists quickly in and out of different locations around the coast and offer commuters flexibility and comfort. Whilst operating below 20 knots and under high speed code it can achieve a top speed of 30 knots.

This vessel requires more power than the 20m ferry with two MAN D2862 LE466 marine diesel engines rated at 2 x 749kw = 1498kw total @ 2100rpm coupled with two ZF3050 marine transmissions and two CJR 5 fixed propellers.

The layout of the 33m is slightly different to the 20m.

The main deck features an enclosed airconditioned cabin with seating and a kiosk/bar located at the aft end of the cabin, while the open upper deck provides protection for the passengers from rain with a large overhanging roof. It can carry 298 passengers and four crew.

Despite the changes to safe working practises and subsequent problems brought about by the worldwide pandemic, the builds have been received in good time and on budget. Compared to the older boats they are replacing the vessels will achieve considerable fuel savings and reduced operating costs.

They will also help to achieve sustainability targets and obtain lower emissions across the fleet. It is anticipated that current traffic congestion around Malta will be eased by large volumes of people using water transport not cars or buses.

Going forward, these vessels shall form an integral part of Fortina Investments’ innovative iSeeMalta concept, which provides visitors with access through a single pass to the ferry service, city sightseeing buses and public transport, as well as to Heritage Malta sites and other attractions. www.wightshipyard.com

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Over thirty years of specialist service With roots dating back to 1987, Dales Marine has been servicing the shipping, oil and gas, chemical, and power generation industries with bespoke engineering services, within the shortest lead time to the highest standard.

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Elcome appointed distributor for CMCE Sertec Marine Elcome International recently announced that it has been appointed exclusive distributor for the CMCE Sertec Marine deionizing lightning prevention systems in certain Middle East countries.

Under the agreement, Elcome will have responsibility for sales, engineering, consulting, installation, commissioning, maintenance, service and technical support for CMCE Sertec Marine in United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar.

The CMCE Sertec Marine lightning suppressor, derived from discoveries of Nikola Tesla in 1916, practically eliminates direct lightning impacts on protected structures by 99 percent through the deionization of electrostatic charge. Unlike a conventional lightning rod, it works by preventing the formation of lightning.

The passive sensor system is designed to balance and deionize the effects of atmospheric phenomena through multiple compensators, generating a protective shield in its coverage area, neutralizing the lightning and draining the electric charges to Earth in harmless milliamperes.

“The CMCE Sertec Marine product line includes a range of systems tailored for vessels of all types, ranging from small pleasure craft and marine buoys to full-size cargo ships, military vessels and oil rigs as well as land-based facilities,” said Jimmy Grewal, executive director of Elcome International. “This advanced lightning protection technology is an important addition to our portfolio of high-tech marine product offerings.”

“Elcome is a welcome addition to our worldwide distribution network,” said Arnando Chifarelli, president of Sertec SRL.”The company has a well-deserved reputation for its superior technical capabilities and service.” www.elcome.com

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New type of vessel contract

Recently a contract for the building of a new, energy-efficient and fuelsaving aluminium vessel for the offshore wind-industry was signed, together with an option for three other vessels.

The signing took place at Next Generation Shipyards on Lauwersoog. The contract involves a special new type of vessel which combines the stability of a catamaran with the speed and fuel efficiency of a monohull. The building of the vessel was at the initiative of Coastwise Offshore Services, the new shipping enterprise owned by Messrs Eelko Wijdieks, Douwe van den Berg and Onno Nienhuis. The project also gives a significant impulse to the province of Groningen.

A new, Lauwersoog-based shipping company which applies itself to the offshore wind industry, an innovative, homebuilt vessel, and an investment of €5 million – the harvest of more than 20 months of enthusiasm, dedication and faith in a lasting future. And the festive climax: the signing of a contract between shipping company COS Master and the Groningen shipbuilder Next Generation Shipyards in Lauwersoog for the building of an offshore service vessel.

Harlingen-based SeaZip Offshore Service will be responsible for the commercial management of the vessel.

Shipping entrepreneurs Messrs Eelko Wijdieks and Douwe van den Berg, who have operated in the dry cargo market for years, are extending their operations to the offshore energy market. Everything fell into place after they had contacted Mr Albert Keizer, the Managing Director of Next Generation Shipyards, and the Ondernemershuis NoordGroningen.

Says Douwe van den Berg from Coastwise: “For quite some time already, Albert Keizer intended to design a crew tender himself. Our plans complemented one another well. In close collaboration with marine architect Fred van Dorresteijn (VDD Design, Dordrecht), Next Generation Shipyards succeeded in translating our basic principles into an unparalleled vessel design. The design provides the stability of a traditional catamaran and the speed and fuel efficiency of a monohull, which implies ultimate comfort combined with the best possible performance. Absolutely the best of both worlds”.

This combination is reflected in the name under which the new type of vessel is put onto the market: 30 Pax Monomaran Crewtender- Endurance class NG2727. The vessel will be delivered to Coastwise December next year and sail under the name of COS Master. The aluminium vessel is over 27 metres long, provides ample and comfortable room for 30 passengers and can carry a load of 15 to 22 tons. It will be fitted with a deck crane. Its cruising speed is 27 knots. The design is innovative and sustainable, which means that Next Generation Shipyards presents a concept which appeals to the market and symbolises the role which the Groningen region wishes to play in the field of energy transition and renewable energy.

Making plans and executing plans are two different things altogether. To execute a plan, one needs money. In this case: €5 million. In the face of the corona crisis, Messrs Wijdieks and Van den Berg managed to raise the money. All the more remarkable is the ‘counter-cyclical financing’ which has been accomplished. In a short space of time, with the help of Ondernemershuis Noord-Groningen, Coastwise succeeded in stirring the interest of a small group of private investors in the project. The fact that entrepreneur Mr Onno Nienhuis (Hendrikson Holding B.V., Zoutkamp) decided to participate as partner/owner worked as an accelerator. In the development phase, the Province of Groningen offered a helping hand by providing seedcorn funding. The Fonds Nieuwe Doen, which was set up at the initiative of the Province of Groningen and finances projects in the fields of healthcare, renewable energy, and quality of life in the Province of Groningen, granted a loan.

Once the vessels have been completed, Coastwise Offshore Services will outsource the commercial management of the Monomaran Crewtender to SeaZip Offshore Service in Harlingen. Over the past decade, SeaZip has built up a substantial network in the offshore wind, oil and gas industry, both in Northern Europe and elsewhere in the world. Says Douwe van den Berg: “We have known each other for many years and will be grateful to make use of SeaZip's skills and expertise as well as their international contacts. Our vessels, which are suitable for 30 passengers, are supplementary to the vessels owned by SeaZip, which accommodate 12 persons.” www.seazip.com

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Barge Master autonomous landing solution The new autonomous landing solution for offshore structures from Bosch Rexroth is designed to significantly improves both safety and performance.

The system automatically attaches the landing from the ship to the required site without the need for manual input, by using a combination of radar technology along with cameras and radar. This means that the operation is safe, consistent and reliable, regardless of weather and ocean conditions.

After the 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 for Barge Master systems at Bosch Rexroth. “First of all, it’s a further improvement of safety. Perhaps most importantly though, our systems increases the available operational hours. Our system can work in difficult conditions and does not depend on availability of operators, so it can really improve the uptime. These three key benefits present a real step forward in autonomous landing solutions.”

The autonomous landing solution is now available to order for newbuild vessels and should be available for retrofit later this year on the Barge Master motion compensated gangways.

Landing systems are essential when it comes to transferring people and essential items between a vessel and an oil or gas platform or wind turbine generator. However, manual control is still required when it comes to engaging the landing with the platform. Depending on the experiences of the operator as well as the weather conditions, this can become a challenging task. www.boschrexroth.com

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Lankhorst deepwater mooring lines for Liza Unity

Lankhorst Offshore recently reported that it has been awarded a contract by SBM Offshore to supply the deepwater mooring lines for the Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) for ExxonMobil’s Liza oil field offshore Guyana, South America.

The announcement follows close on the heals of the recent deployment of Lankhorst mooring lines for the Liza Destiny FPSO mooring system also in the Liza field.

The Liza Unity FPSO, based on SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward FPSO design, will be spread moored at a water depth of 1,600m with 20 Cabral 512 deepwater mooring lines with a minimum breaking strength of 12,300 kN. Each mooring line measures 2,320m in length, totalling 46,400m. When deployed the mooring line will comprise a chain top segment, polyester rope middle segment and chain bottom segment, connected to a suction pile anchor.

The Cabral 512 rope construction features a specially designed filter, preventing ingress of sand while the mooring lines are pre-laid on the seabed ahead of the Liza Unity FPSO arriving on station.

For these two Liza FPSOs, Lankhorst Offshore has developed a standardised deepwater mooring model to reduce lead times. In addition to reducing the number of shipping reels by loading longer mooring line lengths or multiple segments on each reel, Lankhorst has also introduced reusable shipping rope reels and cradles which can be returned to its manufacturing facilities. These enable a more sustainable supply of deepwater mooring lines. The Liza Unity mooring lines will reuse the 16 shipping reels returned from the Liza Destiny mooring.

Cabral 512 polyester ropes utilize a rope construction that is optimised for deepwater mooring applications. Manufactured from high efficiency sub-rope cores laid parallel within an outer braided jacket, each sub-rope is monitored during rope manufacture to ensure all sub-ropes have equal tension and length.

The Cabral 512 ropes will be manufactured at Lankhorst Offshore’s factory, dedicated to the production of offshore mooring systems, in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. www.lankhorstropes.com

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Subsea Innovation delivers bend stiffener repair hang-off clamp to Flexlife Subsea Innovation, a Tekmar Group company specialising in the design and build of bespoke equipment for the offshore energy sector, has successfully designed, built, tested, and supplied a bend stiffener repair hang-off clamp for flexible riser specialist Flexlife.

To meet the tight project schedule and planned offshore installation campaign, the entire project was delivered within 6 weeks of receiving the order with the hang-off clamp now installed on an FPSO in the UK sector of the North Sea. The repair hang-off clamp provides a failsafe contingency hang-off solution in the event of bolt failure on an existing bend stiffener already in-situ and was installed retrospectively without the need for any removal or changes to the existing set-up.

The success of the project demonstrates Subsea Innovations’ ability to provide bespoke engineered solutions based on the company’s field-proven technologies, and the experienced in-house capability that enables them to react quickly, efficiently, and in a safe manner to deliver rapid and robust response equipment and solutions. www.tekmargroup.com PICTURES SHOW: Repair hang off clamp and hang-off clamp in situ.

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Ternan joins

EMEC mooring demonstration in Orkney

Ternan, the UK based geotechnical experts, are supporting the ongoing demonstration project into mooring solutions for marine energy projects situated at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, Scotland.

The company is providing geotechnical and foundation design expertise for the 35-month Universal Mooring, Anchor & Connectivity Kit (UMACK) project, which aims to cut the capital and installation costs of moorings by up to 50%.

Ternan said it is focusing on the application of using screw piles offshore.

UMACK is funded by Scottish Enterprise and the Swedish Energy Agency with co-funding from European Commission.

The project brings together leading wave and tidal energy developers, CorPower and Sustainable Marine Energy, mooring experts Tension Tech International Marine Renewables, the European Marine Energy Centre and the Policy and Innovation Group. www.emec.org.uk

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Valeport gets on board with the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project

The Mayflower Autonomous Ship which is set to selfnavigate across the Atlantic autonomously in Spring 2021, will be fitted with the new Valeport uvSVX and a Valeport Altimeter to provide vital precise underwater depth data which will help protect the vessel and the onboard technology on its epic journey.

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Sailing from Plymouth, UK, to Plymouth, USA, the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) will trace the route of the original 1620 Mayflower to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the famous voyage. With no human captain or crew, it will become one of the first full-sized, fully autonomous vessels to cross the Atlantic.

Marine research organisation, ProMare is leading the development of the MAS. Throughout the 3220-mile journey the MAS will function as a science laboratory and Valeport’s uvSVX and VA500 Altimeter will be used to enhance the operational capability of the MAS. The MAS will also be one of the first applications for Valeport’s new compact and lightweight SVP profiler, the uvSVX. Fitted through the hull of the MAS the uvSVX features Valeport’s Sound Velocity, Temperature and Depth technology and delivers salinity, conductivity and density data, along with SVP as standard. The new uvSVX has been designed specifically for vehicles where space is a premium and high accuracy is assured with the addition of Valeport’s interchangeable pressure module that allows users to maximise operational specific depth requirements.

Powered by hybrid wind, solar and diesel propulsion system, the MAS vessel will carry research pods for sensors and scientific instrumentation. Scientists coordinated by ProMare, with support from IBM, will use the data from the research pods to advance understanding in several areas including: maritime cybersecurity, marine mammal monitoring, sea level mapping and ocean plastics.

Valeport’s instruments are ideally suited for deep ocean applications. The compact and robust Valeport uvSVX and VA500 Altimeter have state of the art signal processing technology which provides stable, repeatable readings that deliver high accuracy data performance.

MAS project director, Brett Phaneuf commented: ‘We’ve worked with Valeport for many years, integrating their equipment onto our marine vehicles, and when it comes to the Mayflower Autonomous Ship, we prise reliability, precision, low power and exemplary data above all else, and the uvSVX and VA500 Altimeter provide exactly what we need to safely navigate and enable great science at sea.’

The original Mayflower travelled at a maximum speed of around 2.5 knots and took more than two months to reach its destination, landing in Plymouth Massachusetts on 21 December 1620. The modern, upgraded autonomous Mayflower travels at up to 15 knots and should arrive in less than two weeks.

Valeport’s Head of Sales, Kevin Edwards added: “With sensor technology guiding the MAS decision making, this is an exciting demonstration of autonomous seafaring technology and we are immensely proud that our instruments are involved in the project.”

Valeport has supplied the subsea sector for more than 50 years and continues to innovate and lead the way in the design and manufacture of precision instrumentation for the hydrographic and oceanographic communities. www.mas400.com www.valeport.co.uk

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Could flow batteries provide a viable and cost effective solution for reducing emissions in shipping?

Findings from a 6 month feasibility study have demonstrated that flow batteries, which store energy in fluid electrolytes, could offer a more cost effective and flexible solution to reducing ships emissions than conventional solid batteries. Flow batteries are less expensive, but larger, than solid batteries per kWh. The Shore Power for Shipping (SPIDS) project was conducted by Swanbarton and Marine South East, with funding from the Department for Transport’s Transport-Technology Research Innovation Grant (T-TRIG). The SPIDS project has concluded that the flow battery system studied is both scalable and viable, and reduced the peak power of the port’s network connection to only 10-20% of the grid power required using solid batteries. A further study will consider ship design, but calculations indicate the technology is applicable to shortrange ships with up to a 100-200 nautical mile range.

Shipping is one of the world’s most polluting forms of transport and can contribute greatly to poor air quality in port towns. Electrification of shipping will greatly reduce emissions but conventional solid batteries are expensive, offer limited energy capacity and require high power from the grid to recharge in short ‘berth times’. The SPIDS research project has concluded that flow batteries could offer a more cost-effective novel approach to the full electrification of short sea shipping.

Flow batteries store energy in fluid electrolytes which are pumped from tanks through the battery’s electrochemical cells as the battery is charged and discharged. The project team has shown that the flow battery’s benefits are scalable and that the energy capacity can be increased through larger electrolyte tanks. Electrolyte fluids are less expensive per kWh than solid batteries and the onshore recharging of spent electrolyte does not need to be limited to the ship’s berth time which reduces the peak grid power required in the port.

The SPIDS project researched a simulation of a flow battery shore charging system for cross channel ferries visiting Portsmouth. The research details the size and quantity of electrolyte holding tanks that would be required and demonstrates that off-the-shelf pumps and pipes are viable for the installation. The research will pave the way for a study into the deployment of flow battery power on ships and ultimately a trial of the technology on a small vessel with an onshore charging system.

Anthony Price, MD of Swanbarton said, “With increasing commercial interest in flow batteries and the need to meet the objectives in the UK Clean Maritime Plan, now is the right time to look at how we can bring the benefits of energy storage to the shipping industry. The team at Swanbarton and MSE will continue to develop the business and technical case for flow batteries in shipping.”

Jonathan Williams, CEO of Marine South East noted, “Decarbonisation of the maritime sector requires commercially-viable solutions for both ships and ports. At MSE we are committed to advancing solutions through collaborative innovation. The results of this SPIDS project are very encouraging and will lead to further collaborations and research which take us closer to our goal of zero emissions shipping and port operations.”

Maritime Minister Kelly Tollhurst said, “We are determined to build the cleanest, greenest maritime sector in the world. The UK continues to be a leader in developing green maritime technology and this project highlights the viability of using flow batteries to power ships. This could have a massive impact on the way we transport our goods and move people across the globe.” www.swanbarton.com

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Heriot-Watt Stepping Stones study

Marine scientists from Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) on Orkney, UK, are working with other UK scientists to investigate the myriad of marine life connected to the rigs, pipelines and other infrastructure in the North Sea. Oil and gas platforms, subsea pipelines, offshore wind farms and other marine renewables units are constantly becoming home to different marine life and the team is endeavouring to understand whether and if these species are connected across the northern North Sea. Dr Jo Porter, project lead and marine scientist at Heriot-Watt’s ICIT, said that the team wanted to understand what would happen if oil rigs are decommissioned or offshore wind farms are installed.

“We’ll start by looking at the distribution of creatures like mussels and barnacles and integrate that with our knowledge of their life cycles. When there are habitats close together they can act as a stepping stone for non-native species to set up shop and thrive.”

A sampling system comprising panels made of different materials used by offshore industries provides a settlement surface for the larvae of animals that colonise these structures. This system is deployed to a chosen depth and retrieved regularly.

“This project will provide vital evidence which may be used to guide decision-making concerning decommissioning of oil and gas rigs or placement of additional renewable energy infrastructure,” said Dr Andrew Want, a marine ecologist at the ICIT. “We’re coming to the end of the fossil fuel lifespan and about to use the North Sea for a different type of energy,” he added. www.hw.ac.uk

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Unifeeder contracts We4Sea for fleetwide vessel performance monitoring Unifeeder A/S and We4Sea B.V. have signed a cooperation agreement to roll-out the We4Sea Digital Twin based performance monitoring solution across Unifeeder’s fleet. Aim is to reduce the ships’ fuel consumption and emissions.

The Unifeeder Group is an integrated logistics company with the largest feeder network and rapidly growing shortsea business in Europe, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia region with connectivity to more than 150 ports.

Unifeeder plays a critical role as a facilitator of integrated global and regional supply chains, simplifying the complex tasks of choosing and managing supply chains by providing efficient and sustainable transport solutions.

Michael Bonde, COO of Unifeeder, said: "Unifeeder wants to be an active participant in finding innovative solutions, through different partnerships and by being a business-driven IT organization. We are working with AI and machine learning platforms to provide significant operational benefits to our vessels and minimize the environmental impact.”

Digital Twin performance analysis We4Sea focusses on increasing fuel efficiency and lower emissions of seagoing vessels by using a Digital Twin. The Twin provides shipowners and charterers with improved performance insights.

To generate the best results and increase fleet sustainability, Unifeeder and We4Sea have agreed to roll out the monitoring solution across the entire Unifeeder group fleet.

With its Digital Twin technology, We4Sea builds a digital sister vessel with all relevant technical characteristics of the real vessel. This data is enriched from other sources, such as data on speed, draught, weather conditions, wave heights, currents and wind.

Optimising vessel efficiency The Digital Twin transforms this big data pool into actionable management information. The technology does not require onboard hardware installation and is therefore ideal for charterers, such as Unifeeder.

The solution supports full transparency. Charterers can continuously monitor fuel consumption, carbon and sulphur emissions of their chartered vessels in real-time via an online dashboard.

Dan Veen, Co-founder and CEO of We4Sea, said: “Realtime monitoring and reporting is the first step in improving fuelefficiency. Optimising fuel consumption of Unifeeder’s fleet based on the findings will not only have a direct impact on financial results, but also improves operational efficiency and CO2 and SOx reduction. We are looking forward to working with Unifeeder and getting results fast.” www.we4sea.com

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Ship Recycling Congress back to The Netherlands 9th Ship Recycling Congress, 27th – 28th January 2021, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Exhibition and conference organisers, ACI recently announced the 9th Ship Recycling Congress 2021, taking place on the 27th and 28th January 2021, will be in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

The focus of this edition will be on the latest and upcoming EU regulations for 2021, smart technological developments. Key industry experts will also examine IHM requirements, the latest updates on the HKC ratification and ship recycling competitiveness. Finally, the future of green ship recycling is one of the new topics on this edition.

The Ship Recycling Industry faces the challenges to promote and move towards a responsible and sustainable future. As a result, developing transparency measures and complying with human and environmental rights will be among the topics to be highlighted at the conference.

A number of informative presentations followed by interactive panel Q&A, debates and discussions will be providing a deep insight on the views shared from different aspects of the ship recycling process.

Panel discussions will also further involve the delegates.

Who Will Attend?

You will be among senior executives and experts from ship owners, ship operators, ship yards, major associations, cash buyers, and green owners, class societies. Additionally, Head of Ship Recycling, Business Development Manager, General Manager, Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director are key job titles of our attendees. Technical Director, HSEQ, Corporate Liaison and Policy Officer, Environmental Management and others will also join this edition.

Networking Opportunities Companies can gain direct access to our senior level audience and have an increased level of visibility and exposure through branding and networking at the conference. This will allow you to attract new business and forge lasting commercial relationships.

2020 Testimonials “Excellent Range of Speakers and Great Event – Thank you!” – Maritime and Costguard Agency “Overall Excellent” – North South University Bangladesh “Nice atmosphere between attendees” – Rotterdam Mainport Institute

Key Topics Include: • • • • • •

Assessing the Upcoming EU Regulations on Ship Recycling EU’s Role in the Promotion of a Global Sustainable Ship Recycling Industry Updates on the Hong Kong Convention Ratification Ship Recycling: Towards a Sustainable Future Future of Green Ship Recycling Ensuring Commercially Viable Strategies when Complying with the Environmental

Regulations • Assessing the Practises Ensuring Workers’ Safety & Health • Focusing on the Implementation of Smart Technologies in the Recycling Process • Improving the European Green Ship Recycling Industry’s Competitiveness For more details on sessions and topics, you can view the https://www.wplgroup.com/aci/ship-recycling-congress-2021-agenda/

agenda:

Who Will Attend?

Company Type: Ship owners and operators - Ship yards - Green owners - Flag States - Class Societies - Cash Buyers Job Titles: Head of Ship Recycling - Business Development Manager - General Manager – Chief Operating Officer - Managing Director - Technical Director – HSEQ - Corporate Liaison and Policy Officer – Director - Environmental Management www.acieu.net

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Damen ASD Tug 2810 for Louis Meyer

Recently the naming ceremony was held at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem for the Peter Wessels.

The new Damen ASD Tug 2810 handed over to Neue Schleppdampfschiffsreederei Louis Meyer GmbH & Co. KG (Louis Meyer) which is based in Hamburg. Even by Damen standards this was exceptionally fast. The contract for the new vessel was signed exactly four months earlier, on the 14th of April.

This was made possible by Damen’s long-standing and highly regarded policy of both offering a wide range of standard designs that can then be customised to meet the exact needs of each customer, and of building for stock to guarantee fast deliveries. This particular vessel had been built for stock at Damen Song Cam Shipyard and then transported to Europe to meet just such a need as this.

The 28-metre ASD Tug 2810 is one of Damen’s most popular vessels, with over 150 sold since its introduction. With 60 tonnes of bollard pull, they are also highly manoeuvrable, and are built to a rugged design well known for its reliability and durability. They can be found working in ports and harbours around the world. The Peter Wessels features a number of options, most notably an aft winch which equips it for coastal towage of barges. It also has been fitted with a sewage treatment plant, a boiler and heated windows.

Louis Meyer, established in 1907 and now under the management of the fifth generation of the founding family, will be chartering the ASD Tug 2810 to Emder Schlepp-Betrieb GmbH (ESB), which operates from the busy Port of Emden, Lower Saxony. The arrival of the Peter Wessel will take its fleet up to five vessels and will be its first by Damen .

For Louis Meyer this is their second Damen tug, having taken delivery of a Damen ASD Tug 2411, named the Jan, in June 2019. This was an even faster delivery with the contract being signed almost exactly a year prior to that for the Peter Wessels, on April 11th 2019.

Damen sales manager Joschka Böddeling commented, “We are very pleased to have been working with Louis Meyer again, and so soon. The fact that they have added two Damen vessels ships to their fleet in such a short space of time is very gratifying. We look forward to working with them again in the future. The Peter Wessels has very much been a ship of the Coronvirus era, with the contract signed remotely and the naming ceremony taking place under strict safety conditions. But it is proof that life did go on despite everything and our thanks go out to all involved.”

“For us it was nice to work with another family business on the Peter Wessels”, added Edvin Kohlsaat, Managing Director at Louis Meyer. “So it was a simple decision to return to Damen where they take our ideas into account and deliver high quality. We are confident that the Peter Wessels will be a great asset to ESB and their operations in Emden.”

The Peter Wessels has now been handed over to her Owners and has commenced work in Emden. www.damen.com

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Corvus supply ESS for five ferries US-based Corvus Energy is to supply aircooled Corvus Orca Energy ESS for the Ijveer design ferries being built by Holland Shipyard Group, for GVB, the municipal public transport provider in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The ESS will supply electrical power to the all-electric power and propulsion systems on the ferries.

“Corvus Energy is very proud to be selected as supplier for these prestigious projects and to contribute to huge emissions savings in the North Sea Canal,” commented Kim Strate Kiegstad, vice president of sales at Corvus Energy.

“We see that the adoption rate for maritime Energy Storage Systems is increasing significantly across the globe - and especially in Europe. In every market, this is a process that needs to mature. Companies such as GVB leading by example will help local shipbuilding and shipowners increase their level of knowledge of the technology and its benefits. We do expect that almost every future newbuild will have some kind of energy efficiency solution included.”

The 41m long ferries will operate on three of the North Sea Canal routes, replacing the current fleet built in the 1930s. GVB aims to make its entire fleet hybrid or fully electric by 2025.

The first new ferry will be ready for use in the summer of 2021 and, following that, one will be delivered every six months until 2023. www.corvusenergy.com

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