FISCHER PANDA WINS 18-BOAT MOD CONTRACT

Fischer Panda UK will supply the Ministry of Defence with onboard power systems for 18 police patrol boats.

The Panda 15i (12kW/15kVA) marine generators use the Kubota D902 three-cyclinder diesel engine, and Fischer Panda says that when combined with its inverter-based variable speed technology, ’the result is an incredibly compact and lightweight high-power output generator’.

The units are just 160kg in weight, which was a key consideration in a boat where the speeds required limit maximum weight in machinery spaces.

The craft, which willl join MST’s ‘HPB’ series of enclosed patrol craft as the new HPB-1500, will be powered by twin inboard diesel propulsion engines driving twin waterjets with a specific focus on low running costs, reduced emissions and suitability for significant operating hours.

The bridge will feature a fully integrated C4ISR and craft management system.

Fischer Panda’s 15i is aimed at all boats from 15m-30m, from leisure vessels to commercial craft like police patrol boats, the firm says.

“It is ideal for running high start-up loads such as multiple air-conditioning units or systems, water makers, dive compressors and even electric cooking,” says the company.

MST Group, which developed the design with BMT, has announced sea trials of the first vessel in the six-year building programme. The boats will replace the current 14-15m patorl boats currently in use by the UK MoD Police and Gibraltar Defence Police, and they will protect HM naval bases in both locations and undertake high-profile armed policing.

Ukho Delays Paper Chart Removal

Paper charts will continue to be provided by the UK Hydrographic Office until at least 2030 following feednback from stakeholders consulted.

Last July, the UKHO announced its intention to stop producing paper charts by 2026.

However, following consultations with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and national user groups, the timescale was deemed unachievable.

“We also received valuable feedback on a number of other issues, including the impact on international voyages from different regulatory jurisdictions, access to digital products in areas with restricted internet access, and the use of digital products on space and utility restricted bridges,” the UKHO said.

“We made it clear that we would leave no one behind,” said Peter Sparkes, UKHO chief executive. “Through those discussions and having listened to the feedback we received it has become clear that more time is required to address the needs of those specific users who do not yet have viable alternatives to paper chart products.”

He confirmed that the UKHO’s longer term intention was to withdraw remains unchanged, and there will be ‘an increased focus’ on digital solutions.

“It’s clear that the future of navigation is digital,” he said.

Three firms collaborate on sustainable moorings

Three companies have set up a partnership to develop fully sustainable mooring systems.

The collaboration has been, they say, driven by ‘a shared commitment to improving the marine environment and addressing Life Cycle Analysis challenges’.

The partnership is made up of Sweden-based mooring solutions firm Seaflex and its distributor Blue Parameters, and English Braids, an England-based firm that makes ropes.

Using a new kind of concrete and synthetic lines, the mooring solution lasts 10 times longer than traditional concrete and ballast moorings and at the end of its life span it can be re-purposed, said English Braids industrial sales manager Chris Duffy.

“The key is reducing the degradation to the sea floor, and particularly to limit it in protected areas,” said. “ We have a flagship sales manager, English Braids,

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Briefs

Funding boost for clean vessels

The UK is set to see a significant development of zero-emission ferries, cruise and cargo ships thanks to a £77 million (€86 million) funding boost from the government. This is the first time in UK history the government has intervened to specifically target this level of funding at green maritime tech to get it from the factory to the sea. “When it comes to tackling climate change, we are taking action on all transport modes, which is why we’re making sure our world-leading maritime sector has a greener future,” said Mark Harper, UK transport secretary.

Lehmann formed to offer COBRA

New Höpen GmbH subsidiary Lehmann Marine has incorporated COBRA (Compact Battery Rack) marine systems into the company. The systems are already used widely in hybrid or electric vessels, such as Chicago in the Hamburg Port Authority. "After we pushed ahead with the development of COBRA at Becker Marine Systems over the past six years, the product stands on its own two feet,“ said Lehmann director Godehard Gauf.

Digital platform to be launched

Columbia Group has unveiled ambitious plans to launch a digital platform that will bring together the different capabilities of data collection and analysis under one roof to boost vessel performance. The PANGIA tool aims to reduce fuel consumption and use machine learning to detect health hazards early as well as offer maintenance planning.