Leading marine Offshore services company, BOURBON has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Automated Ships Ltd to support the building of the world’s first autonomous, fully-automated and cost-efficient prototype vessel for offshore operations, in collaboration with the project’s primary technology partner, KONGSBERG.

BOURBON will leverage its expertise in building and operating a standardised fleet to provide detailed input to the development and design of the Hrönn project, ensuring flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency to operate safely and effectively in the demanding offshore environment. Based on its customer experience, BOURBON will thus help to match client demand.

In the second phase of the project, BOURBON and ASL will join forces to search the subsidies to finance the effective construction of the prototype.

Hrönn is a light-duty, offshore utility ship servicing the offshore energy, hydrographic & scientific and offshore fish-farming industries. It can also be utilised as a ROV and AUV support ship and standby vessel, able to provide firefighting support to an offshore platform working in cooperation with manned vessels. Automated Ships Ltd has progressed the original catamaran design of Hrönn since the project launch on 1st November 2016, opting for a monohulled vessel of steel construction, to provide more payload capacity and greater flexibility in the diverse range of operations.

BOURBON’s entry to the Hrönn project, follows the recent news that it has joined forces with KONGSBERG in a new collaboration to develop digital solutions for next generation connected and autonomous vessels. The two companies will execute joint projects to develop new ways of efficient operations in the offshore services industry, with a fast time-to market.

KONGSBERG will contribute its technology expertise and deliver all major marine equipment necessary for the design, construction and operation of Hrönn, including all systems for dynamic positioning and navigation, satellite and position reference, marine automation and communication. Its vessel control systems including K-Pos dynamic positioning, K-Chief automation and K-Bridge ECDIS and Radar will be replicated at an Onshore Control Centre, allowing full remote operations of Hrönn.

Hrönn’s Sea trials will take place in Norway’s officially designated automated vessel test bed in the Trondheim fjord and will be conducted under the auspices of DNV GL and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA). The Hrönn will ultimately be classed and flagged, respectively.

“In this era of digitalization of industrial services, we are pleased to join this forward-looking project thus demonstrating the positioning of BOURBON as a world reference in terms of operational excellence and customer experience,” said Gael Bodénès, Chief Operating Officer, BOURBON Corporation.

“BOURBON is a world leading marine services company and we are confident that alongside KONGSBERG as technology lead, they will provide a valuable contribution to the design and operation of Hrönn,” said Brett Phaneuf, CEO, Automated Ships Ltd.

“We are pleased to be collaborating with such expert partners in the development of Hrönn, a vessel that will show how digitalisation and autonomy have the potential to revolutionise the offshore services market,” said Stene Førsund, EVP Global Sales and Marketing, Kongsberg Maritime.

Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf (Oranjewerf) has bid farewell to VOS Start, Vroon BV’s first DP2, subsea-support, walk-to-work (W2W) vessel. The 80m VOS Start arrived at Oranjewerf on 1 June from her build yard in China for the installation of a motion-compensated gangway system - the first of its kind - by Barge Master and Bosch Rexroth, the extended installation of a Kongsberg reference system (including a ‘windfarm module’), and an active heave-compensated crane from SMST. In the eight weeks that she was in the yard, the vessel also underwent a wide range of other upgrades and preparations for her first charter.

The VOS Start is the fourth in a series of new vessels for Vroon that they have brought to Oranjewerf for finishing off following their initial build in China. However, this is the first time that Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf and Vroon have worked together on a W2W vessel and, with Barge Master and SMST both Dutch companies, it was logical to do the final installations in the Netherlands with all the necessary expertise and support close by. Other local specialist suppliers also contributed to what has been, owing to the W2W element, the most complex upgrade yet for a VOS subsea support vessel at Oranjewerf.

These specialists included Niron Staal Amsterdam, another member of the Damen Shipyards Group, which fabricated two boat landing ladders which were then installed by Oranjewerf. Other equipment installed include a Lightweight Taut Wire, Radius and a Hipap position reference system, all manufactured by Kongsberg. The mountings necessary for up to eight temporary living units, supplied by H2M, were also fitted, along with many other modifications.

“As always, completing the works within the time allowed was a challenge,” says Jeen van der Werf, Commercial Manager at Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf. “Detailed planning prior to the vessel’s arrival ensured that no time was wasted and everyone worked efficiently and effectively. Double shifts were worked when needed and on occasions activity continued around the clock to ensure that progress remained on schedule. Oranjewerf is particularly well-suited for this project, due not just to the capabilities of its workforce, but also to the extensive craneage on its berths and space on the quays for the largest mobile cranes.” The VOS Start was also placed in Oranjewerf’s 135m floating dock for a period to allow the installation of the boat landings.

VOS Start’s first project will be a charter to MHI Vestas Offshore Wind for the construction of the Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm in the Irish Sea. There she will provide logistics support, accommodation and W2W capability.

Using VesselsValue's Offshore mapping service VV@, Senior Offshore Analyst Charlie Hockless has put together a snap shot showing the percentage of the offshore fleet currently laid up. Across all offshore types, 28% of the fleet is currently laid up, with PSVs topping the table with 36% of their fleet currently laid up.

Mr. Hockless explains the definition of 'laid up' used in this context: 'Estimating the number of vessels in lay-up is an imperfect science, however, using a big data approach VesselsValue can provide a valid estimation using the following methodology. VV observes the recency of a vessel's AIS signal and filters the data appropriately. Vessels that have not signaled for over a week are considered to be in lay-up.'

The VesselsValue offshore database includes:

• Offshore Support Vessels (PSV, AHTS, AHT, FSV, Ocean Going Tug and ERRVs)
• Offshore Construction Vessels (Pipe layer, Cable Layer, Well Intervention, Dive Support Vessels, MPSV, Floatel, Accommodation Ship, Crane, Lift Boats, SOV, Utility Vessel)
• Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (Drillship, Semi submersible, Jack Ups)

At 488m in length, and longer than four football pitches, Shell’s Prelude FLNG facility was always going to represent a formidable challenge even for the skilled tug masters who were charged with towing the facility from the shipyard in South Korea where it was constructed, and delivering it to its final destination, a remote gas field 475 kilometers off the coast of Western Australia.

HR Wallingford simulation (left) and photograph by Shell (right) of the Prelude tow with POSH tugs

But practice makes perfect, and HR Wallingford, using its Australia Ship Simulation Centre in Fremantle, W.A., created an accurate and detailed navigation simulation of Prelude for Shell, which was used to prepare the Tow Masters, Tug Masters and Pilots, allowing them to familiarise themselves with a realistic simulation of Prelude manoeuvres at sea. And on 25 July 2017, Prelude arrived safely at its destination in the East Browse Basin.

HR Wallingford’s involvement in the project extends to the real-time navigation simulation for the facility’s departure from the Geoje Shipyard in Korea, along the Busan Channel; positioning and mooring Prelude once on site; conducting berthing and departure simulations of the LNG, LPG and condensate offtake tankers that will moor alongside the FLNG; and providing ongoing pilot and tug master training in the Australia Ship Simulation Centre in Fremantle.

HR Wallingford also created and provided to Shell Australia a bespoke, web-based decision support tool, to assist with operations planning.

Dr.Mark McBride, HR Wallingford’s Ships Group Manager, said: “There was a need to assess many aspects of this unique offshore floating facility, which included the manoeuvring issues associated with the arrival and departure of the offtake LNG carriers. For this we used real time navigation simulation, so that we could identify the limiting conditions for safe manoeuvring, as well as the tug requirements, and for developing appropriate manoeuvring strategies.”

Captain Mike Johnson, Tug Master, in the HR Wallingford simulator

Up to six integrated simulators at the Australia Ship Simulation Centre were used to simulate the FLNG facility and the tugs for the shipyard departure operation, and for the positioning during connection of the FLNG’s mooring lines, once at its installation site. Actual wind, wave and tidal conditions were recorded, and then modelled, which meant that the crew were able to accurately test the capability and power of the tugs in advance. The simulated positioning operation was used to prepare for the real-life operation in which the tugs were attached to the FLNG facility by 700-metre-long wires, weighing approximately 30 tonnes each.

Captain Roy Lewisson, Master of the Deep Orient, the vessel that connected Prelude to its 16 mooring lines, and who took part in the simulator training said: “Being able to accurately test the manoeuvring beforehand was a real advantage. Never before in oil and gas history have we had the chance to practice in the simulator before we get on the water.”

The Prelude FLNG facility is expected to develop gas fields for the next 25 years, extracting natural gas from wells, which is liquefied and chilled to −162 °C. Offloading liquefied natural gas from large FLNG facilities provides a significant innovation, cutting costs and eliminating the need for long pipelines to onshore LNG processing plants.

Crowley Maritime Corp.’s ocean class tugboats and 455-series high-deck strength barges recently played an integral role in the safe, successful tow-out and installation of Hess’ Stampede tension-leg platform (TLP) in the deep waters of the U.S. Gulf.

Demonstrating both nearshore and offshore capabilities, six Crowley vessels worked together alongside other third-party assets to deliver the oversized, overweight platform, tendons and other equipment from the Kiewit facility in Ingleside, Texas, to the site of the Stampede floating production facility, about 150 miles offshore in 3,400 feet of water.

Photo credit: Crowley Maritime Corp.

In the first stage, Crowley’s ocean class tugboat Ocean Wind and the 455-series barges 455-3, 455-5 and 455-7 worked together with other contracted vessels to deliver from Kiewit to the offshore site many 300-foot sections of nine 3,400-foot tendons that would secure the TLP to the seabed. From there, the company’s Ocean Sun and Ocean Sky, along with several third-party tugs, towed the TLP through the Ingleside Channel to offshore waters. After a scheduled brief stop at a holding location, the convoy of vessels began the second stage of the tow in offshore waters.

The Ocean Sun, Ocean Sky and two third-party anchor-handling tugs safely towed the Stampede hull for four days before reaching the project site.

Upon arrival, Crowley’s tugboats began the third phase of work, positioning and stabilizing the platform using the tugs’ dynamic positioning capabilities while the TLP was secured to the tendons. Crowley positioned the tugs in a stationary star pattern and used their tow wires to hold the platform steady in the middle. After Hess and its installation contractor, Heerema, completed installation and the platform was made storm safe, Crowley’s assets were demobilized and returned to nearshore waters.

“The tow-out and installation support work we provided was highly successful,” explained Crowley’s Mike Rampolla, general manager, offshore services. “This project was an excellent example of the types of projects Crowley’s offshore and heavylift personnel and assets are ideally suited for. We have several future jobs in the pipeline and look forward to bringing our full capabilities together to ensure successful outcomes for our energy customers.”

Crowley’s ocean class tugs are modern ocean towing twin-screw vessels with controllable pitch propellers (CPP) in nozzles, high-lift rudders and more than 147 metric-ton bollard pull. The first two ocean class vessels, Ocean Wave and Ocean Wind, are classed as Dynamic Positioning 1 (DP1) tugboats and are twin-screw tugs with an overall length of 146 feet, beam of 46 feet, hull depth of 25 feet and design draft of 21 feet. The second two tugs of the class, Ocean Sky and Ocean Sun, are classed as DP2 and are 10 feet longer. All four vessels are capable of rig moves, platform and Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit tows, emergency response, salvage support and firefighting.

The Stampede site is the largest undeveloped field in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and, once operating fully, the floating production facility will have capacity for some 80,000 barrels of oil per day.

BW Offshore has announced the sail away of the FPSO BW Catcher. The vessel has left Keppel Shipyard in Singapore and is currently in transit to the Catcher field in the central North Sea.

BW Catcher is expected to reach UK waters early in the fourth quarter, depending on prevailing weather conditions. Upon its arrival, BW Catcher will commence a seven-year fixed term contract, with extension options of up to 18 years, with Premier Oil. Based on a field life of 10 years, the contract value is USD 2.3 billion including FPSO charter rate and opex.

“The BW Catcher has been completed on time and within budget, and we are especially pleased with the good HSE performance during the construction project. We have worked over 11 million man hours without a lost time injury and in total around 19 million man hours. The FPSO is now underway to the North Sea for hook-up at the Catcher field, and with first oil scheduled later this year,” said Carl K. Arnet, the CEO of BW Offshore.

BW Catcher has an oil storage capacity of 650,000 barrels and a processing capacity of 60,000 barrels per day. The FPSO has a design life of 20 years of uninterrupted operations, and will be moored using a Submerged Turret Production system.

Schlumberger has announced that WesternGeco has completed a hybrid seismic acquisition survey using their newly deployed multipurpose vessel (MPV)—a first in the industry. The 340 km² 3D seismic survey was acquired offshore Sarawak, Malaysia, for Roc Oil using a triple source array with simultaneous recording by ocean-bottom nodes and a towed-streamer spread, all from a single seismic vessel.

WG Vespucci MPV. Photo credit: Ulstein

The WG Vespucci MPV acquired the high-quality ocean-bottom seismic (OBS) data required around existing platform obstructions supplemented by streamer seismic data. Simultaneously acquiring the OBS and streamer data without having to employ multiple acquisition vessels and crews resulted in cost reduction and greater efficiency while achieving the survey objectives.

“Providing a hybrid OBS and streamer acquisition option with our multipurpose vessel versus a traditional OBS or towed streamer survey gave the customer a versatile and cost-effective solution to better fit their specific challenges and budget,” said Maurice Nessim, president, WesternGeco, Schlumberger. “This industry-first acquisition underscores our commitment to offering our customers innovative approaches to offshore seismic acquisition challenges.”

The WG Vespucci is one of three newly configured MPVs in the WesternGeco fleet. The WG Tasman and WG Cook are equipped with Q-Seabed* multicomponent seabed seismic systems.

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered a Multi Cat 1908 to Murjan Al-Sharq Marine Services. Adding shallow-water dredging capacity to the abilities of this already multi-faceted platform, Damen has fitted the vessel out with a Damen DOP Submersible Dredge Pump 250.

Murjan Al-Sharq Marine Services is based in Saudi Arabia. The company provides marine construction and maintenance, dredging, diving and subsea services. The company’s new vessel, called Murjan 40, has been equipped with a Damen DOP 250. This submersible dredge pump has a 1,250 m³/h capacity and can be deployed for sand mining and maintenance dredging activities.

Flexible dredger

Speaking at the vessel handover at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, Chairman of Murjan Al-Sharq Marine Services, Abdullah Natheer said, “By adding a DOP pump to a Multi Cat, we instantly have a dredger – but a dredger which can also undertake the full range of tasks the Multi Cat can do as well.” Indeed, Damen’s Multi Cats are renowned for being able to take on an extremely broad scope of marine support duties for an equally wide range of maritime sectors.

The Murjan 40 has also been installed with a spud system that can be deployed in water depths of up to 10 meters. This will make dredging operations considerably more straightforward as this removes the need for a complex, 4-point mooring system. For operations in deeper waters, the spud system can be extended.

Shallow water solution

Dredging operations will be accomplished by lowering the DOP pump into the water with the Multi Cat’s crane or A-frame. The crane will also be used to handle the spuds.

With the vessel’s first contracts already finalized, Mr Natheer pointed to the benefits of combining the shallow draught of the Multi Cat with the dredging performance of the DOP pump. “Shallow water dredging usually requires a lot of very sophisticated, expensive equipment. A solution such as this represents a cost-effective alternative.”

First Damen vessel

“We can take on a wide range of specialist jobs with this vessel. We call this ‘surgical dredging’ because of the precision required,” continued Murjan Al-Sharq Marine Services Vice President Chris Clark. “What’s more, the versatility of the Multi Cat means that we can also use it for other jobs such as transportation, towage, dive support, pollution control, anchor-handling.”

The relationship between Damen and Murjan Al-Sharq Marine Services goes back to five years ago, when the two companies began talking about vessel options. “This continued when, three years ago, Mr. Kommer Damen paid us a visit – something that meant a lot to us,” said Mr. Clark. “And now, facilitated by Damen Customer Finance, we are pleased to have purchased our first Damen vessel.”

Speaking after the vessel handover, Damen Sales Manager Middle East Jeremy Elschot said: “We are very proud to deliver this versatile Multi Cat dedicated for multiple marine tasks in the Arabia Gulf and Red Sea. We would like to thank Murjan Marine for their trust in Damen and look forward to develop many more projects to come.”

Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) (the Group) has announced an agreement to acquire the remaining 50% shareholdings in its equity accounted joint ventures, Normand Oceanic AS and Normand Oceanic Chartering AS, from Solstad Farstad ASA for a nominal cash consideration.

Effective from the date of the transaction, the Group will become the sole owner of Normand Oceanic, a flex-lay and heavy construction vessel that is being managed by Solstad Farstand while under long-term charter to a third party. The Group will assume all obligations related to an outstanding loan of approximately $100 million. Normand Oceanic AS and Normand Oceanic Chartering AS will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Group.

Jean Cahuzac, CEO, said "Our agreement to acquire Normand Oceanic reflects our strategy to own high-specification vessels that differentiate our market leading engineering and construction services to the offshore energy industry. We are focused on actively managing our fleet composition to meet our clients' requirements and market conditions."

BP is taking delivery of six new, state-of-the-art liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers to support its expanding global LNG portfolio, and to respond to growing demand for lower-carbon energy sources around the world.

BP’s finance partners KMarin and ICBC Leasing are investing over $1 billion in the tankers, which will join existing tankers in BP Shipping’s fleet in 2018 and 2019. The vessels will help service a 20-year liquefaction contract with the Freeport LNG facility in Texas, as well as other international LNG projects in BP’s global portfolio.

“These vessels will significantly increase BP’s ability to safely transport LNG to anywhere in the world, directly supporting BP’s global natural gas strategy,” said BP Shipping CEO Susan Dio. “They also will be among the most fuel-efficient and technically advanced LNG tankers ever built.”

Equipped with next-generation engine technology, the new ships are designed to be about 25 percent more fuel efficient than their predecessors. They also will be fitted with a reliquefaction plant, meaning evaporated natural gas in the cargo tanks can be returned to the tanks as LNG, allowing the ships to deliver more LNG to the market.

BP has a long-term contract for 230 Trillion BTUs per year of LNG capacity in the Freeport LNG facility. The Freeport LNG liquefaction facility is under construction, and the first train is expected to be operational by the end of 2018.

BP also participates in LNG projects in Australia, UAE, Indonesia, Trinidad and Angola. This portfolio includes a mix of long-term, mid-term and short-term supply to enable BP to best meet the ever-changing needs of its global portfolio of customers.

“BP has built a diverse LNG portfolio spanning both established and emerging markets,” said Alan Haywood, CEO of BP’s global supply and trading business. “Freeport is the latest example of how BP continues to expand the reach of our LNG business and serve our customers with flexible solutions through leveraging our scale, connectivity and relationships - and another sign of our commitment to remaining at the forefront of this rapidly growing and important global business.”

The 2017 BP Energy Outlook forecasts that global LNG trade will grow seven times faster than pipeline gas trade, such that by 2035 it accounts for around half of all globally traded gas. The newly expanded BP Shipping fleet will deliver LNG volumes to a range of BP customers around the world.

The technology group Wärtsilä reached a new milestone in the battery technology development as the company completed the installation of a hybrid energy system on board Viking Princess. The Norwegian vessel is now the first ever offshore supply vessel in which batteries reduce the number of generators aboard the ship. The new energy storage solution will improve engine efficiency, generate fuel savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Viking Princess completed sea trials and the system was handed over to customer Eidesvik Offshore on 9 October 2017.

There is significant potential to save fuel through improved engine efficiency, as the operating profile of supply vessels is highly variable. When using the Wärtsilä installed energy storage system on board Viking Princess, the fuel saving potential can be up to 30 percent in various operations and the CO₂ emissions can be reduced by up to approximately 13-18 percent per year, depending on operational conditions and requirements.

Furthermore, the hybrid solution will provide a more optimal load on the engines, while the intervals between engine maintenance can be extended.

Viking Princess now runs on a combination of a battery pack for energy storage and three LNG-fuelled Wärtsilä engines. The new energy storage solution provides balancing energy to cover the demand peaks, resulting in a more stable load on the engines. The technology is similar to that used in hybrid vehicles: it prevents the engine load from dipping, and uses the surplus to re-energise the battery, which can be charged as needed. Wärtsilä's remote monitoring and operational advisory services support the daily operation of the vessel ensuring efficient and optimised operations.

The contract to replace one of the four engines on Viking Princess with battery power was signed in May.

Impact in the future of the entire shipping industry

"Eidesvik and Wärtsilä's partnership dates back to 2003 when our ship, the 'Viking Energy' became the first offshore supply vessel powered by LNG fuel. Now, together, we are again introducing a world's first, with the 'Viking Princess' becoming the first offshore vessel in which batteries reduce the number of generators aboard the ship. We are grateful to Wärtsilä for providing the technology to make this possible," says Vermund Hjelland, President Technical Department, Eidesvik Offshore.

"This is a truly forward-looking solution, and we congratulate Eidesvik Offshore for having the vision to appreciate the benefits that hybrid energy system offers. In addition to the fuel consumption and environmental advantages, the conversion also reduces maintenance costs and contributes to more efficient operations. The success of this project will impact the future of the entire shipping industry," says Sindre Utne, Manager Projects and Operations, Wärtsilä Norway. "Wärtsilä's advantage lies at the most advanced level of integration related to hybrid technology for marine applications. It is a combination of expertise in both engines and electrical and automation systems, as well as digital solutions."

Chairman and CEO Shane Guidry of Harvey Gulf International Marine announces the delivery of the second, large capacity 340’ Multi-Purpose Support Vessel (MPSV) significantly enhancing the domestic Jones Act Fleet. This vessel, the M/V HARVEY BLUE-SEA, is a “best in class” Jones Act-qualified vessel that has the technical capabilities to efficiently, effectively and safely perform high quality field development activities. Harvey Gulf now owns and operates the two largest US FLAG construction vessels in the US Gulf of Mexico, having taken delivery of the sister vessel Harvey Sub-Sea in July of 2017.

Harvey Blue-Sea and sister ship, Harvey Sub-Sea, have both been delivered in 2017

The Harvey Blue-Sea & Harvey Sub-Sea have the size, crane capacity, deck space, accommodation, equipment, and station keeping capability that far exceeds any other vessels in this Class. The Harvey Blue-Sea can perform a broad spectrum of subsea installations and removals, inspection, repair and floatel services. It can be equipped to lay umbilical’s and cables and perform well-intervention and hydrate remediation operations. If there is a MPSV job needed in the Gulf, The Harvey Blue-Sea and Harvey Sub-Sea will deliver.

The M/V HARVEY BLUE-SEA is a Jones Act compliant 340’MPSV, equipped with a 250-ton knuckle boom, active heave compensated crane equipped with 4000 meters of wire. The crane’s winch is below deck, expanding her lifting capacity and enabling loads of 107 metric tons to be delivered to water depths of 12,000 ft. The Blue-Sea has 150 berths, all in 1 or 2 person rooms, 13,000 sq. ft. of deck space and a 24’ x 24’moon pool. It has a S61 (Heavy) Helideck and meets ABS DP2, SPS Code and MLC 2006 certification requirements, among many others.

Bollinger Shipyards has delivered the USCGC JOSEPH GERCZAK, the 26th Fast Response Cutter (FRC) to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard took delivery on the 9th of November 2017 in Key West, Florida. The vessel’s commissioning is scheduled for March 9, 2018 in Honolulu, HI.

USCGC JOSEPH GERCZAK on builders trials.

“We are excited to announce the delivery of the latest FRC, the USCGC JOSEPH GERCZAK,” said Ben Bordelon, Bollinger President & C.E.O. “This FRC built by Bollinger Shipyards will be the second FRC to be stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. Previous cutters have been stationed in Florida, San Juan, PR, Cape May, NJ, Ketchikan, Alaska, and Pascagoula, MS. FRCs already in commission have seized multiple tons of narcotics, interdicted thousands of illegal aliens and saved many lives. The FRC program is a model program for government acquisition and has surpassed all historical quality benchmarks for vessels of this type and complexity. The results are the delivery of truly extraordinary Coast Guard cutters that will serve our Nation for decades to come. We are extremely proud that the Fast Response Cutters built by Louisiana craftsmen here at Bollinger Shipyards are having such a major impact on our country’s safety and security.”

The 154-foot patrol craft USCGC JOSEPH GERZACK is the 26th vessel in the Coast Guard's Sentinel-class FRC program. The FRC has been described as an operational “game changer,” by senior Coast Guard officials. To build the FRC, Bollinger used a proven, in-service parent craft design based on the Damen Stan Patrol Boat 4708. It has a flank speed of 28 knots, state of the art command, control, communications and computer technology, and a stern launch system for the vessel’s 26-foot cutter boat.

Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished him or herself in the line of duty. This vessel is named after Coast Guard Hero Joseph Gerczak. Gerczak, a signalman third class, was on board the USS LST-66 during the initial assault against the Japanese-held Borgen Bay Area of New Britain on December 26, 1943. As Japanese dive bombers attacked his ship, Gerczak manned his battle station with expert marksmanship and unwavering perseverance. In recognition for having gallantly given his life for his country, Joseph Gerczak was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. He also posthumously received the Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Commendation that was awarded to LST-66 for meritorious service in action against the Japanese.

Marking a true unique test, Damen has successfully completed full scale roll-over testing of its Search and Rescue Vessel 1906 with running engines. The tests were performed in Antalya, Turkey in cooperation with the Turkish Coast Guard and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in addition to engine manufacturer MTU.

Ever since its conception, the Damen SAR 1906 has been an example of technological and academic cooperation. For instance, the innovative design itself is the result of close collaboration between Damen and the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM), Delft University of Technology, De Vries Lentsch Naval Architects.

These latest ‘roll-over with running engines’ tests demonstrate that now, almost five years since the vessel was introduced to the market, Damen is still working towards improving this award-winning design by implementing results of ongoing research.

Full control

“This unique test with running engines was at the Turkish Coast Guard’s request. This excellent result has been accomplished with the great cooperation between all parties,” comments Damen’s Sales Manager Boran Bekbulat.

“Moreover, we are proud to say that this is the first time that such a roll-over test has been carried out successfully with running engines. We would like to thank the Turkish Coast Guard for challenging us to test our limits. Most importantly, proving the capabilities of the vessel for which she is designed, giving her crew the confidence and the control in all weather conditions.”

Roll-over mode

Describing the events leading up to these successful tests Meredith Dijkstra, Damen Product Portfolio Manager High Speed Craft, highlights Damen’s cooperation with MTU: “We have been working closely with MTU to develop and improve engine software that is able to handle a capsize situation. This has been backed up by engine roll-over tests at their facilities and our own proven investigations into the roll-over capacity of the SAR 1906.”

In the eventuality of a vessel capsize in extreme weather conditions, the capsize switch detects the roll-over and sends out signals to, for example, the engine software which will go into ‘roll-over mode’. “At this moment, the water jets are automatically clutched out and the engine returns to idle mode to protect the engine,” she explains. “This continues until the software detects the vessel has righted itself and the crew can directly regain control.”

The SAR 1906 also has several mechanical design features in place to enable continuous and safe operation of the engine. “We purposely used mechanical solutions, instead of electronic solutions, because they are safer and more durable.” Examples of the mechanical design features are the addition of extra water traps to the ventilation inlets and exhaust systems.

“After all, this is the principle that we have been working towards; when all other vessels have to turn back to port because of bad weather, the SAR 1906 needs to be able to continue her work when no one else can.”

The technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to provide a broad scope of products and solutions for a new articulated tug barge (ATB). The vessel will be used to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel to cruise ships along the east coast of Florida, USA. This will be the first fueling barge with a Wärtsilä solution operating in US waters, and is seen as being an important logistics link for the growth of LNG as a marine fuel in the USA.

The 4000 m3 capacity ATB is being built at the VT Halter Marine (VTHM) shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi on behalf of Quality Liquefied Natural Gas Transport LLC (Q-LNG). When delivered, the vessel will be on a long-term charter with Shell Oil Co.

Wärtsilä is to provide a broad scope of products and solutions for a new articulated tug barge (ATB) being built for Quality Liquefied Natural Gas Transport LLC (Q-LNG).

The ATB comprises a barge and a tug. The barge will be fitted with a Wärtsilä LNG cargo storage, handling, and control system. Wärtsilä will also supply the barge automation, power management, and ballast water management systems, as well the bow thruster. The tug will include Wärtsilä main propulsion steerable thrusters and shaft lines, the Wärtsilä NACOS Platinum dynamic positioning system, the tug automation, as well as all navigation and communication equipment.

The order with Wärtsilä was booked in November 2017. Deliveries will continue throughout 2018 and 2019, and the vessel is scheduled to commence operations in 2020.

"Q-LNG is very pleased to again be partnering with Wärtsilä on yet another ground-breaking project. Wärtsilä's expertise in LNG systems, its solid reputation for top quality marine equipment, and its commitment to customer service fits in very well with Q-LNG's plan to advance the development of LNG as a marine fuel in North America," says Chad Verret, President of Q-LNG.

Q-LNG is owned 70% by Shane Guidry and 30% by Harvey Gulf International Marine, a company that currently has six vessels under construction or in operation with LNG solutions supplied by Wärtsilä. The success of these installations, together with recommendations from Shell, were strong factors in the selection of Wärtsilä equipment for this project.

"Wärtsilä is very grateful for the confidence placed in our solutions by VTHM, Q-LNG and Shell," says Hanno Schoonman, General Manager Sales for Wärtsilä Marine Solutions in the USA. "Increasing the use of LNG as a marine fuel is at the core of our global business strategy, and this project represents an important step towards realising that aim."

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has won new davit orders from Spanish shipyard Astilleros Zamakona. They are destined for a service operation vessel (SOV) owned by the Danish company Esvagt AS. The contract includes an order for one of MacGregor's largest davit systems, specially-designed to ensure safe transfers in rough weather. Equipment deliveries are scheduled for November 2018 and the order was booked in Cargotec's fourth quarter 2017 order intake.

"We are glad to continue our cooperation with Zamakona and Esvagt with the delivery of these advanced davit systems to a growing and interested market," says Høye G. Høyesen, Vice President, Advanced Offshore Solutions, MacGregor. "Esvagt already knows and trusts our davits, operating a large number in its fleet, so this order speaks volumes for their performance and reliability."

The vessel will feature one of MacGregor's largest davits, a 15-tonne lifting capacity MacGregor HMD G150 system designed for daughter craft, and a smaller six-tonne capacity HMD A60-type davit, designed for man-overboard/rescue and workboats. The davits will transfer technicians, tools and spares as part of their offshore wind farm duties.

The HMD G150 davit includes a high-speed constant-tensioning winch system, shock-absorbing system, anti-pendulum system and an automatic parking cradle for daughter craft. The anti-pendulum system, together with an adjustable painter-line boom and a guiding system, ensures the safe launch-and-recovery of daughter craft in rough weather conditions.

The A60 davit also includes a high-speed constant-tensioning winch system, shock-absorbing system, guiding system and an automatic parking cradle. Additionally, both davits will meet the shipowner's high standards for noise and vibration limits.

"The contract highlights our long and successful reputation for delivering advanced launch-and-recovery systems and our ability to offer equipment that is ideally suited to meet the needs of operators serving the offshore wind energy market," says Bjørnar Bakke, Sales Manager, MacGregor. "Our G150 davit is specially-designed for the safe handling of daughter craft transferring turbine technicians.

"MacGregor davits have a well-proven design, offering great performance and trusted reliability," he adds. "We have delivered over a thousand davit systems and have seen significant orders for them in 2017. This is mainly because of our strong reputation, but also because we are able to adapt our products, proven in mature markets such as the offshore oil and gas industry, to meet the needs of new ones such as the renewable energy sector."

The Icemann gangway system has reached a milestone of 10,000 transfers since its arrival in Eastern Russia in August to transfer personnel working on offshore platforms under the Sakhalin-2 project. Developed by Ampelmann, the global leader in offshore access solutions, it is currently the only gangway system of its kind able to operate in remote and extreme cold climate.

The Icemann will brave extreme icing, vibrations and vessel motions in Sakhalin, while maintaining a safe, efficient and reliable means of transfer for the workforce. (Photo credit: Ampelmann)

The N-type gangway, nicknamed ‘Icemann’ has been installed on the Stepan Makarov, a new ice-class platform standby vessel built for the Sakhalin-2 project under a 20-year charter between Sakhalin Energy and vessel operator, Sovcomflot. It is the first standby vessel in the world to use such a gangway for operations in severe ice states and temperatures.

“The Icemann was born in response to a growing demand for safe and effective transfer equipment in frontier regions,” said Arnoud van Leer, senior motion control engineer with Ampelmann. “It is purpose-built to service remote and extreme cold climate oil and gas operations in areas such as non-Arctic Russia, Norway and Canada, as well as regions of the Caspian Sea. We worked closely with Sakhalin Energy over a period of two years to tailor the system to the unique requirements of the project.”

Built in The Netherlands, it is designed to safely and efficiently transfer crew in extreme ice states and temperatures as low as -28 oC (-18 oF). The fully enclosed and insulated system is operational in sea states up to 3.5 metres (m) significant wave height and comprises active motion compensation. The transfer deck can accommodate up to 20 people and can rotate 360 degrees to ensure flexibility in platform landing locations and directions. It has a maximum gangway length of 32m, a telescopic scope of 11m and a footprint of 11x11m.

“Given the remoteness of the work, it was crucial to ensure that any maintenance required to the gangway system was minimized and this was reflected in the design. Various extreme weather technologies were employed in the design of the Icemann, making it the most high performance gangway system that has ever been built from an operations and conditions point of view.”

Before leaving Ampelmann’s manufacturing facility in Delft, The Netherlands, the Icemann was successfully tested offshore in the North Sea. The system successfully compensated its first waves while company operators evaluated the performance of the system. Following completion of the trials, the Stepan Makarov arrived in Rotterdam for the system mobilization, which was completed in a matter of days.

In addition, Sakhalin Energy will charter a standard, non-winterized version of the motion compensated gangway for five years, to be installed on a second ice breaking support vessel, the Fedor Ushakov, and to support the personnel transfer requirements during the summer period.

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered its first vessels to Marine Core & Charter LLC (MC2), a marine services company supporting the offshore energy sector in the Arabian Gulf. This is the first transaction between the two organisations and Damen is delighted to be setting out on what it hopes will be a productive and long-lasting relationship with MC2.

The transaction is also a milestone as it represents the first deliveries of the Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 4008 class, Damen’s latest addition to its FCS range. The first of the two FCS 4008 vessels was delivered in late September, just two months after the initial contract signing.

The second FCS 4008, named AMIA was officially handed over at a ceremony held at the Emirates Palace Marina in Abu Dhabi on the 23rd of November. The 9-year old son of the CEO held a fantastic speech, followed by his grandmother who cut the ribbon.

Like her sister ship AMPI, the AMIA is also fitted with seating for 90 personnel, has a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 1200 nautical miles. This gives her the ability to reach even the furthest offshore installations. 140 square meters of cargo deck aft enable her to carry containers and a wide range of other equipment. Damen’s famous ‘axe bow’ design delivers excellent seakeeping in a wide range of weather conditions, ensuring that personnel arrive at their destinations ready for work.

The 40-meter FCS 4008 was introduced recently to fill the gap between the 53-meter FCS 5009 and the 33-meter FCS 3307. The FCS 4008 is essentially a scaled-down version of the FCS 5009 and is fully capable of taking on the same, wide variety of roles. As well as personnel transfers, it can be fitted out for fire-fighting, oil recovery, safety stand-by, towing and security duties; on a smaller scale, but also at a lower cost. As with all Damen designs, the FCS range is subject to continuous updates based on customer requests and feedback, and so the AMPI and AMIA represent the very latest in FCS design and optimisation.

The CEO of Marine Core & Charter L.L.C, Mr. Adib Abdel Massih, commented, “The delivery by Damen of the second FCS 4008 brings our total fleet up to 20 vessels. With the addition of these two boats, we have achieved the growth we had planned for this year, both in terms of the number of vessels and the expansion of our operations. We chose Damen in part due to their extensive experience in the crew boat market, the local support in the UAE and also because of their build for stock policy. Their ability to deliver vessels very rapidly when a company like ourselves wins new business was a deciding factor.”

Mr. Massih also commended the design of the FCS 4008, in particular its unique ability to deliver personnel quickly and comfortably in the adverse weather that can occur in the Gulf. AMPI has started operations on a contract with a duration of up to three years. AMIA is expected to operate from Abu Dhabi.

MC2’s core activities are chartering, ship management, towage and transportation, and offshore services. It operates a diverse fleet of vessels ranging from jack-up rigs and accommodation barges to tugs and Multi Cats. This latest acquisition is part of its strategy to build on its focus on chartering and increase its role in marine contracting using its own fleet.

Jumbo has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with China Merchants Industry Holdings (CMIH) for the provision of the detailed engineering and construction of a new DP2 Heavy Lift Crane Vessel (HLCV) estimated to be delivered in the first quarter of 2020.

VESSEL
The newly developed HLCV has been designed together with Ulstein Design and Solutions B.V. Jumbo’s Basis of Design to combine economic and technical efficiency with the highest quality and safety features successfully led to the design of this undisputed innovative vessel.

Environmental considerations and improved fuel efficiency are important to Jumbo. These elements have been factored into this optimized HLCV design where the vessel will be powered by dual fuel engines and has the ability to run on natural gas (LNG).

The hull will be outfitted with a state of the art X-BOW® enabling a significantly more consistent transit speed and offshore workability in severe weather conditions. With a vessel length of 185 meters and a width of 36 meterss the HLCV will be the world’s largest X-BOW® vessel.

CRANES
The new HLCV will be further equipped with two offshore mast cranes with a lifting capacity of 2,200 and 400 tonnes respectively and with water depth ratings of 3,000m each. These cranes, designed and constructed by Huisman Equipment B.V., will enable Jumbo to meet customer demands for lifting capacities beyond what Jumbo’s offshore division can offer today. The new HLCV will also be equipped with a moon pool and is flex-lay prepared.

MARKETS
With this vessel, Jumbo will service the new economic era of the global offshore energy industry by providing smarter and more cost-efficient solutions to the following markets:

• Installation of wind turbine foundations
• Installation/decommissioning of fixed oil and gas facilities in shallow waters
• Installation of moorings systems and floating structures in deeper waters
• Installation of subsea structures, foundations and (flex-lay) tie-backs

Michael Kahn, Managing Director of Jumbo says:
"Despite the current offshore climate, we are committing to this industry long term. Signing this Letter of Intent alongside CMIH, with their partnering mentality, is a key milestone for Jumbo’s offshore division to further step-up, scale-up and diversify into the global offshore energy market.”

The technology group Wärtsilä has agreed to retrofit the world’s first energy storage solution on board a large offshore supply vessel. The North Sea Giant, one of the world’s largest and most advanced subsea construction vessels, will be fitted with an energy storage system that reduces the vessel’s energy consumption, operating costs and exhaust emissions.

The retrofit energy storage system improves the operational efficiency and environmental footprint of the North Sea Giant, responding to key requirements of Norwegian North Sea Shipping AS, the owner of the vessel. The solution provides power redundancy and increases responsiveness of vessel operations.

Typically, a vessel with dynamic positioning uses two or more engines simultaneously to secure back-up power. This means that the engines’ load run low. By using a hybrid/battery system to provide the needed back-up power, the operational engine can be used closer to its optimal load. In addition to the hybrid/battery solution, the agreement signed in August 2017 includes transformers, filters, switchboard, shore connection equipment, upgrades of existing components and commissioning.

“For us is it important to reduce environmental emissions and modernize the vessel to make it more competitive. In addition, with a more efficient vessel, we will save fuel expenses. The estimated reduction in emissions is 5.5 million kg CO₂, 30 tons of NOx and 1,200 kg SOx per year. After Wärtsilä had retrofitted our ship Atlantic Guardian in 2014, we really understood how much fuel can be saved by improving the vessel’s efficiency. Efficiency also saves time, because you only need to refuel every second or third port visit,” says CEO Hallvard Klepsvik, North Sea Shipping AS.

Close cooperation with the classification society

The North Sea Giant is a DP3 vessel. The ship is listed in the most advanced category of vessels that apply dynamic positioning. Installation of an energy storage solution into a class DP3 vessel has never been carried out before and requires a redefinition of applicable classification rules. Therefore Wärtsilä and North Sea Shipping AS are working in close collaboration with the DNV-GL classification society.

North Sea Shipping AS owns, operates and provides management services for advanced offshore supply vessels. Based in Austevoll on the west coast of Norway, the company has extensive experience in offshore shipping.

“Wärtsilä has gained a high competence on hybrid projects on many different vessel types, and has a close relationship with the customers. For this reason, we are able to test new technology on many different types of vessels. We are the first in the world to work with hybrid systems on bigger vessels such as the DP3 classified North Sea Giant, and the project will set a new standard for this type of vessels,” says Cato Esperø, Director Sales Norway, Wärtsilä.