ST Marine announced today that its US shipyard, VT Halter Marine is ready with its shiprepair offering with the arrival of a 12,000 MT Floating Dry Dock, transported by a heavy lift vessel from the Philippines.

The dry dock is part of an overall expansion plan to the south yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi where VT Halter Marine is adding the repair facility for semi-submersible drilling rigs and Panamax-size ships.

VT Halter Marine will now have a similar business model as in Singapore, having both newbuild and repair capabilities. The addition of the Floating Dry Dock to VT Halter Marine will grow the company organically into the shiprepair business and will start a new stream of revenue to its existing newbuild business.

The dock will establish VT Halter Marine and give it the required track record and experience for ship repair operations. It will also benefit the U.S. Gulf Coast Ship Repair Capability, as it will be the newest addition to any existing facility in the region. VT Halter Marine will now be able to service not only the repair needs of its existing newbuild customers, it will also cater to new customers and most likely will more than double its customer base for shiprepair business.

“We are pleased with this development as the arrival of the Floating Dry Dock heralds our entry into the shiprepair business in the US market. Besides being able to better serve our existing customers, we are also looking forward to serving the larger shipping community in the Gulf area,” said  NG Sing Chan, President, ST Marine.

VT Halter Marine expects to create as many as 400 new jobs with the development of this new facility. The yard expansion plan includes machine shops, electrical shops and the newly delivered dry dock.

Press Release, May 17, 2013

Baltic Workboats AS (BWB) has delivered patrol boat ‘KBV 315′, the third of five, to the Swedish Coast Guard.

The boats are very advanced, versatile coastguard vessels, used primarily for maritime surveillance, border and fisheries control, environmental protection, fire-fighting and rescue and civil protection and diving operations.

KBV 315 is equipped with full ECDIS with radar overlay and 27” LCD screens on workstations. All navigation equipment is doubled and fully integrated in Conning system. All alarm and monitoring, alarm acknowledgement and electrical system is handled through the Integrated Alarm, Monitoring and Control System (IAMCS) display.

The KBV 315 is able to accommodate 5 crew members. High accommodation standard with single bed cabins and toilets is ensured. The HVAC system of the vessel was designed to according to DNV COMF-C(3) requirements and it features full air conditioning, overpressure ventilation system with waste heat recovery and carbon filter for work in contaminated air.

The KBV 315 deck equipment includes a 5.5m RIB boat, crane for lifting the RIB and other equipment, a rescue net, diving equipment as well as a FLIR camera for patrol and rescue operations.

Vessel Specifications

Length Overall – 26,5 m

Length Waterline – 23 m

Beam – 6,2 m

Draft – 1,5 m

Fuel – 5000 liters

Engine – 3 x Volvo-Penta IPS 1050 (total 1764 kW)

Speed –32 knots

Bow thruster 22kW

Classification: + 100A1 SSC Patrol Mono HSC G3 MCH UMS

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 17, 2013

Nevsky Shipyard yesterday delivered, May 16th 2013, the third self-propelled dry-cargo vessel of RSD49 project the ‘NEVA-LEADER 3′ to the Сustomer – North-Western Shipping Company, JSC.

The Project was developed by “Marine Engineering Bureau-Design-SPb”, JSC in close co-operation with the specialists of the customer and the shipyard.

The feature of RSD49 project vessel is the existence of a big middle hold in fifty two meters long, which makes it possible to transport “design” oversize cargoes in one way voyage Europe-Caspian Sea.

Principal dimensions:

Length overall- 139,95 m

Breadth overall- 16,70 m

Depth – 6,00 m

Capacity of cargo holds – 10920 m3

Deadweight in river (draft 3.6 m) – 4518 t

Deadweight at sea (draft 4.7 m) – 7154 t

Service speed – 11,5 knots

The class of Russian Maritime Register of Shipping: КМ Ice2R2AUT1-C

Press Release, May 17, 2013

Aliança’s new container ship ‘Sebastião Caboto’ was christened recently at the Terminal Maritimo de Passageiros in the port of Santos. The Sebastiao Caboto, built by Shanghai Shipyard Co., Ltd., is the first of a series of four identical container ships which each have a slot capacity of 3,800 TEU and are each fitted with 500 reefer plugs.

The vessel’s sponsor is Deise Krause, wife of Luis Augusto Krause, Director Logistics, Sales and Marketing of the Aliança customer Josapar. All four newbuildings will be deployed by Aliança in the Brazilian cabotage service.

The vessel is named after the Venetian seafarer and discoverer Sebastião Caboto (1472 to 1557), who explored the Brazilian and South American coast.

Technical data of the Sebastião Caboto:

Capacity: 52,065 tdw

Length overall: 228 m

Length between perpendiculars: 217.5 m

Width: 37.3 m

Draught max.: 12.5 m

Speed: 19.5 kn

Main engine output: 22,890 kW

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 17, 2013; Image: alianca

Focal Marine & Offshore has got a significant order for their 78m PSV (FOCAL 522) design, with quantity up to 10 ships which are to be built in Xiamen Shipbuilding Industries in China.

FOCAL 522 PSV design is with 4,000 ton deadweight, 800 m2 deck cargo area, complement of 60 men and carriage of multi cargoes of fuel oil, base oil, fresh water, mud / brine, dry bulks and methanol. In addition to supply function, the design also has oil recovery notation without limitation on the flash point of recovered oil.

The design complies with latest regulations including SPS 2008 and MLC 2006.

With this new order, totally 18 vessels have been contracted with FOCAL 522 design. 4 vessels have delivered and being operated in West Africa / Gulf of Mexico, the other 4 vessels are under construction in other yards.

During past years Focal Marine & Offshore has developed a complete series of PSV design ranged from 2,000 ton to 5,500 ton deadweight, and more than 30 deliveries are being operated worldwide for various oil companies.

In addition, Focal Marine & Offshore also has series of AHTS design ranged from 62m / 65t bollard pull to 85m / 210t bollard pull with more than 30 deliveries and OCV / MWV ranged from 65m to 105m.

Press Release, May 17, 2013

Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (Davie) yesterday announced the conclusion of a two ship order from La Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ).

The two dual-fuel LNG Ro-Pax ferries will operate on the St. Lawrence River on the Tadoussac-Baie-Sainte-Catherine route and shall enter service in 2015.

Alan Bowen, CEO of Davie commented “This project has been a long time in the planning and we are very excited to now begin construction. The dual-fuel LNG engines are a perfect fit with Davie’s specialization in advanced propulsion and vessel maneuvering systems. The ferries will provide an environmentally friendly solution for the province of Quebec for many years to come“.

At 92 m long, each vessel will have over 625 lane meters across two decks, allowing the transport of over 115 vehicles and 10 heavy goods vehicles.

Press Release, May 17, 2013

The Whitefish Bay, CSL’s second of four Trillium Class self-unloading Lakers destined to operate in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, set sail yesterday on her maiden voyage. Departing from Chengxi Shipyard in Jiangyin, China, she will cross the Pacific Ocean transiting through the Panama Canal before arriving in Montreal, Quebec.

The Whitefish Bay follows in the footsteps of the award-winning Trillium Class Baie St. Paul that has been operating in the Great Lakes since December 2012. Two additional Trillium Class self-unloading vessels and two new bulk carriers are set to join the Canada Steamship Lines fleet in 2013-2014.

These 35,500-DWT self-unloaders measure a Seaway maximum 225.6 by 23.8 metres, feature custom hull design for increased cargo lift, EPA Tier II compliant main engines, automated cargo-handling equipment and the latest environmental and safety systems.

Press Release, May 17, 2013

After the launch of the first Platform Supply Vessel 3300 ‘WORLD DIAMOND’ floated on the Danube waters in mid-January this year, Damen Shipyards Galati has launched two more of the same series, the second ‘World Peridot’ and third ‘World Pearl’. The vessel are part of a contract for 6 fully equipped PSV-s which have been ordered to Damen Group by the Norwegian owners from “World Wide Supply” company.

Main purpose of the ships is transport of different cargo (fuel, drinking water, salt brine, cement, barite, drilling mud, drilling pipes, etc.) and crews to and from the North Sea offshore drilling rigs and production platforms in support of hydro carbon exploration and production activities. The vessels can also carry on deck conventional containers for diverse cargo. In the same time, the vessels can operate as fire extinguisher to the sea platforms being provided with oil recovery equipment.

The vessels are equipped with two Schottel azimuth propellers and will operate as a “dynamic positioning DP2” vessels when carrying out loading / unloading operations around offshore drilling rigs or production platforms.

Main characteristics of the vessels are:

• Total length 80.10 m
• Breadth 16.20 m
• Draught 6.15.m
• Deadweight approx.. 3300 t
• Maximum weight on deck max. 1400 t
• Classification Society LRS (Lloyd Register of Shipping)
• Crew + passengers 16 + 6 persons
• Speed 13,7 knots

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 17, 2013

Vard Holdings Limited (VARD), together with its subsidiaries, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of offshore and specialized vessels generated revenue of NOK 2.75 billion for 1Q 2013, representing a 2% dip from the same period in 2012 (1Q 2012), reflecting overall stable operations in spite of challenging circumstances in some markets.

Order intake for 1Q 2013 more than double

On the back of continued strong demand for high-end subsea construction vessels, VARD secured contracts for three large and highly complex offshore subsea construction vessels (OSCV) from key clients Solstad Offshore, Farstad Shipping and DOF Subsea in 1Q 2013. Order intake for the quarter was NOK 2.8 billion in total.

The Group’s solid new order intake more than replenished the order book for the quarter. This also represents a more than doubling of the NOK 1.3 billion order intake for 4Q 2012, and a close to 20% increase from 1Q 2012. Taking into account the five vessels delivered during the quarter, VARD’s order book comprised 46 vessels as of 31 March 2013. More than half, or 26 of these vessels in the order book, will be of VARD’s own design. Total order book value stood at NOK 15.5 billion, slightly up from year-end 2012.

Major investments in Romania and Vietnam

VARD’s yards in Romania and Norway are operating at full gear. The Norwegian yards have surpassed the brief period of temporarily lower utilization recorded during the previous quarter. Four vessels were successfully delivered from Norway during 1Q 2013.

Investments in new facilities and advanced technology are currently being implemented in Romania, aimed at securing VARD’s long-term competitiveness in Europe. Enhanced automation, new blasting and painting facilities, and a state-of-the art piping prefabrication facility are projected to increase productivity, quality and throughput. While the yard in Vietnam is currently seeing lower utilization, it is implementing investments such as an extension of the floating dock, aimed at improving its long-term capabilities to take on larger and more complex vessels.

Vard Promar on schedule

The Group’s new shipyard in Brazil, Vard Promar, is more than 85% completed. Dredging of the harbor basin was completed in April. With virtually all vital functions for commencing operations in place, Vard Promar is well on its way to commence shipbuilding operations at the end of June this year, in line with previous estimates. Recruitment and training are ongoing, with approximately 190 staff employed so far.

(1 Norwegian Krone = 0.17 US Dollar)

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 17, 2013

For the Dutch shipbuilding industry 2012 was a challenging year. In general the industry was able to achieve relatively good results. The various shipbuilding categories however showed a mixed picture. Holland Shipbuilding Association hereby presents you a statistical overview of the Dutch shipbuilding cluster in 2012.

New constructions of seagoing vessels

Although Dutch shipbuilders had a tough year in 2012, they were generally able to hold their own. Output did suffer though. Deliveries from Dutch shipyards amounted to 95 seagoing vessels – a total of nearly 335,046 CGT with a value in excess of one billion euros. About 58% of the seagoing ships produced in the Netherlands in 2012 were destined for export. The amount of new orders placed during 2012 reflected the depressed global market situation, with a decrease of 35% in value terms compared to 2011. 61 new seagoing ships were ordered in 2012, totalling 166,471 CGT. The orderbook at the end of 2012 contained orders for 129 seagoing vessels, totalling approximately 593,893 CGT. The orderbook represented a value of more than €2 billion.

Inland vessels

The Netherlands is home to numerous yards producing specialised inland vessels. These yards often rely on the import of foreign hulls, which are outfitted to the client’s requirements. This is a process that involves close cooperation with many specialised equipment suppliers. Some 90 inland ships were delivered in 2012, totalling nearly 296,499 CGT. These also included a relatively large number of non-cargo carrying vessels, ranging from dredgers to patrol ships and river cruisers. Looking forward, Dutch builders of river cargo vessels are facing an inland shipping market with significant overcapacity in the short term. However, infrastructural and maritime policy will increasingly favour inland shipping as a more environmentally friendly way of transporting goods within the country and to the European hinterland. This should translate into a healthy long-term business outlook.

Superyacht industry

Dutch yards also continue to operate on the forefront of the superyacht industry. Dutch builders delivered 18 superyachts in 2012 and the orderbook in the Netherlands is still at a healthy level. Some 59 yachts worth over €2,2 billion are scheduled for launching over the next few years. A notable trend is the increase in the average size and value of both the yachts delivered and those on order.

Ship maintenance, repair and overhaul

Turnover in the Dutch ship maintenance, repair and overhaul sector grew with over 13% compared to 2011, in line with increased traffic in the main Dutch ports and also reflecting orders for large scale refits and conversions. Dutch maintenance, repair and overhaul yards are among the world leaders when it comes to complex conversions and refits of a wide variety of vessel types.

Equipment suppliers

Shipbuilding in the Netherlands is closely linked with approximately 670 companies supplying services and marine equipment to national and international yards and other maritime companies. Some of these companies are independent niche players, others are affiliated to the larger Dutch shipbuilding groups, and a number are subsidiaries of international companies. The majority are SME companies. The turnover of Dutch marine equipment suppliers reached a level of close to €3.4 billion in 2012, which is a slight increase compared to 2011 (€3.3 billion). This indicates that the Dutch marine equipment industry is managing to maintain its position in a weak global market. Exports are an important driver, accounting for approximately 61% of the turnover.

Total employment and turnover in the Dutch shipbuilding division

Employment in the total Dutch shipbuilding division amounted to approximately 29,500 full time jobs in 2012. The total turnover of shipbuilders and suppliers combined was €6.1 billion.

The above figures were presented on May 16th 2013 during a public meeting of Holland Shipbuilding Association.

Press Release, May 17, 2013

Building is now underway of a new £1.5 million pound boat building fabrication hall at Pembroke Port – the first major investment in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone. The new facility, being built for Mustang Marine following investment by the Port of Milford Haven, is set to double the size of workboat construction operations and create more than one hundred jobs at Mustang Marine in response to growing demand from around the world.

The expansion is the second and most ambitious part of a phased development in the historic former Royal Dockyard that in its illustrious 200 year history has launched five Royal Yachts and more than 200 Royal Navy vessels. Mustang Marine has carried forward this workboat-building pedigree for more than thirty years, sending orders as far afield China and Africa. It’s hoped the expansion will see their operations double in size in the next three years.

The injection of capital by the Port of Milford Haven is part of a programme of planned investments aimed at boosting economic activity and jobs in the local area. The Trust Port is also planning a major project around Milford Haven that will create a new destination focussed on the marine-leisure, retail and fishing industries.

Press Release, May 17, 2013

In May 2013, Torgem launched the first vessels from its multiple order for Saudi Arabia – first to hit the water was the 30m ASD tug, followed by a 25m ASD tug.

In June 2012, Macduff Ship Design Ltd secured it’s largest single contract to date for a total of ten vessels comprising five new designs. The order has been placed by Torgem in Turkey who are building the vessels for Saudi Arabia.

The vessels range from a 15m general service boat, 15m pilot boat and a 25m ASD tug through to a 30m ASD tug and a 46m oil collection barge.

These designs are the first in class for Macduff with further deliveries in the pipline.

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 17, 2013

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published ‘Guidelines for installing ROV systems on vessels or platforms’ (IMCA R018). The new publication is aimed at vessel and platform owner/operators and designers; ROV contractor representatives; client and contractor staff who prepare bid documents and contracts; installation and rig managers; vessel and ROV managers; and vessel designers and builders.

The purpose of IMCA R018 is to provide guidance on the installation of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) System, or Systems, on to vessels and/or platforms. It is not intended to be a definitive guideline; instead it is intended to assist vessel and platform owners to understand the outline requirements of installing and mobilising an ROV System, i.e. to highlight some of the questions that may need to be asked. It can also be utilised in discussions with ship and platform owners, designers and fabricators/builders when build specifications are being prepared.

Whilst the main body of the new document describes the issues that may arise during the installation for a work class ROV System on to a vessel or platform, the principles outlined are applicable to all classes and variants of ROV.

Sections of the 20-page document encompass ROV Classification; ROV System Layout; ROV System Services; Operational Requirements, and there is a useful appendix -Suggested ROV System Checklist.

Press Release, May 17, 2013

The installation of 100-ton gantry crane which was purchased by CIC Digang Shipyard was completed safely and successfully on April 20. China Shipping Industry Co., Ltd. (CIC) paid high attention to the installation of the crane.

Mr. Xu Qiming, the deputy general manager of CIC paid a visit to CIC Digang Shipyard to inspect the preparation of the installation on April 11. He held a review meeting to analyze the installation scheme and made suggestions for revision.

The installation of 100-ton crane got the great support from CIC Jiangsu Shipyard. The leaders of CIC Jiangsu Shipyard assigned the specialists to support help on the spot before and during the installation process. The successful installation of this 100-ton gantry crane not only provided the solid equipment for the smooth production of demolition, but also encouraged the staff of CIC Digang Shipyard to work hard for prosperous future.

The subject crane was one of the six purchased by CIC from CIC Jiangsu Shipyard and allocated to CIC Digang Shipyard.

Press Release, May 17, 2013

Palmer Johnson has launched its Flagship the PJ 210. Designed to dismiss clichés, the Palmer Johnson 210 features all the spaces of a traditional tri-deck yacht but gallops to a 28 knot top speed, cloaked in the elegant flowing exterior lines of the much heralded Palmer Johnson SportYacht design created by Dan Lenard of Nuvolari-Lenard.

The signature unbroken line from transom to bow remains to give side-on flow while the finessed overall proportions means that the beauty of the yacht is enjoyed from every angle. There is a heroic unswerving commitment to aesthetics in this design which is enhanced by top craftsmanship and performance, giving the perfect balance to the package.

The PJ 210 once again uses innovative design to influence the owner and guest experience on board. Focused on elegant yet relaxed lifestyle, this stunning 64m balances and blends airy indoor areas with generous outdoor deck spaces, creating an open environment that emphasizes panoramic sea views while ensuring privacy.

Defined by distinctive design and stylish presence the PJ 210 is destined to be another truly iconic Palmer Johnson Superyacht.

The PJ 210 leaves the Palmer Johnson shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin at the end of May and will head directly for the Med where a full summer cruising schedule awaits her.

Press Release, May 17, 2013

Bergen Group Fosen has notified Fjord Line about need of more time for testing of engines and other equipment before MS “Stavangerfjord” can be delivered. Fjord Line AS has therefore decided to postpone the first sailing with Stavangerfjord from 21 June to 14 July.

MS “Stavangerfjord” is the first of two cruise ferries currently being build by Bergen Group Fosen for Fjord Line. Bergen Group Fosen and Fjord Line will in the near future consider the necessity of a later delivery date for the next cruise ferry.

The naming ceremony for MS Stavangerfjord will take place as planned at the yard in Rissa on Thursday 6 June. The County Mayor of Rogaland, Jane Johnsen, will be the godmother of the ship.

The new ships will be 170 meters long, perfectly designed to handle North Sea waves and provide passengers with a smooth and stable voyage. The ships will each accommodate 1,500 passengers and have space for 306 cabins, 600 cars, trucks and cargo.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

d’Amico International Shipping S.A. announced that its operating subsidiary d’Amico Tankers Limited (Ireland), exercised today its purchase options and entered in to contracts for the construction of two additional new product /chemical tankers ( Hull S410 and S411 – 50,000 dwt Medium Range) with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd. – Korea, expected to be delivered in H2 2015, for a consideration of less than US$ 30.0 million each.

Marco Fiori, Chief Executive Officer of d’Amico International Shipping S.A. commented: “ I’m thrilled to announce the exercise of options to build two additional MR vessels, confirming DIS strategy to modernize its fleet through new buildings with eco innovative design. We strongly believe these types of vessels are set to be the future of our industry and their estimated timing of delivery perfectly matches our positive market outlook on the medium/long term. Upon delivery these two ships will be the most advanced and efficient in terms of speed, consumption and deadweight & draft ratios among their size.”

The vessels are the latest IMO II MR design with the highest fuel efficiency. The design is the utmost HMD concept of hull shape and propulsion efficiency leading to a fuel saving of 6-7 t /day compare to the average consumption of the world existing MR fleet. The vessels will have an attained Energy Design Index (EEDI) falling already well within the IMO phase-in 3 requirement due for vessels to be built after Jan 1st 2025, being of 31. 5% lower than the current IMO reference line.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

PIRIOU and DCNS have announce the establishment of KERSHIP, a joint company for building ships to civil standards intended for implementation of State action at sea. This project forms part of the respective growth strategies of the two stakeholders, broadening their access to markets.

Held jointly by PIRIOU (55%) and DCNS (45%), KERSHIP is a société anonyme par actions simplifiées (simplified public limited company) with a supervisory board and equal representation of the two partners. The company is headed by Patrick de Leffe, previously Audit and Risks VP of DCNS, and before that engineering VP of the DCNS group from 1999 to 2008. KERSHIP’s head office is located in Concarneau (Brittany).

The new company conducts its business in the French and international markets. KERSHIP has adopted a lean structure for preparing proposals, coordinating contract execution and providing industrial program management services. PIRIOU and DCNS each retain control of their own industrial, logistic and engineering resources, which KERSHIP will call upon.

Patrick de Leffe declared “The ambition of PIRIOU and DCNS is to develop a world leader in ships built to civil standards intended mainly for State action at sea (coastguard, policing, customs, etc.), making use of their complementing industrial capabilities. KERSHIP benefits from DCNS experience in naval defence markets and that of PIRIOU in vessels built to civil standards.”

Pierre Legros, DCNS Surface Naval Systems SVP, explained “The establishment of KERSHIP is going to enable us to offer an attractive product range in the growth market of lightly-armed vessels built to civil standards. The sale of these ships intended for State action at sea will enable DCNS to develop relations with new customers likely to subsequently acquire more heavily-armed vessels, such as corvettes or frigates. KERSHIP thus provides a double growth opportunity for DCNS.”

PIROU CEO Pascal Piriou stressed “We take great pride in allying ourselves with one of the very best in the defence sector worldwide. Placing our respective resources at the disposal of KERSHIP is going to enable us to gain a foothold in the market for State action at sea capability, highly complementary to our other activities, where our experience of civil standards, our facilities in other countries and, I believe, our dynamism, make PIRIOU the right partner for DCNS.”

PIRIOU and DCNS profit from successful joint experience in the construction of the self-funded Gowind OPV L’Adroit by DCNS in 2010-2011.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

South Korea-based Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co (HMD), two days ago, signed a contract to build four products carriers for an unnamed European owner.

The contract, announced yesterday in a regulatory filing, is estimated to be worth around $126.2 million.

The announcement did not disclose any particulars of the ships or equipment to be used onboard except that the delivery of the vessels should be completed by September 2014.

Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co, one of HHI’s subsidiaries, is a shipbuilder of medium-sized vessels such as product/chemical carriers, bulk carriers, container carriers, PCTCs, Con/Ro-Ro vessels, LPG carriers, General Cargo Carriers, Asphalt Carriers, offshore units and specialized vessels.

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 16, 2013

Keppel FELS has delivered a second KFELS B Class jackup rig to offshore Mexican oil field services company, Integradora de Servicios Petroleros Oro Negro (Oro Negro). Named Laurus at Keppel FELS today, the rig was delivered eleven days early and with a perfect safety record.

Laurus is the second of two high-specification jackup rigs that Keppel FELS has built for Oro Negro which will be chartered to PEMEX, Mexico’s national oil company, for deployment in offshore Mexico. The first rig, Primus, was delivered in December last year.

Mr Wong Kok Seng, Managing Director (Offshore) of Keppel Offshore & Marine and Managing Director of Keppel FELS, said, “We have built a win-win partnership with Oro Negro and are pleased to deliver another rig to them ahead of time, safely and within budget. This delivery is the eighth by Keppel FELS this year, and in a year where we aim to deliver a record 20 rigs, highlights our abilities and commitment to meet the needs of our customers. Laurus is the second of 10 KFELS B Class jackup rigs we are building for Mexican customers. It strengthens our track record as the leading provider of offshore drilling solutions for the Mexican market. In addition, we have delivered a number of significant projects to the region over the years and we look forward to continuing to support Mexico’s E&P programme with high quality offshore rigs.”

Developed by Keppel’s technology arm, Offshore Technology Development (OTD), the KFELS B Class jackup design is able to operate in water depths of up to 400 feet and drill to depths of 30,000 feet. The robust rig incorporates Keppel’s advanced and fully-automated high capacity rack and pinion jacking system, and Self-Positioning Fixation System. An environmentally-friendly rig, it provides maximum uptime with reduced emissions and discharges.

There are currently two KFELS B Class jackup rigs in operation in Mexican waters – the Tonala rig operated by Peforadora Central and the Ocean Scepter rig operated by Diamond Offshore.

Keppel FELS is currently building two KFELS B Class jackup rigs for PEMEX as well as another four for Grupo R and two for CP Latina. Its sister yard, Keppel AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas recently delivered a jackup rig to Perforadora Central last month with another due for delivery in 1Q 2014.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

KONGSBERG has been awarded a significant offshore automation contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). The contract covers deliveries to four Transocean owned new-build drill ships, with an option for KONGSBERG to deliver products and services for six more drill ships.

“We call this a ‘Full Picture’ solution, as it includes dynamic positioning, position reference systems, thruster control, integrated automation systems, riser management and environmental monitoring within the same project. This approach provides procurement and installation efficiencies, whilst streamlining service and maintenance as we act as a single point of contact for a wide range of systems on board,” says Morten Stanger, Regional Manager Offshore, Kongsberg Maritime.

Kongsberg Maritime will commence deliveries early in 2014. All key deliveries from KONGSBERG are scheduled for completion by June 2014 for the first vessel and by October 2015 for the fourth vessel.

“KONGSBERG has already supplied systems to Transocean for two on-going drill ship projects at DSME, contracted in 2011. We are satisfied that DSME and Transocean have selected KONGSBERG as one of their key suppliers for these vessels based on our capabilities and competitiveness, in addition to our delivery performance to date,” adds Tor Erik Sørensen, Executive Vice President, Kongsberg Maritime.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

AVEVA announced yesterday that it is presenting and exhibiting at Offshore Support Vessel Technology 2013, taking place on 9 – 12 June at the Le Royal Méridien, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

David Thomson, Solution Strategy Manager, AVEVA, will present a paper exploring strategies and opportunities for the handover of a vessel’s complete digital information asset to support its efficient lifecycle management. This paper will explain how AVEVA’s Integrated Shipbuilding tools can be used to meet this important industry challenge.

Products being showcased at this event will include:

• Integrated Engineering & Design products from the AVEVA Marine portfolio, a set of integrated applications created specifically for the unique processes of the engineering and design of ship and offshore structures, design management, and the generation of accurate production information.
• The integrated AVEVA Enterprise Resource Management suite of applications for the entire marine project planning, materials management, fabrication and production process.
• AVEVA NET, a family of powerful and secure information management products that enable the collation, contextualisation, validation and visualisation of all project and asset data and documents, irrespective of location or source program.

Together these form AVEVA’s Integrated Shipbuilding strategy, which helps shipbuilders to optimise their design, procurement and production processes through improved information management, reducing delivery time, increasing productivity and lowering costs.

“This event attracts some of the largest and most important companies in the Offshore Support Vessel industry,” said Evgeny Fedotov, Senior Vice President – Russia, India and Middle East, AVEVA. “As the leading provider of engineering software to the marine and offshore market, we have a comprehensive and compelling proposition for suppliers and builders who will be attending this event. Our solutions ensure that all key processes have the right information and right resources at the right time throughout the project life cycle. This provides a real competitive advantage by minimising costs and delivery times, while maximising productivity, capability and profitability.”

Offshore Support Vessels Technology 2013 will bring together key industry players who will discuss common challenges in the procurement, chartering, operation and maintenance of OSVs, update themselves about new technology by hearing case studies from around the world and learn how they can apply these to improve their own operational efficiency in this key industry.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

Wartsila, the marine industry’s leading solutions and services provider, has received the Final Approval status from the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for its Wartsila AQUARIUS® EC Ballast Water Management System.

The approval was granted at the MEPC’s 65th session held at the IMO headquarters in London on 13th May 2013. The Basic Approval had been granted in October 2012.

The approval submission was taken into consideration as part of the MEPC 65′s agenda covering “harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water”. Final Approval is required for systems using an active substance, and is based upon examination of full scale prototype test data and all required supporting documentation on aspects such as risk and safety to the ship, crew, general public, and the environment.

The documented information was reviewed and approved by a joint panel of experts from the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environment Protection ballast water working group. The application was submitted to the IMO by the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate. A key element of the Final Approval submission was an investigation covering the impact of treated ballast water on coated and uncoated materials. A full Type Approval certificate for the Wärtsilä AQUARIUS® EC system is expected by end of July this year.

“Gaining IMO Final Approval status has involved an extremely stringent review and investigation process, and we are naturally very delighted that the Wärtsilä AQUARIUS® EC Ballast Water Management System has successfully met all the requirements of the process. This represents an essential and extremely significant milestone in offering the marine industry a safe, flexible, and extremely efficient means of treating ballast water,” says Joe Thomas, Director, Wärtsilä Ballast Water Management Systems.

The Wartsila AQUARIUS® EC System

Wärtsilä AQUARIUS® EC is a modular ballast water management system, providing a safe, flexible and economical process for the treatment of ballast water.

Ballast water treatment with an Wärtsilä AQUARIUS® EC system is achieved through a simple and efficient two stage process. Upon uptake the sea water is first passed through a back washing filter (1st Stage) and then the filtered sea water passes through a static mixer, where the disinfectant generated from the side stream electrolysis unit (2nd stage) is injected to ensure a maximum level of 10 parts per million (ppm) in the treated ballast water.

During discharge the filter is bypassed and any residual oxidant in treated ballast water is monitored before being discharged overboard. If required, treated ballast water is neutralised by injecting sodium bisulfite into the main ballast line during discharge. Neutralisation effectiveness is continuously monitored to ensure compliance with MARPOL discharge limits.

Wärtsilä offers the Wärtsilä AQUARIUS® EC and Wärtsilä AQUARIUS® UV Ballast Water Management Systems, which both became part of the portfolio following the acquisition of Hamworthy plc in January 2012.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, signed a long-term Preventive Service™ agreement with China LNG Shipping International Co. Ltd (CLSICO) to provide maintenance services to all ABB equipment onboard of its six LNG vessels in the next five years.

“ABB’s modular service agreement concept allowed us to tailor make the service package that best suits CLSICO’s fleet management model. With a thorough five years maintenance plan, CLSICO will be able to achieve ambitious cost saving targets”, says Heikki Soljama, Head of Marine and Cranes business at ABB. “Additionally, the framework ensures effective communication and transparency between CLSICO management and ABB, which in turns strengthens the co-operation between both parties and streamlines key processes”.

The new service agreement will help CLSICO with optimized vessels performance at a predicted minimum level of budget. ABB will provide annual site survey and on-call services to the six vessels covered by the agreement, as well as dry dock service every 2.5 years. The scope of the agreement covers preventive maintenance on onboard, power generation plant and mechanical and electrical system.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

The Navy accepted delivery of the first Mobile Landing Platform, USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), from General Dynamics-NASSCO on May 14, in San Diego, Calif. The Mobile Landing Platform is a new class of ship and highly flexible platform that will provide capability for large-scale logistics movements such as the transfer of light and heavy vehicles and equipment from sea to shore.

Delivery of Montford Point represents the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy and is a major milestone in the ship’s transition to operational status. Delivery follows the successful completion of Acceptance Trials, evaluating the ship’s major systems and equipment.

The 83,000 ton, 785-foot ship will leverage float-on/float-off technology, allowing Montford Point to partially submerge, facilitating easy movement of cargo and craft. Additionally, the ship’s size allows for 25,000 square feet of vehicle and equipment stowage space and 380,000 gallons of JP-5 fuel storage. MLP 1 has a maximum speed of 15 knots and range of 9500 nautical miles.

Named in honor of the 20,000 African-American Marine Corps recruits trained at Montford Point Camp, N.C., MLP 1 is a modular, adaptable platform that may be used across a broad range of military operations supporting multiple operational phases. Acting as a mobile seabase, MLP will be part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to provide prepositioned equipment and supplies with flexible distribution.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

The keel laying of the largest cruise ship ever built for the British market took place yesterday, May 15 2013, at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. The P&O Cruises’ 141,000-ton cruise ship is scheduled to enter service in 2015.

At the ceremony, the first section of the ship’s hull made up of 6 pre-manufactured blocks, weighing 408 tons and fitted with 214 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment, was placed at the the dry dock. 74 sections will be used in the construction of the ship.

The ceremony was attended, by David Dingle, Carnival UK CEO, Carol Marlow, P&O Cruises Managing Director, Enrico Buschi, Fincantieri Chief Operating Officer, and Carlo De Marco, Manager of Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard along with many others.

This next-generation ship will offer a stylish and innovative new design, with an unprecedented number of passenger facilities together with many iconic signatures of the P&O Cruises brand. She will offer the “best of the best”, combining favourite classic features of ships such as Oriana and Aurora, the wide choice and variety of Ventura and Azura and a host of new concepts which will include some yet-to-be-announced “sophisticated wows”. In delivering the ultimate P&O Cruises experience, the ship will be designed to attract many thousands of newcomers and will equally resonate with existing passengers by delivering the sense of P&O-ness for which the brand is held in such high regard. At the same time, the ship will be designed to deliver much greater levels of operational and environmental efficiency.

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 16, 2013; Image: fincantieri

On May 17, 2013, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) will sign an agreement with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. to build a “Sayaendo” series new-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.

Sayaendo series ships feature a unique structure that integrates the LNG tank cover with the ship hull, resulting in significantly improved fuel consumption and maintainability. From 2020 the new ship will be used mainly for transportation of LNG produced by the Ichthys LNG Project* in Australia for Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. and Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.

The new LNG carrier will measure 288.0m in length overall (LOA), 48.94m in width, and 11.55m in draft. The 138,000 gross tonnage (75,000 deadweight tonnage) ship will be capable of carrying up to 153,000 m3 of LNG (cargo tank total volume: 155,000m3) in four Moss-type tanks at a service speed of 19.5 knots per hour. The ship will be built at the MHI Nagasaki Shipyard and Machinery Works.

To protect its four Moss spherical tanks, the Sayaendo features a peapod-shaped continuous cover integrated with the ship’s hull in lieu of conventional hemispherical covers. This innovative configuration enables reductions in size and weight while maintaining the ship’s overall structural rigidity. The continuous cover over the tanks also improves aerodynamics by substantially reducing air resistance that acts as a drag on ship propulsion. For its main power plant the Sayaendo adopts MHI’s “Ultra Steam Turbine Plant” (UST), a new turbine that provides higher thermal efficiency through effective use of thermal energy by reheating steam. Through downsizing, weight reduction and hull line improvement, Sayaendo ships achieve a substantial 20% reduction in fuel consumption compared to conventional ships.

With a conventional cover configuration, pipes, wires and catwalks atop the tanks are supported by complex structures. By covering the tanks with an integrated cover and making those supporting structures unnecessary, the new design also improves maintainability. In addition, CO2 emissions are reduced as a result of decreased fuel consumption, and response to environmental issues is further enhanced with installation of a ballast water treatment system, which addresses impact on the marine ecosystem.

Note:

The Ichthys LNG Project is a joint venture between INPEX Corporation of Japan (lead partner) and Total S.A. of France, with participation by various other international corporations and Japanese gas and electric power companies. The project aims to build a major facility in Darwin to liquefy gas extracted from the Ichthys Field located approximately 200 kilometers off the coast of Western Australia. Gas production is scheduled to begin by the end of 2016.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

A symbolic keel-laying ceremony on the 17th of April 2013 in Gorinchem, The Netherlands, officially launched the construction phase of 14 Damen ASD Tugs for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). The series consist of two types, being 9 tugs of Damen’s recently launched 3212 model and 5 units of the well-known 2810 design, with 80 and 50 tons of bollard pull respectively.

At the festive launching ceremony Damen was very pleased to host a delegation of Kuwait Oil Company. The two company-logos were welded together as a palpable symbol for the substantial project and the companies’ longstanding relation. The object will hold a place of honour in Damen’s Romania-based Galati shipyard during the construction period. All 14 units will be build there starting shortly, with deliveries scheduled from 2014 onwards.

Damen’s naval architects and designers in The Netherlands have tailored KOC’s exacting requirements on layout, systems and performances. Existing Damen designs have been masterfully combined with state-of-the-art technology and dedicated features. The new tugs will be assisting tankers at near-shore loading terminals and at single point moorings further offshore. All ships will be equipped with a powerful fire fighting system for immediate and adequate action in case of emergency.

The cooperation between KOC and Damen dates back to the late 1980’s, when Damen delivered its first set of ships to KOC. In the 1990’s, Damen delivered a complete new fleet of tugs, crew tenders, work boats and mooring boats to KOC. This latest order, together with the on-going trust KOC puts in a wide range of Damen Services, emphasises the strong relationship of the companies.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

The Ministry of Defence in Oman has awarded Damen Shipyards Group a contract for the construction of a Sail Training Vessel (STV). The 87-metre square rigged, three-masted steel clipper and will take up her role as flagship. In addition to its key role of training young Omani navy cadets and officers, the new clipper will be deployed in a distinct diplomatic role and emphasize Oman’s centuries-old maritime tradition.

Due for delivery in August 2014, the ship will replace the RNO’s current RNOV ‘Shabab Oman’ and will be in the RNO Fleet. In March (2013) the ship’s keel laying ceremony took place at Damen Shipyards Galati (Romania). This was conducted by Rear Admiral Al Raisi, the RNO’s commander-in-chief. The RNO has an eight-strong overseeing team stationed in Romania.

The enhanced navy recruitment and training are part of Oman’s drive to increase its naval capabilities along its 3,165 kilometer coastline. Next to fleet expansion, this includes the establishment and expansion of the fleet facilities.

Three Damen yards

Overall Project management and procurement is in the hands of Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, whereas Damen Shipyards Galati forms the main building site. The clipper’s completion will be performed at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Flushing (the Netherlands). Here, the three 50-metre steel/aluminum masts and the exterior woodwork will be installed, in addition to all interior wood lining furnishing and finish. Both inside and out, the sail training clipper will feature a clear, traditional Omani look and late 19th century tea clipper hull characteristics. The ship and the overseeing team are expected in Flushing for the completing stage late 2013.

“We have our proven record in steel clippers to thank for this contract”, Damen Regional Sales Director Bram Langeveld and Arnoud Both, the Project Manager in charge, note. The vessel’s key construction features and its dimensions will largely resemble that of the ‘Stad Amsterdam’ and the ‘Cisne Branco’, the Brazilian navy’s new Sail Training Vessel. ‘Modern-day sophisticated sail training ships may even become a bit of a trend with us and we are very proud that the Omani Ministry of Defence has awarded this prestigious contract to us“, Langeveld adds.

Dutch design and engineering

The as yet nameless three-master will accommodate 34 navy recruits in addition to a 58-strong complement. 87 meters long and 11 meters wide, it will have 2,700 m² sail area. With the main design subcontracted to Dykstra Naval Architects – who also designed the ‘Stad Amsterdam’ and the ‘Cisne Branco’ – all engineering was ‘Made by Damen’.

Damen Shipyards Group (est. 1927) operates more than 50 shipyards, repair yards and related companies worldwide. Damen employs over 7,000 people in 35 countries, has delivered over 5,000 vessels since 1969 and delivers some 150 vessels annually to worldwide customers. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept and short delivery times, Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.

Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale value, proven technology and reliable performance. Damen offers a wide range of products, including: tugs, workboats, patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, offshore support vessels, oil-spill response vessels, frigates and super yachts. For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of Services, such as Lifecycle Maintenance Services, Customer Finance, Training and transfer of (shipbuilding) knowledge.

In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion offers a network of 16 ship repair & conversion yards worldwide, most of which are conveniently located along the North Sea coast from Brest (France) to Gothenburg (Sweden). Damen Shiprepair & Conversion operates 40 dry docks of all types and sizes and offers onsite/onboard repair services. Conversion projects range from refitting small fishing vessels into private yachts to the complete conversion or rebuilding of large jack-up rigs.

Press Release, May 16, 2013

Cargotec’s MacGregor has received EUR 22 million (approx $28.3 Mln) order to deliver a 900-tonne active heave-compensated (AHC) MacGregor subsea crane to the South Korean shipyard, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd.

The crane will be installed on a 150m multi-purpose offshore construction vessel (MOCV) ordered by Sealion Shipping, on behalf of Toisa Ltd.

“This is the largest active heave-compensated MacGregor offshore crane that has been ordered,” says Frode Grøvan, Director, Sales and Marketing for Advanced Load Handling. “At a time when subsea modules are getting larger and heavier and operations are being conducted at ever greater depths, a sophisticated crane on this scale equips the new vessel to meet the ever increasing demands of the offshore construction market.”

Sealion Shipping, a UK-based offshore support company that manages and operates offshore support vessels for Toisa, describes the MOCV as a customised version of an Ulstein Deepwater Enabler design. It says: “The DP 3 vessel is designed and equipped for worldwide operations in the oil and gas sector, ultra deepwater installation and construction, flexible lay, pipe lay, cable lay and topside construction support, and will be built to the highest standards and with maximum flexibility and capability prioritised“.

The crane delivery is planned for the beginning of 2015, with the vessel delivery following shortly afterwards in July.

Press Release, May 16, 2013