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Report into the total loss of tug Thomas Dann published

Thomas Dann tug (Dann Ocean Towing). Photo credit: Birk Thomas
Thomas Dann tug (Dann Ocean Towing). Photo credit: Birk Thomas

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released an accident report about the outbreak of fire onboard the towing vessel Thomas Dann that led to a constructive total loss.

The incident
On July 22, 2016, at 1700 local time, a fire broke out in the upper engine room aboard the towing vessel Thomas Dann while it was engaged in towing operations offshore near St. Augustine, Florida, en route to Cape Canaveral, Florida. No one was injured, nor was any pollution reported. However, due to the extent of the fire damage, the vessel, which was valued at an estimated $2.5 million, was declared a constructive total loss.

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Guidance on the use of LPG installations on merchant vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure and other craft issued

The Bow Clipper, ship
The Bow Clipper, ship

The Irish Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport issued a marine notice, providing guidance on the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations on merchant vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and other marine craft.

When handled incorrectly, the dangers associated with LPG systems include fire, explosion, burns and asphyxiation due to gas leakage from the system or accumulation of gas following flame failure in an appliance. Such incidents have caused loss of life and material damage.

The scope of recommendations includes:

Installation and Testing: To help prevent accidents with LPG installations, such systems should be installed at least in accordance with the International Standard ISO 10239:2014 (Small craft – Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems). It is recommended that an inspection and test of such systems and associated alarm systems be carried out at least monthly to ensure correct operation. Continue reading “Guidance on the use of LPG installations on merchant vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure and other craft issued”

Lürssen delivers the gigantic 123 metre superyacht Al Lusail

Photo of Al Lusail by Jan Oddvar Eide
Photo of Al Lusail by Jan Oddvar Eide

First sighted in October 2016, those who monitor and are fascinated by the superyacht world were sent spinning! The sheer size of Al Lusail is the first thing one will notice and at 123 meters in length she can lay claims to being one of the 25 largest superyachts in the world.

Her styling is unusual and grabs one’s attention, described by Lürssen as sporty and aggressive. The exterior was designed by H2 Yacht Design the interior by March and White. She is now berthed in Kristiansand, Norway, somewhere that superyachts often sail to following delivery from European yards. The superyacht takes her name Al Lusail from a new city in Qatar and she flies the Qatari flag from her stern.

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Reactivating vessels after a period of lay-up guidance issued

Inactivated vessels
Inactivated vessels

The Shipowners’ Club has issued a guidance note, regarding the reactivation process for a vessel following a period of lay-up. In the guidance note, Shipowners recognises no matter if it be an offshore or any other type of support vessel, reactivation and bringing back into service requires careful management in assessing the risks following a period of lay-up.

As explained, the vessel reactivation specifications should be defined based upon the following elements:

– Lay-up Preservation Plan framework in place and Lay-up logbook records. Lay-up plan to be preferably approved by class.
– Last classification society survey report, docking report or any other survey report as applicable.
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Lessons learnt from bunker fuel contamination incident highlighted by UK P&I Club

Bunker fuel
Bunker fuel

The UK P&I Club has issued guidance about a bunker fuel contamination incident which occurred onboard a general cargo ship during loading a bulk cargo. The Club has, provided details of what happened and highlights the important lessons learned.

This vessel was loading a bulk cargo in two of the vessel’s lower holds. During the loading operation, the vessel bunkered 500 MT of HFO into no.’s 2 port and starboard fuel oil side tanks. Shortly after the completion of bunkering operations, the Chief Engineer (C/E) noticed the level of no.2 port fuel oil tank was decreasing from observation of the remote gauging system.

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World’s first electric aquaculture support vessel powered by PBES

Powered by PBES, the Elfrida is the world's first electric aquaculture support vessel
Powered by PBES, the Elfrida is the world’s first electric aquaculture support vessel

Plan B Energy Storage (PBES) has announced a milestone project in the aquaculture industry. The award of the contract for energy storage aboard the electric fish farm vessel Elfrida underscores the ongoing trend toward adoption of green technology in Norway.

“We see this as crucial preparation for a low-carbon future,” says Roger Bekken, Managing Director of Salmar, the vessel’s owner and leading Norwegian aquaculture company. “In keeping with our forward thinking management, and focus on operational efficiency, adding battery technology to our vessels brings cost savings and environmental stewardship together in one package.”

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Salmon processing and transportation vessel set to be the world’s first with a hybrid battery solution

New salmon processing and transportation vessel for Hav Line AS, Norway, is the world’s first of its kind with a hybrid/battery solution
New salmon processing and transportation vessel for Hav Line AS, Norway, is the world’s first of its kind with a hybrid/battery solution

Technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted to deliver the ship design for a new processing and transportation vessel to be built at the Balenciaga shipyard in Spain on behalf of Hav Line AS of Norway. In addition to the design, Wärtsilä will also supply an integrated solution comprising a 10-cylinder Wärtsilä 31 main engine, auxiliary engines, propulsion machinery, the propulsion remote control system, and the electrical & automation system. The delivery of the Wärtsilä solutions will be during autumn 2017 and the vessel is scheduled for delivery in summer 2018.

Notable environmental gains are made possible by a Wärtsilä hybrid propulsion solution supported by batteries, which results in very low emission levels. This is the world’s first processing and transportation vessel for the fish farming industry to utilise this solution. By absorbing most of the engine’s load fluctuations and vessel load variations through batteries, the engines can be operated close to its optimum design point, thereby providing the highest level of efficiency, which in turn minimises the exhaust emissions. Continue reading “Salmon processing and transportation vessel set to be the world’s first with a hybrid battery solution”

The Quadriga set to become the world’s biggest sailing cargo ship

Visulization of the Quadriga
Visulization of the Quadriga

As innovators look for ways to further reduce the carbon footprint and create greener vessels using renewable technology in the future, it has been announced that Quadriga, an innovative sustainable shipping project from Hamburg based Sailing Cargo, aims to become the world’s biggest sailing cargo ship. It seems as if time goes in a full circle as developers look to significantly harness wind power once again and match it with ships.

The project outlines a plan to build a 170 metre car carrier, capable of carrying between 1,700 and 2,000 cars, which will be equipped with four DynaRig masts and will operate on hybrid propulsion with sails and diesel-electric engines, and an optional battery system for peak loads. The vessel will be capable of sailing at 10-12 knots with the aim of reaching 14-16 knots in the next few years through combined expertise.

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Rolls-Royce MTU engines power new Harbour tugs with 90 tonnes of bollard pull

Impression of the new Harbour tug to be powered by Rolls-Royce MTU engines. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce
Impression of the new Harbour tug to be powered by Rolls-Royce MTU engines. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce and Sanmar Shipyards in Turkey have signed a contract for the delivery of eight MTU engines 4000 engines Series 4000 for four new terminal tugs, including an option for a further four engines. The tugs will each be fitted with two 16V 4000 M73L MTU engines, each delivering an output of 2,700 kW (at 1,850 rpm). The MTU brand is part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

Ali Gürün, Projects Director of Sanmar Shipyards, commented: “We were impressed by MTU’s technical support, the service and the reliability of the MTU engines, which is why we will also be equipping our new Robert Allen/ Rastar 2900sx tugs with MTU engines.” Sanmar and MTU have been working closely together since 2009.

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Dangers of carrying nickel ore cargo from Indonesia and the Philippines highlighted

Risks of carrying nickel ore cargo from Indonesia and the Philippines highlighted by West P&I Club
Risks of carrying nickel ore cargo from Indonesia and the Philippines highlighted by West P&I Club

The West of England P&I Club has highlighted the mandatory notification requirements surrounding the perils of carrying nickel ore cargo from both Indonesia and the Philippines, ensuring that the necessary related safety measures are in place to comply with the IMSBC Code requirements. The Club explains the implications and advises all operators to take the necessary measures to mitigate these risks where possible. The Club says this may necessitate the appointment of a local surveyor to assist the Master.

“In accordance with the Club’s bye-laws, Members are required to notify the Managers before agreeing to carry a nickel ore cargo to ensure that they are fully acquainted with the risks beforehand and so that any concerns regarding the contractual terms of carriage may be addressed. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Managers, Members are also required to appoint a surveyor at the load port to provide assistance to the Master. Failure to fulfil these requirements may prejudice cover.” The Club says in a statement.

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Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 now UK law

Be aware that the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 are now in law. Photo for display purpose only
Be aware that the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 are now in law. Photo for display purpose only

On 3 August 2017, the new Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 finally joined the statute book and became law in the UK after much deliberation. This legislation is more generally known as the RCD, or Recreational Craft Directive (2013/53/EU) and this version updates and repeals the earlier 2004 regulations.

The 2017 Recreational Craft Regulations follow the requirements of the RCD, while also setting out the UK market surveillance responsibilities. This essentially relates to what trading standards can and will do to ensure compliance. Their powers to impose penalties on companies found in breach of the regulations are immense and could result in products being taken off the market, fines imposed and even imprisonment in some cases.

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MV WERFTEN makes major investment in new Rostock shipbuilding hall

A group of men in suits standing infront of a building site Image courtesy of MV WERFTEN
Image courtesy of MV WERFTEN

At MV WERFTEN, construction work started on the new hall complex 11, which will house the new panel line and section line, as well as a line for section outfitting. With a volume of some €80 million, the new facility is one of the largest company investments in the region in the past decades.

The symbolic first cut of the spade, carried out by Genting Group’s Chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Minister for Economic Affairs Harry Glawe, Rostock’s senior mayor Roland Methling and MV WERFTEN Chief Operating Officer Holger Tepper, signalled the beginning of the construction of the new hall 11.

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