Sielseas concept for sail propelled cruise ships unveiled
STX France has revealed a concept design for a cruising sailing ship, Silenseas, that aims to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
STX France has researched sail propulsion since 2009 and developed a patented concept, Solidsail, which makes it possible to reach sail areas of up to 1,200 square meters (12,900 square feet) safely. Arising from that, the company says it can offer the market a range of innovative vessels.
Stylish and futuristic foiling craft launched by Enata Marine
UAE based Enata Marine has launched a stylish superyacht with twin carbon fibre hydrofoils and a hybrid diesel electric propulsion system at the Dubai Boat Show.
The 9.6m long FOILER, also called ‘The Flying Yacht’ due to its ability to operate 1.5m above the water has two BMW 320hp diesel engines which gives it a take-off speed of 17 knots and a maximum speed of 40 knots. The engines are also able to cruise in full electric mode up to 10 knots to reduce fuel consumption by 20% over a traditional yacht.
Enata Marine explains that the diesel engines drive two generators which provide the electrical power. The power is then delivered to two electrical (ENATA) torpedoes that drive the boat.
From stamp to screen: DNV GL has already issued over 50,000 electronic certificates
“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response from our customers and the industry as a whole,” says Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime. “Many owners have opted not to wait for their first scheduled survey to shift vessels to the new certificates, but have asked to move their whole fleet onto the new system. Our goal for 2018 is to have every vessel in the fleet using electronic certificates in conjunction with their periodic survey.”
Since the launch in mid-October 2017, DNV GL has issued approximately 50,000 certificates, with more than 6,000 vessels of the classed fleet now trading with one or more certificates. Digitally signed electronic certificates represent nearly 80 per cent of all certificates issued by DNV GL since the roll-out. 52 flag states accept the certificates, with further acceptances expected over the coming year.
Tritex NDT launches a thickness gauge for mounting onto drones
Tritex NDT has launched a new ultrasonic metal thickness gauge specifically designed for mounting onto drones for high level inspections.
The gauge uses multiple echo to completely ignore coatings up to 20mm thick and the single crystal probe ensures accurate readings on curved surfaces, such as storage tanks and pipelines. Remaining metal thickness and corrosion levels can be quickly and more easily checked without the need for scaffolding or rope access.
The Multigauge 6000 Drone Thickness Gauge OEM transmits real time measurements wirelessly up to a distance of 500 metres using its integrated RF transmitter. The readings are displayed and stored on dedicated Communicator software within templates in a grid or string format.
Fleet of battery powered zero emissions barges set for French waterways
A fleet of zero emissions 100t barges that operate solely on battery power are being built for canal trips in France.
UK company Backwater Cruising is currently constructing the first of 21 38m long vessels barges that will have a 300kWh battery bank powered by purpose-built canalside charging points to achieve zero carbon operation.
Isle of Wight-based Hybrid Marine will provide hybrid systems for the vessels, which Graeme Hawksley, founder and managing director, explained can ‘operate in serial hybrid mode, parallel hybrid mode and for five hours propulsion under battery alone along with air-conditioning’.
Rolls-Royce will supply the tug boat sector with its first hybrid propulsion arrangement for installation to a multi-purpose tractor tug undergoing construction for Baydelta Maritime LLC. The vessel is being built at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Washington State, U.S.A.
The order represents the first hybrid tug using proven Rolls-Royce hybrid technology, the first installation of a hybrid system for Nichols Brothers and the first hybrid tug designed by Jensen Maritime, Crowley Maritime Corp’s Seattle-based naval architecture and engineering firm.
Revolutionary ultraviolet light-emitting diodes fouling prevention technology under development
AkzoNobel has teamed up with Netherlands based healthcare company Royal Philips to develop ultraviolet light-emitting diodes fouling prevention technology.
The system will use technology developed by Royal Philips with the aim of combining experience from both companies to produce an economically viable solution for underwater fouling prevention.
The system will integrate UV light-emitting diodes in a protective coating, which AkzoNobel says will allow for the UV light to be emitted from the coating surface, preventing biofouling from accumulating.
Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design
Automation presents a set of unique challenges to designers, insurers and operators of ships. In this article, reprinted from the Shipowners P&I Club website Keir Gravil, a naval architect at Frazer-Nash Consultancy in Bristol, UK discusses some of the key issues that could face automated ships of the future from a design perspective.
It is a truth recognised by many industries that the future of transportation lies with greater automation. Over the last 50 years we have seen huge changes not only in shipping, but in every form of transportation and vehicle. Aircraft now incorporate automation routinely on flights around the world, cars are being developed to drive themselves and many railways have been totally automated for some time. As each step in the evolution of transportation progresses, the human element of control is reduced or eliminated altogether. But what of shipping? Surely an industry the size and scope of international shipping faces unique challenges in the realm of automation?
Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports
To address the evolving safety and security needs of modern ports, Vancouver based naval architects and marine engineers Robert Allan Ltd., and international marine technology specialist Kongsberg Maritime are collaborating on the development of a radically new remotely-operated fireboat that will allow first responders to attack dangerous port fires more aggressively and safer than ever before.
The un-crewed RALamander fireboat will offer in-close firefighting and ‘eye in the fire’ capability that keeps marine firefighting professionals out of harm’s way. Fires involving containers, petrochemicals, shore-side structures or vessels can be attacked more quickly Continue reading “Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports”
North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di
North Sails has ceased production of laminated sails reliant on mylar and has committed to spread filament, prepreg, 3D composite structures, introducing 3Di NORDAC for smaller cruising boats and 3Di RAW 760S for smaller race boats. It has also converted its manufacturing facilities in Minden, Nevada, US and Sri Lanka to increase production capacity.
“The expansion of the Sri Lanka factory is in response to the successful launch of 3Di RAW 760S sails for smaller race boats and 3Di NORDAC for smaller cruising boats,” North Sails CEO Dan Neri stated. “3Di sails continue to meet the requirements of sailors in all classes from the Continue reading “North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di”
The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready
Preparations for the 23rd China (Shanghai) International Boat Show 2018 are well underway for April 2018, with organisers announcing more exhibitors, conferences and initiatives than ever before.
As Asia’s biggest boat show, organisers are expecting over 40,000 visitors to explore all aspects of the boating industry, from yachting culture and maritime lifestyles to water sports, water tourism, accessories, equipment and entertainment.
Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat soon to be constructed
Japanese carrier Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), the ninth largest container shipping company in the world, has signed a deal for the construction of what will be Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat.
The vessel is Japan’s first LNG-fueled tugboat with the LNG fuel tank mounted on the exposed deck at the stern of the ship and conforming to the IGF code, which regulates safety requirements for vessels that run on gas and low-flashpoint fuels.
This enhances convenience in bunkering, maintenance, and inspection.
