Small Craft News

Marking a major step forward in the application of 3D printing techniques in the maritime sector, Damen Shipyards Group has entered a cooperative consortium with RAMLAB, Promarin, Autodesk and Bureau Veritas. The goal of this group of forward-looking companies is to develop the world’s first class approved 3D printed ship’s propeller, to be called the WAAMpeller.

Damen’s involvement in the project began just over a year ago as a result of one of its in-house student research programmes. Continue reading “The world’s first class approved 3D printed propeller WAAMpeller is on the horizon”

The movement to smaller diameters of rope on board, increased loads and more powerful sails continues is putting increased demands on rope holding products.

To counteract this issue, Spinlock has now extended the use of ceramic coated parts to jaws and bases across its XX0812, XCS and XTS clutches.

“Confidence in the product is very high,” explained Doug Vincett, Spinlock technical sales and support. “Ceramic coated parts are being used in a lot more products, they give a better grip when using modern lines.”

And he explained how the ceramic coating parts allow the cam or jaws to engage quicker on a loaded line, taking up the load faster and with less creep.

Continue reading “Spinlock extends the use of ceramic coated parts”

From steam to diesel and now electricity: Finland’s oldest ferry has become the nation’s first all-electric passenger vessel after being fitted with Visedo power.

The City of Turku has seen the historic Föri ferry relaunched, complete with a new zero-emission electric drivetrain that will deliver greater efficiency, less noise and reduced operating costs.

The Föri initially entered service in 1904 after the City of Turku commissioned local shipyards Aktiebolaget Vulcan to build a city commuter ferry to take passengers across the Aura River to Åbo.

Continue reading “Finland’s oldest ferry goes all-electric”