Zelim's Swift Man Overboard Recovery System Receives LR Type Approval

Above: Zelim’s SWIFT Man Overboard Recovery System and Zelim COO Stewart Gregory

Published Aug 29, 2024 11:38 AM by The Maritime Executive

 

[By: Zelim]

Zelim’s SWIFT man overboard recovery device has received full type approval from classification society Lloyd’s Register, paving the way for the maritime industry’s widespread use of the sea survival safety system.

A Certificate of Type Approval was presented to Zelim following the successful completion of extensive in-water performance tests at Fleetwood Testing Laboratory and Heavy Weather Sea Trials (Sea State 4).

The SWIFT Rapid Man Overboard Recovery system, a rescue conveyor that pulls to safety conscious and unconscious individuals from the sea in less than one minute, was successfully demonstrated in May 2023 at a windfarm offshore Ramsgate, in the Southern Bight of the North Sea.

During the three-day trials, the Zelim SWIFT recovered a test dummy two nautical miles offshore, in high sea states, and more than twenty times faster than it takes to save souls using conventional man overboard equipment.

“Type approval certification assures the global maritime and offshore industries that SWIFT is compliant with SOLAS and can be adopted as a primary means of man overboard recovery for ships and offshore installations,” said Zelim CEO, founder and innovator Sam Mayall.

Developed by operational SAR personnel, SWIFT is treadmill-like conveyor belt system of various sizes hinged to a rescue crafts’ stern or side. Once the rescue vessel nears the casualty, SWIFT is lowered into the water and the conveyor belt activated. Casualties are simply and quickly pulled free of the water upon traction with the conveyor belt system, which is powered by a 240v motor.

“Sea survival is hugely dependent on the time it takes to retrieve individuals from the water, but often high sea states make recovery difficult,” said Mayall. “When rescue vessels approach, many survivors do not have the strength to pull themselves to safety. It is staggering the number of souls lost that could have been saved.”

Industry reports indicate that only 17% to 25% of passengers that fall from cruiseships voyages survive. And of all the 308 man overboard incidents reported to the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB) between 2015 and 2023, 40% lost their lives.

Zelim COO Stewart Gregory, a former Vice President for Innovation & New Product Development at Survitec, said: “The maritime and offshore industries now have a fully type approved certified system capable of rapidly rescuing people from the sea in all weather conditions. Lives lost to man overboard incidents could be reduced substantially if every rescue boat, crew boat, pilot boat or tender was equipped with SWIFT as a matter of course.”

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

Telemar Provides Safety & Navigation System Support Services to Italy’s GNV

he contracts will consolidate service of critical bridge navigation equipment to a single provider, saving time and manpower and reducing the risk of non-compliance.

Published Aug 28, 2024 12:50 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

[By: Telemar]

Telemar, the leading provider of smart maintenance and remote access technologies, has signed an agreement with GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) to provide safety maintenance services on its growing fleet.

GNV has awarded Telemar a contract for management and maintenance of GMDSS and navigation safety installations on its newbuildings GNV Polaris, GNV Orion and GNV Virgo, constructed at CSSC shipyard Guangzhou. These new ships, which will boost ferry services in the Mediterranean and beyond, mark a new chapter in GNV’s commitment to excellence in maritime transportation.

The contracts will consolidate service of critical bridge navigation equipment to a single provider, saving time and manpower and reducing the risk of non-compliance as scheduled service will be planned to agreed timeframes rather than carried out on an ‘ad hoc’ basis.

Founded in 1992, part of MSC Group, GNV is one of the leading shipping companies operating in the coastal navigation and passenger transport sector in the world: with a fleet of 25 ships, the Company operates 31 lines in 7 countries, to and from Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, France, Albania, Tunisia, Morocco and Malta.

Telemar specialises in Smart Maintenance and management of bridge electronics, providing pro-active remote and in person support with the aim of reducing potential down-time and increasing vessel efficiency with a higher percentage of first-time fixes.

As well as creating a benefit for shipowners by streamlining troubleshooting wherever they are operating, Telemar can use the data collected to optimise asset lifecycles and deliver further efficiencies. This can be used to deliver more repairs remotely and increase first-time fixes for a more efficient service when its field engineers visit customer vessels.

“Telemar is grateful to GNV for the trust they have shown in the expertise of our people and our ability to manage these critical safety systems on their behalf,” said Mike Bauwens, CEO, Telemar. “These companies have a deserved reputation for quality and quality of care for people and cargo and we are focussed on upholding that reputation.”

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

 

Strategic Marine Delivers Two 42m Fast Crew Boats to ADNOC L&S

Published Aug 29, 2024 11:29 AM by The Maritime Executive

 

[By: Strategic Marine Group]

Strategic Marine is proud to announce the successful delivery of twoindustry leading 42m Fast Crew Boats (FCBs) to ADNOC L&S, reinforcing our commitment to supporting offshore operations with cutting-edge maritime solutions.

The 42m FCBs, meticulously crafted at Strategic Marine, represent the pinnacle of marine engineering and innovation. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of offshore operations, these vessels offer exceptional and industry leading performance, safety, and reliability. Equipped with advanced technology such as Gyro-stabilisation and hybrid systems for carbon reduction and increased efficiency , they are poised to set new benchmarks in the industry.

Key Features of the 42m FCBs:

• Superior Performance: Optimized hull design for enhanced speed and fuel efficiency.
• Hybrid System: Enable for reducing carbon emissions and increases overall efficiency.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: Advanced navigation and communication systems for precise operations.
• Crew Comfort: Ergonomically designed accommodations for improved comfort and safety.
• Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Incorporation of green technologies to minimize environmental impact.
• Gyro stabiliser: Dramatically reduce vessel rolling motion with gyro stabilizing torque.
• Upgraded HVAC system meeting geographical conditions
• Bespoke aft landing for specific operational requirements

Mr Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President of Offshore Logistics for ADNOC L&S mentioned: “We are excited to receive these two class-leading vessels equipped with new technologies, and would like to thank Strategic Marine for this collaborative effort towards our similar goals of carbon reduction and enhanced operational safety catered for the maritime industry.”

Mr. Chan Eng Yew, CEO of Strategic Marine, commented on the delivery: "We are thrilled to deliver these cutting-edge Fast Crew Boats to ADNOC. These deliveries underscores our dedication to providing innovative solutions that enhance offshore operations."

Strategic Marine remains committed to driving innovation and excellence in maritime construction, supporting the global offshore industry with high-performance vessels.

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

 

Oregon’s Port of Portland Rescue Plan Calls for Doubling Container Volume

Portland Oregon presented its plan as part of the governor's aid package for the container operations (file photo)

Published Aug 27, 2024 6:40 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

The Port of Portland, Oregon’s only ocean-going seaport, submitted its revised comprehensive business plan to Governor Tina Kotek as part of the state’s promise to lead a rescue of the financially troubled container terminal operations. The operation is currently losing more than $12 million a year but with state aid, they envision doubling container volume over the next five to seven years as the operation reaches financial sustainability and provides a vital service to Oregon’s businesses.

Governor Kotek required the revised plan as part of her pledge to provide financial support to maintain the container service. With mounting financial losses and the collapse of negotiations for a private operator, port officials in April said they faced no choice but to suspend container operations as of October 1.  A month later, however, it reversed course after the governor promised to provide stop-gap funding and said she would include long-term investments and funding for channel maintenance in the state’s budget. In total, she is proposing $40 million in future support to the port for its container operations.

The port emphasizes the financial contribution it makes to the state and is a vital service to businesses primarily in the agricultural sector. Seafood, grain, animal feed, building supplies, tires, and more all move through the port. Many shippers prefer the nearby port versus sending their goods overroad to Washington state’s larger ports. However, like many smaller, regional ports, Portland found itself under pressure when the pandemic-induced shipping surge slowed.

The Port of Portland writes in its plan that it has sustained financial losses due to factors outside its control. It is more than 100 miles from the ocean and the Columbia River has limited depth to accommodate the largest vessels. In addition, it is a relatively small consumer market and port officials in the past said they were hurt by the loss of a rail service partner BNSF that had provided a connection to Seattle and Tacoma.

The port’s biggest problem however came from a long-running dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and then operator of T6 ICTSI. The operator ultimately ended its contract because of the jurisdictional labor dispute and the port assumed direct control of the terminal. The labor issues have been settled but it further chased away shippers.

The port calls for negotiating new rates with the container shipping companies and says it has negotiated labor efficiencies with ILWU and fee reductions with the terminal’s stevedores for containers. They are now working on a new marketing plan but admit that volume is the most critical factor. Next year they believe they can add 10 percent to the current volume of just around 600,000 TEU annually. That would contribute nearly $1 million to operating income. They project cutting losses to around $10 million annually.

The port however says it cannot sustain the operation without significant investment from the state. Governor Kotek promised $5 million in immediate operational support from the state’s Joint Emergency Board which is due to meet in September. The governor also promised $35 million in her budgets between 2025 and 2027 which would provide an additional $20 million in investment capital and $15 million for dredging and improvements in the river. However, the governor’s plan says as much as $70 million would be required for the river with the state seeking to renew grants from the federal government.

The port says it has subsidized the container operations despite significant financial losses over many years. The business plan addresses the governor’s concerns and they point out it has received strong support from the business community including importers and exporters and major businesses including supermarket operator Kroger and Columbia Sportswear. Labor representatives are also vowing to support the efforts to rescue the port’s container operations.

Terminal 6 has berths for five vessels and seven container cranes, including four Panamax cranes. The bulk of the port’s volume is in RoRo and bulk cargo which would not be impacted if the container operations do not continue. 

 

Second MARAD Training Ship Patriot State Completes Sea Trials

Empire State with cadets at the rail during her first training cruise (SUNY Maritime College)

Published Aug 28, 2024 7:29 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

 

The program creating a new fleet of modern training ships for the U.S. Merchant Marine marked its next key milestone today, August 28, with reports that the second MARAD vessel completed its sea trials. The Patriot State, which will be assigned to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, returned to Philly Shipyard reports construction manager TOTE Services. 

The second ship of the class is due for delivery to MARAD this year and will be closely followed by the third vessel, State of Maine, which was launched in April 2024 and is currently fitting out. In June, Philly Shipyard highlighted the placement of the first of the two motors for the fourth vessel, Lone Star State. Each of the ships has two 4,500 kW motors driving a single shaft with a total of 9,000 kW. Work on the fifth and final vessel, Golden State, is also getting underway with the vessel for Texas scheduled for delivery in 2025 and for California in 2026.

“We’ve reached a historic milestone with the sea trials of the second NSMV, Patriot State, that will be used to train future cadets at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “We’re grateful for the widespread, bipartisan support the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel program has received to help make this significant investment in the U.S. maritime industry possible.”

The U.S. Maritime Administration hired TOTE Services in 2019 to oversee the construction project. The company was named Vessel Construction Manager, the first time the government used this approach for a newbuild program. TOTE selected Philly Shipyard and is managing the project for MARAD.

The five vessels are unique as they are the first custom-designed and built training ships for the U.S. state maritime academies which traditionally used obsolete commercial ships. Known as Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV), each of the ships is approximately 8,500 dwt and 525 feet (160 meters) in length. They have total accommodations for up to 760 people and provide numerous instruction spaces, a full training bridge, RoRo capabilities, and modern equipment for the training program. They are also designed to support humanitarian and disaster relief missions in times of need with the capability to carry cargo and are outfitted with a helicopter landing area.

The first of the ships, Empire State for the SUNY (New York) Maritime College was delivered to MARAD by Philly Shipyard and TOTE Service on September 8, 2023. The vessel arrived at its homeport at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx and in January 2024 conducted its first training cruise. The ship carried 230 cadets and 100 crew, faculty, and staff for a trip that lasted most of January. Empire State sailed from New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Its return was briefly delayed by bad weather and a mechanical problem with one of the two propulsion drives.

The first full training cruise for Empire State departed in June 2024 and she made stops in Port Canaveral, Florida and Nassau in the Bahamas. However, at the beginning of July, as she was sailing toward Portsmouth in the UK, she experienced a problem with the redundant fuel system including her fuel oil purifiers. The ship was able to maintain operation without a loss of propulsion but the decision was made to remain in U.S. waters so that the construction manager, shipyard, and original equipment manufacturer could troubleshoot the problem and provide maintenance repair support.

The training cruise was completed at the beginning of August with SUNY Maritime College reporting Empire State had covered more than 10,000 nautical miles. The ship returned with 466 cadets as well as 31 legacy students and its teachers and staff. It spent a total of 51 days at sea.

Massachusetts Maritime completed the final training voyage of its 1967-built training ship Kennedy which was recently transferred as an interim replacement to Texas A&M Maritime Academy until its new training ship is delivered in 2025. Maine Maritime also completed the last training cruise of its 1990-built State of Maine and is awaiting the delivery of its new training ship. The ships represent a significant advancement for training in the U.S. Merchant Marine.

 

Incat to Double Shipbuilding Capacity with New Facility in Tasmania

Incat's new facility will operate as a satellite of the existing facility to construct hulls and decks for assembly at the current yard (Incat)

Published Aug 29, 2024 5:03 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

 

Tasmania-based shipbuilder Incat, a pioneer in aluminum catamarans, is doubling its production capacity with the acquisition of a second site located northwest of Hobart. The expansion is part of the company’s anticipated demand for sustainable shipping as it develops the world’s largest electric ferry.

The new facility is part of a planned major economic hub in Southern Tasmania. Incat reports it acquired a 12-hectare site as part of the 565-hectare Norske Skog Boyer Mill site in Boyer, Tasmania. The additional facility will permit Incat to double its workforce and production capacity and will include a 240 by 120 meter (790 by nearly 400 foot) production facility. It will give the company the capacity to build three large ships at one time and with nearly 30,000 square meters of undercover production area. Combined with the original facility, the new yard will mean Incat has around 100,000 square meters of production space.

“The new site, which already has the appropriate industrial zoning, will allow us to construct hulls and decks for our vessels at Boyer and then transport the structure down the River Derwent to our existing Prince of Wales Bay shipyard to be completed,” explained Stephen Casey, CEO of Incat. “This will streamline our vessel construction process and enhance our ability to produce multiple ships per year for the market.”

The company which delivered its first aluminum catamaran in 1990 highlights it has been at the forefront of maritime innovation for more than 40 years. They look at the expansion as a key part of a strategy to leverage their expertise over the next five to 10 years to develop the market for large electric ships. 

“I predict more than 1000 new sustainable ships will be needed to satisfy the global market over the next decade,” said Incat Chairman Robert Clifford. “Domestically there will be a need for more vessels in locations such as Sydney Harbor, and in Europe, there will be a need for much larger vessels of up to 170 meters in length with the capacity to carry up to 1000 passengers. Incat is one of the few shipyards in the world capable of constructing large, lightweight, electric ships to meet that demand.”

They expect to begin vessel construction at the new facility in 2026. Norske Skog Boyer Mill will use a portion of the area for its manufacturing of paper products including newsprint and magazine-grade stock. They also hope to attract new industries such as renewable energy and advanced manufacturing as part of the economic development of the region.

 THE JETSONS GO JET SURFING

USCG Clears Regent’s Wing-in-Ground Craft for Full-Scale Human Testing

Regent received USCG approval for testing of a full-scale prototype with humans onboard (Regent)

Published Aug 29, 2024 7:48 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

 

The application of wing-in-ground technology is a step closer to reality as the U.S. Coast Guard approved the application from Regent, a manufacturer of the craft, to test its full-scale prototype including with humans on board. This comes just two years ago Regent successfully proved its WIG approach called a Seaglider using a quarter-scale prototype.

Regent promotes the Seaglider as a sustainable form of maritime mobility combining the speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat. It can be used for coastal transportation replacing regional aircraft and as a new form of ferry. The concept has drawn strong interest from airlines with Japan Airlines and Lockheed Martin among the investors. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines became an investor and Brittany Ferries is exploring using the craft for its service across the English Channel.

The first design is for an all-electric 12-passenger vessel that can travel at 180 mph. It would have a range of 180 miles on a single charge of its batteries. The company also looks to a larger 100-passenger version as battery technology advances.

Because WIG crafts operate skimming the water and within one wingspan of the surface, U.S. law treats them as maritime vessels. As such, the regulation is led by the U.S. Coast Guard with technical support from the Federal Aviation Administration. 

“U.S. Coast Guard approval of REGENT’s Navigational Safety Risk Assessment marks a significant step in bringing us closer to seaglider prototype testing with humans on board,” said Ted Lester, VP, of Certification, Regent.

The company reports the USCG formally accepted its Navigation Safety Risk Assessment with no modifications. The assessment included a third-party risk analysis of navigational safety and a review of environmental concerns and economic impacts from testing. Regent says it consulted more than 20 local stakeholders, including the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, harbor masters, marine pilots, the U.S. Navy, the Federal Aviation Administration, sailing organizations, and environmental groups, to ensure their concerns were addressed.

After review at the sector, division, and national level, the U.S. Coast Guard issues its approval. The company believes this assessment and approval will also act as a model for future commercial seaglider approvals in other U.S. waterways and around the globe.

With the approval, Regent will proceed toward its full-scale prototype tests. They previously completed float, foil, and flight tests with the smaller prototype. They plan to start testing the full-scale version later this year with humans aboard. They are approved for Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. The first flight is planned for early next year.

Regent has previously said its target is to bring the first commercial model to market by mid-decade. The company reports over 600 orders valued at more than $9 billion from airline and ferry operators.

 

Panama Canal New Modifications to the Transit Reservation System Tariffs

Published Aug 29, 2024 11:25 AM by The Maritime Executive

 

[By: Panama Canal Authority]

In its ongoing commitment to providing efficient and reliable service to its customers, the Panama Canal Authority is implementing modifications to the Transit Reservation System tariffs as part of the Complementary Maritime Services Tariffs.

These adjustments introduce the new Long-Term Slot Allocation method (LoTSA), a new scheme designed to enhance our business model and service quality, offering certainty, predictability, and reliability. 

The main objectives of these modifications to the Transit Reservation System tariffs are to improve service levels, better manage supply and demand, and optimize transit operations. The tariffs related to the new LoTSA scheme will take effect on September 1, 2024. 

Additionally, as of January 1, 2025, adjustments to charges, changes in the tariff structure, and the introduction of new tariffs will be implemented. 

The modifications were designed to create flexibility in swapping and substitution slots services. They also include charges to discourage last-minute cancellations and provide transit alternatives to vessels that have not secured a slot and have already arrived in Canal waters, with the aim of optimizing the waterway's capacity and minimizing waiting times. 

These changes will provide a better experience and convenience for customers while ensuring the efficient use of Canal resources. 

The tariffs can be consulted at: https://pancanal.com/en/oms 

With these actions, the Canal reinforces its commitment to improve service levels and promoting sustainable practices in the maritime sector. 

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

 

Japan Wants to Build the World's Largest Coast Guard Cutter

Courtesy Japan Coast Guard

Published Aug 28, 2024 5:14 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

 

The Japan Coast Guard wants to build the largest cutter in the world, a 30,000-tonne behemoth that would dwarf the China Coast Guard's monolithic CCG 5901, the current titleholder. 

The Japan Coast Guard will include a $24 million line item in its next budget for the start of construction of a 200-meter mega-cutter. The vessel is intended to take on a much larger mission set than the typical coastal patrol ship, and would have many of the capabilities of a small-deck amphib.

The giant "maritime base" cutter would have room to accommodate up to 1,000 people in the wake of a natural disaster, deck space for three helicopters for emergency response operations, and arrangements for launching and recovering small craft. In the event of a mega-quake or a national defense situation, it would have substantial capacity to intervene. It would also be large enough to dominate confrontations with the China Coast Guard and with illegal fishing operators, but the Japan Coast Guard says that the vessel will not carry a deck cannon and will not be used in the Senkaku Islands, the area where the agency most frequently encounters Chinese forces. 

The total cost of construction is projected to come to about $470 million, and work would begin as early as next year if funded. Delivery is scheduled for 2029.

If built, the Japan Coast Guard would have the largest cutter in the world by a wide margin, dwarfing the U.S. Coast Guard's Legend-class National Security Cutter, the Japan Coast Guard's Shikishima-class cutter and the China Coast Guard's Zhaotou-class series (known abroad as the "monster" cutters). However, if the new giant vessel lacks autocannons, it may not technically qualify for the list of "armed" cutters. 

 

Hanwha Ocean Wins South Korea’s First U.S. Navy Maintenance Contract

SECNAV Del Toro toured the South Korean shipyards laying the groundwork for the expanded relationship (Hanwha Ocean)

Published Aug 29, 2024 3:50 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

South Korean shipyard Hanwha Ocean announced that it has won its first maintenance contract from the U.S. Navy as it looks to expand its role in the global naval market. Hanwha Group highlights that the former Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering acquired in 2023 built destroyers and it looks to leverage this expertise into the worldwide maintenance and repair market which it values at $60 billion annually.

The first project will involve the overhaul and regular maintenance of an unspecified 40,000-ton U.S. Navy logistics support ship. Hanwha Ocean said it will involve work both in its dry dock at the plant in Geoje, South Korea, as well as onshore maintenance. No timing or value was announced for the project, but they are promoting it as the first domestic naval repair contract for a South Korean shipbuilder.

The win comes just a month after Hanwha Ocean received certification and entered into a Master Ship Repair Agreement for the U.S. Navy. The company highlighted that it was able to complete the certification process in just seven months and that it was now entitled to bid for maintenance, repair, and overhaul work for the next five years. Hanwha Ocean entered the program just weeks after its rival HD Hyundai also received certification.

The U.S. Navy has been awarding overseas maintenance contracts as part of the U.S.’s larger diplomatic efforts. India, for example, undertook its first repair project for a U.S. MSC vessel in 2022 and now three Indian shipyards are certified for maintenance projects.

Hanwha Ocean says this maintenance project is a pilot project for the U.S. Navy to further expand its maintenance and repair efforts in Asia. The company sets the value of the U.S. portion of the market at $15 billion annually. 

The company reports the order was achieved with the active support of the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. They said it is considered a result of close defense industry cooperation between Korea and the U.S.

Since the acquisition of DSME, Hanwha has been moving to expand its role in naval shipbuilding. The company earlier this year also agreed to acquire Philly Shipyard in the United States. Recently, management from Hanwha Ocean met with members of the U.S. Senate’s Armed Services Committee and the U.S. Ambassador to Korea to discuss the naval shipbuilding and maintenance opportunities. They discussed the pending issues and sought Senate support to expedite the approval process required to build ships at Philly Shipyard. The shipyard is currently undertaking work for the U.S. Maritime Administration and Matson and other commercial companies.

U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro had visited the South Korean shipbuilders earlier this year. He has encouraged the companies to take a more active role in the U.S. shipbuilding sector and to make investments. He also recently visited with shipbuilders in Europe as part of his Maritime Statecraft initiative designed to bolster the sagging capabilities and capacity in the U.S. industry.