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The Dorothy Day is the third of the three 320 foot long Ollis Class Staten Island ferries being built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group.

LAUNCHED MARCH 26, the Dorothy Day is the third of the three 320 foot long Ollis class Staten Island ferries being built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s Allanton shipyard in Panama City, Fla., for the City of New York Department of Transportation Staten Island Ferry Division.

The not-profit Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) says that the ferries bring the latest in efficient and clean public transportation options to New Yorkers, as they are powered by the fourth and newest generation of advanced technology diesel engines.

Main propulsion power is provided by two pairs of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) 12-710 @ 900 rpm EPA Tier 4 marine propulsion engines with each pair driving a RV6 ECS/285-2 Voith Schneider Propeller via a Reintjes DUP 3000 P combining gear.

Electrical power generation is provided by three EPA Tier 3 marine continuous duty diesel generator sets, each comprising a Caterpillar C18 driving a 480 V, 60 Hz, 3-phase generator rated at 425 kW at 0.8 PF @ 1,800 rpm.

The new Staten Island Ollis Class Ferries series are named after fallen soldier of the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, a Staten Island native killed in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013, at age 24.

He lost his life when he stepped into the path of a Polish officer, blocking him from the suicide vest of an insurgent.

At the launch ceremony, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, representing New York’s 11th congressional district, served as the ship’s sponsor and broke the ceremonial bottle of champagne over the bow.

“Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis is our hometown hero who bravely gave his life for our nation,” she said. “His name is one that all Staten Islanders can be proud of as they view the best sites New York City has to offer.”

GERMANY’S MEYER WERFT has become the first shipyard to win an order to build a new cruise ship since the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic. The order has been placed by Japan’s NYK group and is for a 740-passenger, 51,950 grt. vessel that will be operated by NYK Cruises’ Asuka Cruises brand. It is the NYK Group’s first order at Meyer Werft.

Meyer Werft says the order is an important signal for its Papenburg, Germany, shipyard which has the world’s largest covered building dock.

Though the Asuka Cruises will be relatively small at 229 meters in length, Meyer Werft Managing Director Jan Meyer says the order is “another very important step towards securing the Papenburg site.”

He says the order has been won “with the best ship concept, innovations, quality and a very challenging price for us.”

The newbuilding for NYK Cruises will be LNG fueled and implements a range of customized solutions that include hydrodynamics optimized in accordance with the planned routes as well as on-board facilities adapted to the needs of Japanese passengers. As a result of the pandemic, there will also be innovations to the air-conditioning systems and contactless controls.

“This is the first order in the shipyard’s 226year history where all contract documents and plans were prepared and negotiated via video conferencing,” said Meyer. “The effort has paid off.”

Meyer Werft still faces challenges as it works through its backlog of existing cruse ship orders. Thus far, even with this latest order, it only has two ships on its books for the Papendrecht yard in 2025. Production at the yard is designed for an annual construction volume of 420,000 gt., but the two ships in 2025 have a total volume of only 182,000 gt.

The new cruise ship will operate for NYK Cruises’ Asuka Cruises brand.

TWO SEPARATE NORWEGIAN PROJECTS aim to have zero-emission bulkers on the water by 2024, but they have different ideas on how to get there.

Family-owned shipowner Egil Ulvan Rederi, Trondheim, Norway, plans to do it with a design that incorporates rotor sails and a hydrogen fueled combustion engine.

Meantime, Viridis Bulk Carriers AS is developing a design using an ammonia-electric hybrid power solution.

Egil Ulvan has already been awarded a contract to build its ship. The 88-meter, 5,000 dwt self-unloading vessel will be used on a Norwegian route to transport aggregates from HeidelbergCement Norway in western Norway in one direction and grain from farmer-owned cooperative Felleskjøpet AGRI, in eastern Norway, on the backhaul.

Egil Ulvan was selected to develop, build and operate the ship in a tender process, facilitated by the Green Shipping Program, a public-private partnership.

Competition was strong, with 31 shipowners competing for the contract through a six-month long process.

The ship design concept was developed in close cooperation with Norwegian Ship Design and has the project name “With Orca – Powered by Nature.”

A significant part of the energy required to operate the vessel will be provided by two large rotor sails. The vessel’s sailing route will

Viridis Bulk Carriers AS is developing a design using an ammonia-electric hybrid power solution. Egil Ulvan Rederi design will pair rotor sails with a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine.

mostly be in open waters in the North Sea, where wind conditions are good for wind assisted propulsion. To counter drifting, the vessel will be equipped with a specially developed keel.

The vessel will also be equipped with a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine, with what, at this stage, are described as “add-ons for increased efficiency.” Hydrogen will be stored on board in compressed form.

The ship concept will be fully developed and optimized this year, with the aim being to place and order with a shipyard by the end of the year. Plans are for it to enter operation in early 2024.

AMMONIA-ELECTRIC HYBRID

Viridis Bulk Carriers AS is a joint venture between two Norwegian shipowners, Navigare Logistics and Mosvolds Rederi, and zero-emission ship project specialists Amon Maritime. It says that it is already in discussions with shipyards with a view to having ammonia fueled vessels on the water by 2024.

Together with Kongsberg Maritime, Viridis Bulk Carriers has developed a flexible, zero emission short sea bulk carrier concept that it says is simple, robust and cost-efficient.

“In order to reach large scale adoption, we believe zero emission ships need the same operational capabilities as conventional vessels,” says Viridis. “Therefore, our short sea bulk carriers will have range capacity exceeding 3,000 nautical miles.”

“Reciprocating engines will burn ammonia to generate propulsive power, and an exhaust gas after treatment system optimized for ammonia will eliminate any byproducts, ensuring that we do not replace CO2 emissions with other harmful pollutants,” says the company. “Batteries and shore power connection will be included for support, constituting an ammonia-electric hybrid power system, enabling silent maneuvering and cargo operations.”

Viridis is planning a range of different configurations of its flexible design to meet charterer’s requirements, including selfunloaders and project cargo variants such as wind turbine blade transporters.

ElectRA 2800

HAISEA MARINE, A PARTNERSHIP FORMED between Canada’s Haisla Nation and North Vancouver, B.C.-based Seaspan ULC, has won a major contract with LNG Canada to build and operate escort tugs and harbor tugs at its export facility in Kitimat, B.C.

The contract will see HaiSea Marine provide ship-assist and escort services to LNG carriers navigating Douglas Channel and approaches in Kitimat Harbor.

Designed by Vancouver-based naval architects and marine engineers Robert Allan Ltd. (RAL), the harbor tugs will be battery electric powered, while the larger escort tugs will be LNG dual-fueled.

THE ELECTRA 2800

At 28 meters in length, with approximately 70-tonnes bollard pull and 5,240 kWh of battery capacity each, the first-of-class ElectRA 2800 battery-electric harbor tugs will perform the majority of their shipberthing and unberthing missions on battery power.

With ample clean hydroelectric power available in Kitimat, the harbor tugs will be able to recharge from dedicated shore charging facilities at their berths between jobs, effectively reducing emissions to nearzero. Because of their battery propulsion, they are also expected to be exceptionally quiet, both onboard and underwater.

THE RASTAR 4000 DF

LNG Canada says the larger RAstar 4000 DF vessels will be the most powerful Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) escort tugs on Canada’s west coast, and that they will rank among the world’s highest-performing escort tugs.

At 40 meters in length and with over 95 tonnes of bollard pull, they will generate indirect forces of approximately 200 tonnes.

The RAstar 4000 DF escort tugs will perform the majority of their missions using LNG as their primary fuel, with major emissions reductions compared to conventional diesel tugs of the same power.

They will be equipped for pollution response/oil spill recovery, fire fighting of marine terminal fires, person overboard response, and emergency towage of vessels.

RAsta 4000 DF

AT LEAST 10 OF THE SHIPS ordered in an ongoing newbuilding binge by Seaspan Corporation will be LNG dual-fueled. Since December 2020, Seaspan has ordered 37 newbuild containers. Ten of them are 15,000 TEU ships destined for 12-year charters to Haifa, Israel-based ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has confirmed an order with MAN Energy Solutions for ten 8G95ME-GI10.5 engines in connection to power the ZIM ships.

They are set for delivery in the first half of 2023 and will serve the U.S. East Coast trade.

Thomas Hansen, head of promotion and customer support, two-stroke business, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “This is just the latest order the well-proven ME-GI concept has won in recent months. Its service experience, low methane slip, high efficiency, and fuel flexibility—whether running on fuel-oil or LNG—remain unparalleled in a market whose momentum towards a zero-carbon future is growing rapidly.”

The ME-GI engines will come with a newly introduced PVU (Pump Vaporizer Unit). The unit will ensure an optimal integration between the engine and LNGsupply system.

BOUCHARD TRANSPORTATION PAYS $375,000 IN RESTITUTION TO WHISTLEBLOWER

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. and three former and current management officials have paid $375,000 in restitution to a seaman whose brother was one of two seamen killed in the October 20, 2017, Buster Bouchard/B. No. 255 explosion off Port Aransas, Texas.

The seaman alleged the company fired him for cooperating with investigators and reporting safety concerns to the U.S. Coast Guard.

In addition to the payment, Bouchard Transportation and the individual respondents agreed to take other remedial actions in a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) to resolve violations of the whistleblower protection provisions of the Seaman’s Protection Act.

Investigators for OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Programs found that the employers’ actions constituted retaliation against the seaman for protected activity under the SPA and would dissuade a seaman from reporting safety issues. Reporting alleged violations of maritime safety laws and regulations, cooperating with safety investigations and furnishing information to the Coast Guard about facts related to any marine casualty resulting in death are protected activities under the SPA.

ASR TO REPRESENT HAMWORTHY PUMPS IN UNITED STATES

New York-based American Ship Repair (ASR) has signed an agreement to represent Hamworthy Pumps in the United States.

ASR, which has 70 years of experience in technical solutions and products, will provide sales and life cycle support for the entire range of Hamworthy Pumps product and solutions line.

Singapore-based Hamworthy Pumps is a leading manufacturer of in-line pumps for the marine and offshore industries, within the areas of engine room pumps, pump room systems, fire water pump packages, and scrubber pumps. A part of the Svanehøj Group along with sister brand Svanehøj, it has a strong presence worldwide.

SAFE BOATS TO RESUME PRODUCTION AT TACOMA FACILITY

Bremerton, Wash., headquartered SAFE Boats International is to bring back production to its Large Craft Production Facility, located in the Port of Tacoma, which specializes in production of vessels over 65 feet in length.

This follows success in winning a $20 million U.S. Navy contract to purchase long-lead material and start pre-production planning for a series of 85-foot Mark VI patrol boats for the Government of Ukraine. A further $80 million ward is anticipated in June.

The contract will see 75 new jobs added to the shipbuilder’s Tacoma workforce.

NORWEGIAN HEADQUARTERED FINCANTIERI GROUP COMPANY VARD has secured contracts for the design and construction of three hybrid Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) for Aberdeen, Scotland, based North Star Renewables.

The trio will operate on the Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the North Sea, under 10-year contracts from Dogger Bank Wind Farm that were awarded to North Star in a broad international competition. The charters include options for three one-year extensions.

Dogger Bank is currently under construction by joint-venture partners SSE Renewables, Equinor and Eni and when completed will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm.

One of the vessels will be built to Vard 4 19 design and the other two to Vard 4 12 design.

Two Vard Design concept designers, Thomas Brathaug and Stian Ona, spent many

man-hours turning specifications into reality.

“The Vard 4 19 design has been developed specifically to handle planned maintenance on the Dogger Bank A and B wind arrays,” said Brathaug. “It is tailored for operations in the harsh North Sea environment more than 130 kilometers off the northeast coast of England. Crew well-being is vital to ensure safe and efficient operations, so safety and comfort have been a strong focus throughout the process.”

Another crucial design driver was sustainability.

“The vessel’s environmental footprint and operability, hybrid battery solution and prepared for carbon-neutral operations in the future really pushes the envelope for this kind of specialized vessel,” said Ona.

Another key design element was to ensure efficient logistics.

“All the vessels have a height-adjustable, motion-compensated gangway with elevator system, a height-adjustable boat transfer system, as well as a 3D-compensated crane for cargo transfer,” Brathaug said.

The 85-meter vessel has a beam of 19 meters and will be able to accommodate 78 crewmembers in single cabins.

Developed to perform corrective maintenance on Dogger Bank and based on the same design philosophy, the Vard 4 12 pair will be 78 meters in length with a beam of 19 meters and accommodations for 60 persons in single cabins.

For optimal efficiency, the hybrid vessels will be equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system, highly efficient main propellers, and tunnel thrusters with permanent magnet electric motors in combination with SeaQ solutions supplied by Vard Electro in Norway.

They will feature a fully integrated SeaQ ESS solution in combination with SeaQ IAS, SeaQ PMS, SeaQ EMS, and SeaQ Green Pilot (energy monitoring system) for improved operational performance and reduced environmental footprint. The set-up makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, in addition to enhance responsiveness and safety.

North Star Renewables CEO Matthew Gordon said: “We’ve worked closely with the team at Vard for over two years on the development of our SOVs for Dogger Bank. I’m delighted to be able to say that the work which went into to designing the vessels to meet the optimal standards of workability, comfort, safety and sustainability has resulted in us securing the award of three vessels on long term charters, which is a huge step for North Star on our journey to becoming a leading player within the SOV market.

“It’s exciting that these designs will now move into the construction phase and continuing that journey with Vard is a natural extension of our strong relationship. We’re confident that we have a high-quality design and build partner that will support us in bringing these advanced new vessels to the market.”

The three SOVs are set for handover to North Star in 2023. They will be built at the Vard Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam. Various suppliers within the Norwegian maritime cluster are also involved in the project.

Vard CEO Alberto Maestrini said: “At Vard, we continuously strive to deliver the best possible solution to our customers. Our dedicated team have had a close cooperation with North Star in developing these innovative ships for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, and we look forward to continuing that good teamwork in developing future-oriented and environmentally friendly vessels for the renewables market. This market will continue to be one of the main pillars to support Vard’s growth.” served as a rail car ferry until 1990 when it was laid up for a year before being purchased and converted into a car ferry.

INTERNATIONAL SEAWAYS AND DIAMOND S TO MERGE

The boards of International Seaways Inc. and Diamond S Shipping Inc. have unanimously approved a definitive agreement to a merger in which Seaways shareholders will hold approximately 55.75% of the stock in the merged company and Diamond S shareholders 44.25%.

Douglas Wheat, Lois Zabrocky and Jeffrey Pribor will continue to serve as the chairman of the board of directors, CEO and chief financial officer of the International Seaways, respectively, and the current CEO of Diamond S, Craig Stevenson Jr., will join its board of directors, and also act as a special advisor to the CEO for a six-month period to ensure a smooth transition.

The merger will create the second largest U.S.-listed tanker company by vessel count and the third largest by deadweight. The combined company will have 100 vessels, shipping revenues of over $1 billion.

ROCKPORT TERMINALS ACQUIRED BY JONES CAPITAL

Houston headquartered Jones Capital has acquired Rockport Terminals, one of the largest private intermodal terminals on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Though strategically located within 28 miles of the Port of Corpus Christi, Rockport Terminals is outside of the port’s tariff zone. With more than 250 acres of industrial land, it offers access to the Intracoastal Waterway, nearby railways, and many major highways.

Today, the terminal specializes in bulk liquids storage, bulk and break bulk, and bulk liquids product handling.

Jones has named Ross Stevenson as Rockport Terminals president and CEO. Most recently with Phillips 66, Stevenson has nearly 15 years of experience in executive management, business development, and project management. He will work closely with the existing Rockport Terminals management team.

The acquisition is the third in two years for Jones Capital, a provider of private capital to lower middle market businesses in the transportation and logistics, technology, industrial, and business services markets.

ALL AMERICAN MARINE SOLD TO BRYTON MARINE GROUP

All American Marine owner Matt Mullett has completed the private sale of the Bellingham, Wash.-based aluminum vessel specialist to family-owned Bryton Marine Group, whose member companies include Brix Marine, EagleCraft, Duckworth, KingFisher, Northwest and Weldcraft boats.

All American holds exclusive North American building rights from New Zealand’s Teknicraft Design Ltd., whose design incorporates the use of a cuttingedge hull shape and an optional hydrofoil system in catamarans to create lift and enhance performance.

Byron Bolton assumes the role of CEO along with Mullett aboard in an advisory role. Ron Wille, All American Marine’s president, together with his management team will lead the business.

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