15 minute read
Oceanology International
Following the recent signifi cant re-relaxation of Covid restrictions in the UK, the Oceanology International exhibition and conference is set to return to ExCel London in March 2022.
With green shoots on the horizon everywhere, the three-day Oceanology International 2022, is scheduled to take place in ExCel London on March 15-17, 2022 – and exhibitor numbers are reported to be already on a par with previous shows.
With the welfare of attendees a paramount concern, organiser RX Global has designed an exhibition and conference space which leaves no stone unturned in creating a covid-safe environment. This means that visitors will be able to take in the full range of diverse content provided by an Oi event for the first time in four long years.
NEW EXHIBITORS
In addition to the welcome return of long-term Oi exhibitors such as iXblue, Kongsberg Maritime, Fugro and Teledyne Marine, the Oi22 show floor will be accommodating 83 new stands hosting companies which are exhibiting at an Oi event for the first time. These include GeoAcoustics Ltd, which supplies sonar equipment for bathymetry, side scan and sub-bottom profiling; and Blueprint Lab, which manufactures robotic arms for use in challenging subsea environments.
At the centre of ocean innovation and technology, Oi will showcase world first product introductions including the culmination of a 4 year EU supported project called AIRCOAT, a revolutionary hull coating which reduces friction, fouling and emissions while increasing vessel performance. From Sweden, Amo Kabel launches the first DNV approved aluminium power cables replacing traditional copper. A record-breaking underwater AUV thruster will be launched by Tianjin Haoye Technology of China and Canada’s Seamor Marine will introduce the new Mako ROV built to carry a variety of accessories with a power capacity to run them all simultaneously. These innovative products and many more unique advances in maritime technology will be seen for the first-time during Oceanology International.
OCEAN ICT
A growing attraction on the exhibition floor is the Ocean ICT area showcasing over 20 companies, dedicated to the latest developments in ocean IT, communications, satellite and data solutions. These include BeamworX, which specializes in the acquisition, processing and integration of single/multibeam echosounder and laser data; Hydromea, an emerging supplier in high-speed wireless underwater communication and portable robotics; and WSENSE, which manufactures monitoring and comms systems that harness a unique patented solution in the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT).
Another networking feature for Oi22 will be Oi Connect, bringing together ocean professionals to participate in free, brokered one-to-one meetings. Visitors can arrange meetings with their selected exhibitor representatives who are looking to grow their business networks. This service is organised by Oi in collaboration with both Sector Global, a renowned meetings broker, and EEN (the Enterprise Europe Network). Meetings can be arranged to take place on the exhibitor’s stand or in the quiet of a dedicated Oi Connect meetings lounge.
Always popular at Oi events are the multiple on-water product demonstrations, this year on an even bigger scale and scope, unique to Oi and staged in the adjacent Royal Victoria Dock. This year Fugro will be demonstrating its Blue Essence 12m uncrewed surface vessel (USV), the first in the industry with an electric remote operated vehicle (eROV) controlled from an onshore remote operations centre. USVs will play an important role in the maritime sector offering a safer, more sustainable solution in support of the energy transition. The dockside will manage operations from multiple all-weather locations and includes demos from the likes of USV manufacturer OceanAlpha; ROV designer Blueye; and the hydrographic survey solutions provider Seafloor Systems. Visitors can also examine moored vessels on display such as the Kommandor Stuart from Hays Ships, and vessels hosted by Magellan, Briggs and NORBIT Subsea. The latter’s 14.25m catamaran, SV Thame, is fully equipped for high-resolution bathymetric and terrestrial surveys.
This news together with the rescheduled Norshipping in Oslo in April, and Seawork in June, signals an encouraging re-opening of Europe’s key maritime events.
OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL TO REOPEN ITS DOORS
8 Always popular at Oi events are the multiple
on-water product demonstrations
8 Visitors will be able to take in the full range of
diverse content provided by an Oi event for the fi rst time in four long years
TUG DELIVERY AND ORDER ROUND-UP
A quiet news period allows room for a more detailed look at two tug deliveries and one order of interest reported in recent weeks, both with European involvement
The popularity of Damen’s Shoalbuster series of shallowdraught tugs continues with delivery of Caspian Amwaj, a 3815 SD variant and the largest Shoalbuster in Damen’s catalogue to Caspian Off shore Construction LLP. The vessel was built for stock by Albwardy Damen with delivery taking place just four weeks after contract signing and Caspian Amwaj, which can operate in just 120cm water depths, will initially be deployed on a project in the Arabian Gulf.
Contributing to the tug’s ultra-shallow draught capabilities are the four 1,000mm diameter Promarin FP propellers with no fewer than seven Caterpillar engines installed on the vessel. Prime movers are four C12-TA engines producing in total 1,148bkW and connected to the propellers turning in v.d. Giessen Optima nozzles via Reintjes WAF244L gearboxes delivering 18.6tbp and speed 10kn. In addition, there are two C4.4 main and one C9.3 DITA generators and manoeuvrability is enhanced by two Kalkman Beta 122bhp tunnel thrusters forward. Secondary systems include transfer pumps from Azcue and fuel oil separator by Westfalia. Tank capacities include: fuel oil 163.3m3, fresh water 68.6m3 and lube oil 2.9m3 .
BV-classed Caspian Amwaj carries the notation: IHULL MACH, Offshore Support Vessel (Anchor Handling: Tug) Unrestricted Navigation, AUT, UMS, Green Passport EU, Inwatersurvey, DYNAPOS AM/AT (DP1) and is designed for multiple roles including: anchor, buoy and hose handling; towing and general support for the O&G industry and dredging support activities.
The vessel has a substantial cargo capacity with a deck area of 185m2, a raised aft deck loading of 15t/m2 and main deck loading of 1.5t/m2. Its capabilities are reflected in the deck equipment specification which include a 72t brake load anchor-handling and towing winch, Heila HLRM 140-SLK deck crane (14.6t@7.64m, 5.1t@18m), towing pins, tugger winch and four-point mooring system. An extensive navigation and communications fit for GMDSS Area A3 is included featuring equipment from suppliers including Furuno, Cassens, Anschuetz, Simrad, Jonton, Phonetech, Thrane & Thrane and Naval (radio/TV antenna system). Standard accommodation provides comfortable living space for eleven persons.
Med Marine’s Ereğli Shipyard has delivered a Robert Allan Ltd-designed ASD tug to a client not in the first instance involved in the general world of towing. Piraeus-based Sekavin S.A. was founded in 1979 and supplies fuel oils, distillates and lubricants in the wider area of Piraeus port, Agioi Theodoroi and Syros island. Its website indicates a fleet of two bunkering tankers which are now joined by the new tug, named Itanos, a vessel of 25.2m in length on a beam of 12m. As with the Caspian Offshore delivery, Caterpillar once again features in the engine room with two 3516C main engines developing 4,200kW with a C4.4 generator set also included. Propulsion is via Kongsberg US 255S fixed-pitch thrusters delivering 75tbp and speed 12kn. A THR Marine towing winch is included and MLC-compliant accommodation provided for seven persons.
Final news this month involves the delivery of a pair of 81tbp RAL RAstar 3200 tugs to Augustea Gran Colombia by Turkey’s Uzmar Group. The vessels involved were built by Uzmar in 2019 and previously operated in shiphandling, coastal towing, general purpose and escort towing services as part of Uzmar’s own national fleet at Ambarli port, Istanbul. The pair have been renamed RR Macondo and RR Santa Marta and will serve the port of Colombia in their new role.
Augustea Gran Colombia is part of Rimorchiatori Mediterranei S.p.A (in turn part of Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group) and at the time of the contract signing at Uzmar’s head office in Istanbul Mr Noyan Altug, Uzmar chairman hinted at possible future activities between the shipyard and client stating he was: “… very proud that Rimorchiatori Mediterranei Group and Augustea Gran Colombia chose Uzmar built and operated tugboats to expand their fleet and strongly believe their cooperation will only improve and grow in the following years with different projects.”
Rimorchiatori Riuniti encompasses eleven associated companies and Rimorchiatori Mediterranei, mentioned here has been making the news in other ways of late with its acquisition of 100% of Keppel Smit Towage Private Limited and Maju Maritime Pte Ltd two of the largest harbour towage service providers in Singapore and Malaysia (see MJ January 2022).
8 Caspian Amwaj
is a Damen Shoalbuster 3815 SD
8 Two RAstar 3200
tugs have been delivered by Uzmar for operation in Columbia
BOLUDA ACQUIRES CALEDONIAN TOWAGE LTD
Boluda Towage and GEG (Holdings) Ltd have agreed a deal where the former will acquire Caledonian’s towage activities and its employees based at Invergordon, Scotland
“To continue being leaders in the international maritime towing sector our company needs to expand its scope of operations…” the words of Boluda Corporación Marítima chairman Vicente Boluda Fos describing the everexpanding activities of the Valencia-based towage operator including activities in the UK under whose auspices the Caledonian Towage fl eet will operate.
The agreement includes Caledonian’s activities and marine operations along with management, office staff and crew at Invergordon and once incorporated into Boluda’s fleet, the local management team will be headed by operations director Andrew Murray reporting to Phil Dulson, general manager Boluda Towage UK. Commenting on the sale, Caledonian owner Roy MacGregor also expanded on the benefits of the sale stating: “The decision for us to accept the opportunity to sell Caledonian Towage to Boluda came at just the right time as we continue to diversify our offering as a business. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the entire team for all of their hard work whilst working within the GEG Group and wish them well under their new ownership.”
Vicente Boluda Ceballos, Boluda Towage vice president executive hinted at the company’s future intentions stating: “The strong local team, with highly engaged colleagues will bring a lot of experience and expertise to our company. Having exciting times ahead of us we certainly intend to deploy Caledonian’s professional crews and experienced employees on future projects”.
As well as a number of small workboats and launches Caledonian Towage’s tug fleet comprises three similar 65tbp tugs built in Japan by Kanagawa Zosen in 2005/6. Strathdee and Strathdon were originally named respectively Iide Maru and Azuma Maru for Fukushima Kisen KK, later to become Kintore and Keverne for JP Knight/Knight Caledonian before receiving their current names with Caledonian Towage in 2014. Tug number three in the trio was originally named Fuji Maru later becoming Kindeace (JP Knight/Knight Caledonian) and then Multratug 5 for a time, managed and operated by Multraship Towage & Salvage BV before reverting to Kindeace again in 2020. Currently Multraship are still listed as manager/ operator with GEG Marine & Logistics.
8 Caledonian’s
fl eet includes three Japan-built ASD tugs
Damen introduces ASD 2312 tug simulator
Dutch shipbuilder Damen has teamed up with Force Technology to develop a simulator for one of its popular tug designs at simulator centres and in the Cloud environment.
Tug simulators are now widely employed as a cost-effective means of training crews in a safe environment exploring various situations while avoiding potential risks involved in real time, real world activities. Part of the process of procuring a new tug can involve owners and their representatives flying to shipyards to assess various designs and try them out in real time prior to or during the acquisition process. As the effects of lockdown and travel restrictions from Covid has put severe restrictions on such activities, Damen has identified another way of achieving this remotely and together with Force Technology developed the latter’s
8 Damen’s ASD 2312 simulator
SimFlex simulator model for the ASD 2312 Tug for use in simulator centres globally and with the SimFlex Cloud.
Denmark-based Force Technology’s global coverage and its “highly respected reputation” in the maritime industry was an attraction for Damen who mention travel restrictions in countries such as Australia and New Zealand as a reason for designing an ASD 2312 simulator model, Bastin Kubbe, Damen regional service manager Asia Pacific commenting: “We want to enable our customers to thoroughly test our vessels in an accessible manner prior to or during the acquisition process. Simulations can assist customers when deciding on the tug type they require, but they are equally important after an acquisition when the simulator can be used for training purposes for existing and new customers.”
Force Technology already has several Damen vessels in its simulator portfolio using advanced modelling techniques including data from sea trials and physical model tests derived from its own towing tank and wind tunnel test facilities with mathematical ship models responding exactly like actual vessels to ensure realistic environments in its own and its clients’ training facilities.
SCHOTTEL TO POWER ALL-ELECTRIC TUG eWolf
As Master Boat Builders begins construction of eWolf Schottel has reported it will supply the propulsion systems for what will be US’s fi rst all-electric shiphandling tug.
While hybrid and alternative-fuel tugs are el tugs are becoming increasingly common in the quest for the quest for greater effi ciencies and cleaner operations, operations, some operating profi les open the possibility of ossibility of employing all-electric tugs and while a handful e a handful are currently listed in Europe and beyond, this yond, this US reference introduces a new geographical aphical region for all-electric tugs.
German propulsion manufacturer Schottel chottel has announced that as part of the e eWolf eWolf package it will supply two RudderPropeller Propeller type SRP 430 thrusters featuring the LEhe LEDrive (Embedded L-Drive) and MariHub – ub –the data Internet of Things (IoT) gateway ay and its monitoring solution. The e thrusters will each supply 2,050kW of f power via 2.5m diameter propellers s developing a bollard pull of 70 short tonnes. The SRP 430 LE thruster features a compact design with an n extremely low installation height for r the LE-Drive while the omission of the e upper gearbox increases mechanical cal efficiency by around three percent and at the d at the same time reduces fuel consumption. eWolf’s 6MWh energy storage system will provide sufficient capacity for one full day of normal work without using any fuel, the batteries supplying power to the pr tu ch bo em l Schot (conditio detection o predictive
“significan Co Bo US sc op Rice,
“Today is a maritime in breaking ne
propulsion systems “almost instantly.” The tug’s systems are designed for fastchanging load requirements and two onboard generators will be provided for emergency use and to enable longer transit legs at reduced speed. Schottel’s MariHub IoT gateway and monitoring solution will record and analyse signals from sensors, machinery and other components to be certified by Schottel technicians. Along with ProCMS (condition monitoring system) MariHub allows early detection of irregularities in the propulsion system, a predictive maintenance approach that will “significantly increase” the availability of the vessel. Construction of eWolf is underway at Master Boat Builders shipyard in Coden, Alabama for US operator Crowley with completion scheduled for mid-2023 whereafter it will operate at Port of San Diego, California, Garrett Rice, president Master Boat Builders stating: “Today is also a remarkable milestone for the entire US maritime industry as we work toward providing ground breaking net zero-emission maritime capabilities.” eWolf is designed by Crowley Engineering Services and the tug will allow fully-electric operation while maintaining full performance capabilities with an integrated electrical package provided by Switzerland-based automation company ABB.
8 Schottel has
reported it will supply the propulsion systems for what will be US’s fi rst all-electric shiphandling tug
Introducing the TRAnsverse Tug
Svitzer and Robert Allan Ltd have presented a new tug design to be built by Sanmar Shipyards that will be the model for Svitzer’s carbon neutral methanol fuel cell tug.
Svitzer recently announced that together with parent company A.P. Moller Maersk and naval architect Robert Allan Ltd (RAL) it was to develop the world’s first methanol fuel cell tug (see MJ January 2022). Details of the vessel, including a new RAL model designation have been unveiled along with the announcement that Turkey’s Sanmar Shipyards will build the vessel.
Following RAL’s pattern of including ‘RA’ in its design name, the towing industry has been introduced to the TRAnsverse Tug. It is another break from the ASD or thruster forwards tractor configuration in adopting an in-line thruster arrangement based on an omnidirectional hull form. Svitzer’s example will join a small number of similar tugs gathering favour including the Giano Tug, Holland Shipyards Group’s Eddy Tug and Novatug’s Carrousel RAve Tug (two of which are operated by Multraship Towage & Salvage).
The design has other notable features including what Svitzer calls a “unique towing arrangement” and an innovative staple design along with the Svitzer Catcher and other equipment to automate operational elements. Impressions of the TRAnsverse Tug design illustrate the omni-directional hull with a raised forecastle, accommodation approximately midships and a large semi-enclosure for the winch ‘aft’ which also houses the Svitzer Catcher.
Svitzer states the TRAnsverse tug will be able to generate higher steering forces than most designs of similar dimensions, able to push pull and manoeuvre in all directions “all neatly wrapped in a smaller and nimbler tugboat.” The TRAnsverse Tug is scalable and suitable for all types of harbour and terminal towage operations and delivery of the first example from Sanmar Shipyards is expected in Q3 2023.
James R. Hyslop, manager, project development, Robert Allan Ltd, said: “. Integrating all these technologies into one vessel has never been done before and it was a real challenge to do it in a way that is safe, functional, and economic.”
Credit: Svitzer
8 Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug will have an omni-di-
