GENERAL Archives - Page 39 of 68

USA-based manufacturer Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC) is announcing a series of new chemical tanker deals in Turkey, one of its biggest exports markets.

Avon, Ohio headquartered APC is set to begin work this month supplying its MarineLINE tank coating system to the Dentas shipyard in Turkey. The team is undertaking two repair jobs at the yard for Turkish shipowner Veysel Vardal Shipping on its 6800 DWT MT BARBAROS ULUÇ VARDAL and MT BARBAROS HAYRETTİN VARDAL chemical tankers each with 12 cargo tanks and two slop tanks to be coated. APC has further just struck new deals to recoat six tankers owned by Turkish ship owner Mercan and a single tanker for fellow Turkish ship owner Transal. The work will be overseen by APC’s Tuzla-based Turkish team led by Koray Karagöz.

APC’s Global Marine Manager Onur Yildirim said the jobs will see APC provide heat curing and inspection services in a variety of shipyards.

“It is very pleasing to see APC and MarineLINE being chosen and trusted to repair and recoat these vessels with a collection of owners and shipyards we know well,” he said. “Building long-term relationships with customers is key to our approach. We have a very able and experienced Turkish team and we are looking forward to starting work.”

Captain Yildirim said Turkey remains one of APC’s most important export destinations where it now commands 80 per cent of the market. The latest deals follow a strong period for APC in Turkey after it sealed a contract to recoat 10 tankers for Turkish ship management company Chemfleet which followed the winning of two deals for new-build chemical tankers for Turkish shipping lines Nakkas and Ceksan. Elsewhere APC is working on a series of recoat and new build jobs in Greece and China.

“We believe MarineLINE is an X factor product with a sharp competitive edge,” he said. “Key to this is MarineLINE’s proven ability to carry a wide variety of chemicals over a sustained period without risk of cross contamination even in older vessels. Moreover, operators are now much more aware that when tank coatings go wrong it can cost millions of dollars per ship to repair plus disruption and lack of availability. MarineLINE’s established position and track record is able to give the industry far greater piece of mind. This is especially the case for charterers who are now taking a bigger role in selecting tank coatings, they can rely on, to help them secure long-term agreements with ship owners.”

APC now has more than 12 per cent of the global chemical tanker coating market with 700 ships coated worldwide with MarineLINE. In 2021 APC reported one of its most successful years of trading coating 56 ships equating to over 750,000 square metres of MarineLINE applied.
Source: Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC)

Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has moved to retrofit its liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled tugboat to run on ammonia fuel.

Yokohama-based Keihin Dock Co., part of NYK Group, will carry out the modifications on the Sakigake it built in 2015.

The vessel, which operates in Tokyo Bay for another NYK Group company, Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha Corporation, should be ready to operate on ammonia in 2024.

The initiative is part of the development of vessels equipped with a domestically produced ammonia-fueled engine, which was initiated in October 2021 by NYK and IHI Power Systems.

Earlier in July, the two companies obtained approval in principle from the Japanese class society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for an ammonia-fueled tugboat.

“In the development process, there were various design challenges in using ammonia as fuel, but the two companies overcame these challenges without changing the size of the conventional tugboat,” NYK said.

Japanese shipowners, yards, and trading houses have been heavily involved in the development of the country’s ammonia (NH3) supply chain, including ammonia-powered deepsea ships expected to enter the market by as early as 2028. The government of Japan forecasts domestic ammonia demand of 3m tons in 2030 and 30m tons in 2050 and several owners have already contracted fellow shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) to build NH3 carriers alongside liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

NYK’s domestic rival, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), has also recently embarked on a project, through its harbour logistics business unit, Seagate Corporation, to roll out a new battery-powered tugboat in the first half of 2025.

More coal export bans are coming into place in Indonesia, at a time where demand for the commodity is approaching record highs.

Indonesia, the world’s largest coal exporter, is banning 48 miners who have failed to meet their domestic market obligations (DMO).

Energy and mineral resources minister Arifin Tasrif revealed yesterday that 71 coal companies fail to meet the DMO policy, requiring them to set aside 25% of the total production for the local electricity sector. Of the 71 coal companies that did not comply with the DMO policy, 48 of them did not even report, and are now banned from exporting for an undetermined period of time as punishment.

The price of coal has tripled this year and old mining communities have been resuscitated as Europe in particular seeks alternative energy supplies outside of Russia with plenty of business going to Indonesia.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is now predicting an all-time-high coal demand this year of about 8bn tons after an increase in requirements last year of 5.8% year-on-year.

Helm Operations’ annual user conference returns this September, offering customers the opportunity to meet with industry experts and discover the full potential of Helm’s innovative fleet management software solutions.

From September 22-23, Helm CONNECT users from all over the world will gather in Victoria, BC, Canada for Helm Conference 2022. For two full days, Helm Operations will celebrate the success of its customer community together with thought leaders, industry pioneers, peers, and technology experts at a high-energy event that will focus on training, information exchange and networking.

Taking place at the Inn at Laurel Point, the conference is a long overdue face-to-face for the company’s users, customers, partners, and friends. Helm’s success is based on developing new approaches which help customers optimize their operations and efficiently manage fleet-wide logistics. Helm Conference provides the opportunity for customers to share their experiences and find out more about Helm’s industry leading fleet management system and how it can be applied to their businesses. Attendees can expect to hear from a variety of industry leaders, including David Houghton, CIO of Ingram Marine. Other companies speaking include Bergan Marine, ShipTracks, Tiller Technical and more.

Throughout the conference, Helm and its partners will be offering advanced training for Helm CONNECT, including the introduction of new modules, features, and workflows to increase efficiency. Users will be invited to exchange best practice, to train with experts on how to best use Helm CONNECT and achieve advanced user certifications; and to learn from industry leaders, keynote speakers and other Helm users – all with the view to driving their businesses toward operational excellence.

“This year we’re excited to welcome one of largest and most international groups of attendees to our hometown of Victoria to train with our experts, learn from fellow users and gain skills to help lead their companies”, says Nolan Barclay, CEO of Helm Operations. “We will be announcing new products, providing early access to new features and modules, and launching exclusive integrations with our platform partners including Moxie Media, Bergen Systems, ShipTracks. Our attendees have told us time and time again that Helm Conference is their favourite event, and our goal is to continue that legacy.”
Source: Helm Operations

(SAN DIEGO) – General Dynamics NASSCO has received $1.4 billion in U.S. Navy contract modifications for construction of a sixth expeditionary sea base ship (ESB 8) and two additional John Lewis-class fleet oilers (T-AO 211 and 212). This award comes in addition to $600 million already received to procure long lead-time materials for the same ships.

The contract modification also provides an option for the Navy to procure an additional oiler, T-AO 213, bringing the total potential value to $2.7 billion for the four ships.

“NASSCO is committed to working together with the Navy to deliver these much needed ships to the fleet,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “As partners with the Navy, we remain dedicated to ensuring the success of both of these programs to help enhance and expand the Navy’s forward presence and warfighting capabilities while providing sustained growth for our workforce.”

Construction of the four ships is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2023 and continue into 2027.

In 2011, the Navy awarded NASSCO a contract to design and build the first two ships in the newly created mobile landing platform program, USNS Montford Point and USNS John Glenn. The program evolved, adding USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), the future USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) and the future USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7), configured as ESBs.

ESB ships are highly flexible platforms designed to support multiple maritime-based missions, including air mine countermeasures, special operations forces and limited crisis response. Acting as a mobile sea base, this 784-foot ship has a 52,000-square-foot flight deck to support MH-53, MH-60, MV-22 tilt-rotor and H1 aircraft operations. The future USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) and USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7) are currently under construction.

In 2016, the Navy awarded NASSCO a contract to design and build the first six ships in the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis class. Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy ships operating at sea, the 742-feet vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil and significant amounts of dry cargo, as well as providing aviation capability while traveling at speeds up to 20 knots.

The first ship, USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), was delivered to the Navy in July 2022. USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207) and USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) are currently under construction.

— General Dynamics NASSCO

Guilford, Conn., based American Cruise Line’s latest modern riverboat, American Symphony, completed sea trials late last week and is on its way to New Orleans for an on-time start to its inaugural season on the Mississippi River.

American Cruise Lines reports that it accepted delivery of the vessel from Chesapeake Shipbuilding as scheduled. The ship is the fifth riverboat in the Line’s ground-breaking new series and the 15th small ship built by the Salisbury, Md., shipyard for American.

The 175-passenger riverboat will immediately join the company’s expanding Mississippi River fleet. It is set to depart New Orleans August 27, and American Cruise Lines plans to christen it during its inaugural cruise, on August 30 in Natchez, Miss.

“American Symphony is part of our ongoing commitment to leading the U.S. river cruise market by introducing innovative small ships every year,” said American Cruise Line’s president and CEO Charles B. Robertson. “Smaller is better on the rivers. We look forward to American Symphony’s first season on the Mississippi, as well as the introduction of sister ship American Serenade early next year.”

Accommodating 175 guests, American Symphony has five decks and offers 100% private balcony staterooms, including suites and single rooms. The new riverboat has an elegant design with a stunning use of glass, allowing for unparalleled views throughout the ship, which also showcases American’s patented opening bow and retractable gangway, as well as a top deck skywalk with an ellipse that cantilevers dramatically over the café below.

Source: https://www.marinelog.com/inland-coastal/inland/american-symphony-completes-sea-trials/

There has been immense interest in mapping out the impacts of the national lockdowns China imposed in the second quarter. However, going by new data released on Sunday by China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC), the nation appears to have shrugged off most of the predicted impacts on its economy.

Specifically, July has seen a significant recovery. Despite signs that global consumption would slow in July, outbound shipments grew by 18 percent, the fastest pace yet this year, compared to 17.9 percent rise recorded in June. This performance exceeded expectations of a 15 percent gain.

Analysts had pegged their outlook on results of a global manufacturing survey, which showed demand weakened in July with orders and output indices falling to their lowest levels since the onset of Covid-19. Another official China’s manufacturing survey corroborated the decline; showing industrial activity had contracted in June, resulting from widespread lockdowns in spring.

But the unexpected positive performance in July points to recovery of supply chains at China’s major export hubs. In addition, China’s special relief measures for small and medium-sized enterprises, including tax reductions, could have had some effect, according to trade researcher Bai Ming of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

The high export volume recorded in July is also reflected in increasing number of TEUs handled at Chinese ports. Foreign trade container throughput at eight of the Chinese major ports rose by 14.5 percent in July, compared to the 8.4 percent gain seen in June, according to data by the China Ports and Harbors Association.

“Amid negative real interest rate and surging inflation, July exports may have been buoyed by frontloaded orders by some European and US customers to ensure they had goods on hand with lower costs,” noted Bruce Pang, Chief Economist and head of research at Jones Lang Lasalle Inc.

Meanwhile, imports remain weak, suggesting a soft domestic demand in China. Imports rose by only 2.3 percent from a year earlier against the forecasted 3.7 percent rise.

For instance, crude oil imports in July fell by 9.5 percent from a year earlier while the volume of imported integrated circuits – a major Chinese import – dropped by 19.6 percent, according to Reuters’ calculations. The slow growth in import volumes will be visible in the last half of the year, as China’s imports are components of goods that are then re-exported.

Source: https://maritime-executive.com/article/china-s-exports-still-growing-despite-global-inflation-fears

Critics of China’s Belt and Road program have long warned of the potential military uses of the Chinese-operated port at Hambantota, Sri Lanka, and successive Sri Lankan governments have denied that the port would benefit China’s PLA Navy. This past weekend, a Chinese missile tracking ship tried to call at the port, setting off a minor diplomatic scuffle with India and providing new evidence for the critique.

In 2016, a Chinese state-owned enterprise took over the port of Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on exceptionally favorable terms. The Sri Lankan government was heavily in debt to China, and to raise funds, it granted a 99-year lease on the underutilized port complex to China Merchants Port Holdings (CM Port) in exchange for $1.1 billion. For critics of China’s Belt and Road development program, Hambantota immediately became the go-to example of Beijing’s “debt diplomacy”: saddling a developing nation with debt to build unneeded infrastructure, then taking control of the distressed assets.

As a deepwater port, Hambantota also has dual-use application as a potential naval resupply point, which China’s critics in New Delhi and Washington, D.C. were quick to point out. Sri Lanka’s government has pushed back on this suggestion over the years. “There are no foreign naval bases in Sri Lanka,” Ranil Wikremesinghe, then prime minister of Sri Lanka, said in 2018. “The Hambantota Port is a commercial joint venture between our ports authority and China Merchants.”

These suspicions were put to the test this month with the planned arrival of the spy ship Yuan Wang 5, a ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship in China’s research vessel fleet. She was due to transit to Hambantota, arriving August 11 and departing August 17 after conducting replenishment. Her mission in the Indian Ocean, according to the China-oriented consultancy Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka (BRISL), is to “conduct space tracking, satellite control and research tracking in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean region through August and September.”

However, India protested the plans for the ship’s arrival. India and Sri Lanka share a defense treaty that prohibits Colombo from allowing a foreign military (like China’s PLA Navy) to use Sri Lankan ports if the use damages India’s interests. The timing was particularly sensitive because India had just provided Sri Lanka with $4.5 billion in aid to bail out its collapsing economy.

After New Delhi’s objections, the (newly-formed) Sri Lankan administration of President Ranil Wickremesinghe asked the Chinese embassy to postpone the Yuan Wang 5’s port call “until further consultations.”

“Letting the Chinese military vessel dock at Hambantota would have compounded Sri Lanka’s other India-unfriendly actions since 2014, when two Chinese submarines separately docked at a new, Chinese-built container terminal in Colombo Port,” said Indian defense strategist Prof. Brahma Chellaney, speaking to the Times of India.

Source: https://maritime-executive.com/article/sri-lanka-turns-chinese-naval-vessel-away-from-port-of-hambantota

A group of Japanese technology leaders (MTI, Japan Marine, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, Furuno, Japan Radio, BEMAC, ClassNK and NAPA) have come together to establish a cooperation program called “Maritime and Ocean Digital Engineering” (MODE), at the University of Tokyo from the 1 October. The program aims to promote and enhance digital engineering technology and skills for the maritime sector by building cooperative simulation platforms. Japan’s maritime industry is facing challenges, such as developing and implementing new technologies in the context of global decarbonization, maintaining shipping services by integrating autonomous ships to assist seafarers and improve safety, and ensuring high productivity among increasing complexity in ship design and manufacturing processes.

MODE aims to address these challenges by using model-based development (MBD) and model-based systems engineering (MBSE), which are increasingly being introduced in the automobile industry.

MBD and MBSE approach problems by examining the functions of products and components as computer models, and then checking their behaviors through simulations. MBD and MBSE enable not only the optimization of complex system designs, but also the creation of a collaborative development process (“Maritime and Ocean Digital Engineering”) involving a wide range of stakeholders, including shippers and operators.

The program for research and education on MBD and MBSE for the maritime field will be established by a forming broad network between the Graduate Schools of Frontier Sciences and Engineering at the University of Tokyo and other universities and research institutes around the world that are promoting advanced engineering initiatives, and relevant experts from other industries such as automobiles, aerospace and aviation.

The program aims to develop, implement, and upskill users in the deployment of new technologies. It is also expected to expand into maritime fields such as offshore wind power generation and subsea resource development.

An inaugural symposium is scheduled for the afternoon of 4 October this year at the University of Tokyo.

The maritime industry in the Northern Netherlands is pooling its knowledge and capabilities to take on the technological challenges and become a global player in “green”, clean shipping and digital shipbuilding. A European grant of 1.4 million euros is to support these developments.

The grant goes to the “Green Maritime Coalition”, a consortium of 21 technology developers, shipping companies, shipyards, suppliers, laboratories, universities of applied sciences and the University of Groningen.

The “Green Maritime Coalition” is initiated by the Groninger Maritime Board and Conoship International and is planning to lead the way in the transition to large-scale zero-emission shipping and digital shipbuilding. This process is aiming on industrial development and application of techniques such as hydrogen propulsion, VentiFoil-wind propulsion, Redox Flow full electric propulsion, Ship Based Carbon Capture and Storage and robotisation of production processes.

Maritime innovation ecosystem

‘The energy transition provides the innovative northern Dutch maritime industry great opportunities to become a global player in developing and delivery of “green” technologies for clean shipping,’ says Guus van der Bles, Director Development of Conoship International. ‘Cooperation between technology developers, shipbuilders, shipowners and knowledge institutes is essential for this, in combination with robotisation of ship production to build the innovative zero-emission ships in the Northern Netherlands. The support from the Province, EFRO and SNN will stimulate this co-operation, and accelerate innovations and development in this region.’

On Wednesday 13 July, deputy of the Province of Groningen, IJzebrand Rijzebol, handed over a cheque to the initiators of the innovation project: 1.4 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund (EFRO).

Rijzebol: ‘The maritime industry in the Northern Netherlands is innovative and strong and of great importance for employment. In the coming years, this industry will direct and make the transition to sustainable shipping. I am pleased that this challenge is being taken up in a unique collaboration between business and knowledge institutions. A northern maritime innovation ecosystem could develop into an employment powerhouse.’

Project partners

Initial project partners of the Green & Digital Maritime Innovation Ecosystem Northern Netherlands are Conoship International BV, MSN BV, Holthausen Clean Technology BV, eCONOwind BV, Bouman Industries BV, Bijlsma Wartena BV, Doze Management BV, Royal Niestern-Sander BV, Eekels Technology BV, Cadmatic BV, Wijnne & Barends’ Cargadoors- en Agentuurkantoren BV, Wagenborg Shipping BV, ROC Friese Poort, Stichting NHL Stenden Hogeschool and the University of Groningen.

Source: https://swzmaritime.nl/news/2022/08/09/northern-dutch-maritime-industry-wants-to-become-global-player-green-ships/

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GENERAL Archives - Page 39 of 68 - SHIP IP LTD

Advanced Polymer Coatings strikes series of new tanker deals

NYK retrofitting LNG-powered tugboat to run on ammonia

Indonesia dishes out further coal export bans

Helm Operations Celebrates Customer Success at Helm Conference 2022

NASSCO gets $1.4 billion for sixth ESB, two oilers

American Symphony completes sea trials

China’s Exports Still Growing Despite Global Inflation Fears

Sri Lanka Turns Chinese Naval Vessel Away From Port of Hambantota

NAPA works with MODE

Northern Dutch maritime industry wants to become global player ‘green’ ships

Maritime innovation ecosystem

Project partners

News

IHM Maintenance Requirements: Ensuring Compliance with Ship Recycling Regulations

Maritime Electronic Log Book: Digital Record-Keeping for Ships

MARPOL Electronic Book: The Future of Ship Compliance

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