Singapore-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine has finalised contracts to build an additional pair of the StratCat 26m Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) for WEM Marine (WEM).

WEM is a UK based offshore support vessel (OSV) provider with a growing fleet of new and technologically advanced vessels servicing the offshore wind energy sector.   The company placed its first order for two 27m CTVs with Strategic Marine in September 2020. The vessels were built in Singapore and have since been delivered to WEM in Southampton in July of 2021. This new second pair is scheduled for delivery in April 2022.

WEM Marine’s Managing Director, David Ford said, “WEM has been involved in the UK and European offshore wind farm sector for many years and has successfully operated in most major UK and European wind farm projects.  These new CTV vessels are a key element of our business growth plans as a leading supplier of reliable, safe, fast, fuel efficient, offshore support vessels that are state-of-the-art and fit-for-purpose. We have taken delivery of the first two vessels and have put them to work almost immediately upon their arrival in the UK, and based on the team from Strategic Marine’s professionalism, our excellent working relationship and tailored financing solution, we are delighted to award Strategic Marine this contract for two more vessels.”

Hans Randklev, Strategic Marine’s General Manager for Commercial added, “We are delighted to win this second contract with WEM.  Our technical expertise, quality of product and tailored financing package has given WEM the confidence to order more CTVs, secure in the knowledge that we will deliver these CTVs on time, on budget and to their specifications. The financial solutions that we can offer alongside our vessel construction capabilities give our customers financial flexibility and assistance in these challenging economic times.  This second contract consolidates our position in the renewable energy market and demonstrates the growing strength of our partnership with WEM.”

The CTVs have been designed to meet WEM’s specific requirements, they will be deployed in UK and European waters as part of the company’s growing fleet servicing the offshore wind energy market.

To improve the safety of personnel during transfer to the turbines the vessels are fitted with the AFS 2 active fendering system. This patented solution allows the vessels to push up with greater confidence and with less risk of damage to the vessels and offshore structures while providing a stable and safe connection for crew in a larger range of sea conditions. The variable distance centre section allows easy “safe climbing distance” adjustment.

“The AFS 2 active fendering system is a game changer and give operators a higher safety factor when pushing up on the turbines which translates to less time, cost and emissions per transfer and potentially a larger operating window.” said Jim Fraser, Strategic Marine’s BDM for Europe.

The vessels will be built to RINA class rules with the Green Star 3 notation and will also have a “Green Passport” for safe ship recycling to meet WEM’s company ethos of reducing the environmental footprint of their operations.

Adnoc Logistics & Services (Adnoc L&S), the shipping and maritime logistics arm of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, has announced its strategic partnership with Netherlands-headquartered Roll Group to strengthen its turnkey integrated logistics offering.

The partnership with Roll Group enables Adnoc L&S to jointly implement heavy haulage solutions for both onshore and offshore projects. The partnership agreement was signed by Adnoc L&S CEO, Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi and Roll Group’s CEO, Peter Rondhuis, in the presence of Captain Mohamed Al Ali, SVP of Ship Management at Adnoc L&S, and Frans Van Seumeren, founding partner of Roll Group.

Under the terms of the agreement, Adnoc L&S and Roll Group will offer end-to-end heavy lifting and transport solutions, including full scale installation for Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts, acting as a one-stop shop for all logistic requirements.

This integrated approach is expected to reduce overall project costs for customers, including Adnoc Group. The agreement also strengthens the development of Adnoc L&S’ logistics base in Mussafah and Riash as Roll Group will set up a permanent base at ADNOC L&S’ Mussafah Offshore Supply Base and relocate its Self-Propelled Modular Trailers (SPMTs) to Adnoc L&S’ Riash facility.

Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of Adnoc L&S, said, “The partnership with Roll Group is an important step in the growth of our integrated logistics operations, particularly for heavy haulage. Heavy Lift services are an integral part of any large EPC contract, and this combined capability allows us to deliver a comprehensive and cutting-edge solution, which also turns out be more economical for the project. The UAE is currently making large investments in new downstream and industrial facilities and refurbishing existing plants. As part of our broad strategy across shipping, integrated logistics and marine services, we are creating an integrated ecosystem that can meet the transport and logistical needs of such large and critical oil and gas projects”.

There are several major oil and gas projects at the bidding stage in the UAE, which require a combined solution of Heavy Lift land transport, marine transport, marine services and engineering. The collaboration between Adnoc L&S and Roll Group enables the companies to provide fully integrated solutions within the UAE and across the region.

Adnoc L&S currently operates logistics bases in Ruwais, Fujairah and Mussafah with Mussafah operating as the largest integrated logistics base in the Gulf region. The company also operates the only marine passenger terminal within Adnoc Group, providing a wide range of diversified services to the offshore industry with limited competition in the region.

Nimalan Logeswaran, regional sales director for Roll Group MEA said, “We have formed this partnership to consolidate our expertise in response to the changing market conditions and our clients’ requirements. By providing a single integrated source covering end-to-end logistics solutions, Adnoc L&S and Roll Group can now offer our clients an optimized and economical approach for their logistical needs on oil and gas projects. Our focus is to help our clients deliver the most innovative and cost-effective solutions to their clients. This is why both companies have committed to jointly exploring the next generation of innovative Heavy Lift solutions for the region.”

Norwegian companies Wavefoil and IP Huse have signed an agreement on the production of retractable bow foils.

Retractable bow foils give reduced fuel consumption in waves, and in addition increased comfort. With the current focus on the environment and sustainability, this will be an important contributor to meet the requirements for less emissions in the maritime industry.

Wavefoil, founded in 2016, offers retractable bow foils (underwater wings) for ships. The foils typically save 5-15% fuel and improve comfort on board. The benefits of bow foils have long been known, but Wavefoil is the first company to have developed a commercial and patented solution where the foils can be pulled into the ship’s hull, which is crucial for this type of foils to be a commercial success

It has been important for Wavefoil to find a partner who knows the maritime industry and the requirements that are set. “I P Huse has the right expertise and facilities so that we can be sure that customers get a quality product that meets the requirements of the market,” said Eirik Bøckmann, general manager of Wavefoil.

The first project in the new collaboration will be the production and installation of Wavefoil’s first foil module of type WF5910, where Wavefoil has received support from the EU program EIC Accelerator for technology development, growth, and scaling. WF5910 is dimensioned for ships from 100 to 200m.

The collaboration also covers service and start-up of Wavefoil’s products. “With I P Huse’s expertise and good reputation as a quality supplier of products in the maritime industry, the collaboration will give our products a stamp of quality,” said Pål-Ove Husøy, Sales Director at Wavefoil.

“We have had a good collaboration from day one, and we are very happy to have reached an agreement. We look forward to contributing to the production of Wavefoil’s products,” commented Håkon Heieraas, COO of I P Huse.

In an unconnected development, Last week Wavefoil Wavefoil secured a contract with Sea Technology to provide retractable bow foils for two ambulance vessels, operated by Gulen Skyss. The vessels are designed by Sea Technology and will be built in composite material by Måløy Verft/Easy Form. Both vessels are planned to be in operation before May 1st, 2022.

This will be the second project where Wavefoil has provided foil modules for ambulance vessels. Following the success with the ambulance vessel Thea Jensen, this contract demonstrates the importance of satisfied pilot customers. “We have already documented 25% motion damping for Thea Jensen, and we are confident that these new vessels will obtain a significant patient safety and comfort improvement with our foils deployed”, said Bøckmann.

Wavefoil’s delivery for the two ambulance vessels is four WF1050 modules with control panels, with the possibility for remote monitoring, increasing the operational safety and ensuring optimal performance.

The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project and Kongsberg Maritime have entered a Memorandum of Understanding in support of the global initiative to produce the complete map of the ocean floor. Under the terms of the MOU, the two parties will work together to advance understanding of ocean bathymetry. The effort complements the goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO to inspire the complete mapping of the world’s ocean by 2030, and to compile all bathymetric data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. GEBCO is a joint project of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and is the only organisation with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor.

Kongsberg Maritime provides solutions for safe, efficient and sustainable maritime operations. The solutions are suitable for offshore energies, seaborne transportation, hydrography, science, navy, coastal marine, aquaculture, training services and more. Kongsberg Maritime is the largest business area within Kongsberg Gruppen ASA. The Group has an integrated portfolio of solutions for businesses, partners and nations operating from the depths of the sea to outer space and to the digital frontier.

“Seabed 2030 greatly welcomes the support of Kongsberg Maritime,” commented Jamie McMichael-Phillips, Director of the Seabed 2030 Project. “KONGSBERG’s prominent capabilities in providing sustainable maritime operations closely align with our ethos and aim here at Seabed 2030.”

Bjørn Jalving, Senior Vice President Technology, Kongsberg Maritime said, “As an organisation committed to offering the best marine technology, we are delighted to support Seabed 2030 in its mission of producing the definitive map of the seafloor. We envisage our systems for surveying, positioning and navigation to contribute rewardingly to this imperative global effort. We will specifically develop freely available functions for Kongsberg Maritime multibeam echo sounders, single beam echosounders and AUVs that ease the process of contributing bathymetric data to the Seabed 2030 data centres. The development will be collaboratively with the University of New Hampshire and Stockholm University. A complete map of the seafloor is a critical first step in understanding our planet through ocean exploration. We’re proud to support the Seabed 2030 Project.”

All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 Project is included in the GEBCO global grid, which is free and publicly available.