Heavy lift shipping and offshore transport and installation contractor Jumbo Offshore reports it has executed the transport and installation of a torpedo pile mooring system, including mooring for flexible risers, umbilical for the Libra Consortium’s Guanabara floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO). While this type of installation previously required the mobilization of up to three anchor handling tugs, Jumbo carried out the entire contract using only its J-class offshore installation vessel Fairplayer, working in the Mero field of Brazil’s Santos Basin.

The Libra Consortium is operated by Petrobras (38.6%), in partnership with Shell Brasil (19.3%), TotalEnergies (19.3%), CNPC (9.65%) and CNOOC (9.65%) and Pré-Sal Petróleo SA (PPSA) (3.5%), representing the Government in the non-contracted area.

Jumbo started investigating the installation project with the ambition to offer a more efficient and sustainable method. “Our first studies into a workable solution started around 2010,” said Brian Boutkan, Jumbo Head of Sales and Business Development, Americas.

Jumbo carried out the project in Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 2021; its scope of work consisted of the installation of 24 120-tonne torpedo anchor piles and connecting chains and polyline sections, and the installation of 11 35-tonne anchors for the flexible risers and umbilical mooring lines. The work also included the preliminary survey of the seabed and the removal of obstacles, and post-lay survey.

The torpedo mooring system is a Petrobras in-house developed method of mooring large floating structures such as FPSOs. The installation process involved lowering the torpedo pile to a set depth above the seabed. It is then released, free-falling at high speed through the water before penetrating the seabed. A remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) is then deployed to attach mooring chains and lines. Up until Jumbo’s one-installation-vessel method, this procedure has usually been performed by two anchor handling vessels working in tandem, sometimes even with a third vessel performing the ROV monitoring and survey work.

Fairplayer overboarding a torpedo pile for the FPSO mooring system (Photo: Jumbo Offshore)

Tilt, lower and launch method
The Fairplayer started the project with the 120-tonne piles, using one of its two 900-tonne cranes to tilt them over the side of the vessel, and then winch them down to the ‘launch’ depth.

After a final location check, the torpedo could be released to freefall to the seabed. “Working with one vessel enabled a much more controlled n process,” Boutkan noted. “Furthermore, compared to previous campaigns with anchor handling vessels, the operations at the port were also more efficient. The Fairplayer has its own cranes, which meant we could pick up the equipment ourselves. And she has a large deck, so she carried more torpedos and needed less trips to port.”

Offshore conditions
Repeating this process 24 times, Jumbo’s crew increased its workability and efficiency in the installation process. “There are always waves and swell when working in the South Atlantic region offshore Brazil. During the installation we encountered all seasons, from summer to winter. This definitely gave us some challenges, but we improved our efficiency in working with the piles to a point that we could install them even in higher waves,” Boutkan said.

The project progressed with the installation of the smaller 35-tonne anchor piles. Although these required a slightly different installation method, Jumbo had the flexibility to make the necessary changes to provide a comprehensive mooring installation package that included the flexible riser and umbilical anchors.

Project delivery without a twist
The project concluded with the mooring line installation campaign. The mooring lines consisted of both chain and polyester segments, so Jumbo needed two separate overboarding systems. Boutkan explained: “After attaching the mooring line to the pile, we laid the chain and remainder of the mooring line in a predetermined corridor on the seabed. It’s important not to have too many twists in the line, so we checked this by flying over the installed mooring with the ROV.”

Looking back at the recently completed contract, Jumbo project manager Rick Bruinsma highlighted the key factors in the project’s success. “The inventiveness of the engineering team, together with a successful continuous improvement program involving all disciplines, led to reduced installation cycle times throughout the whole offshore campaign. Furthermore, our constant focus on safety resulted in zero LTIs. And this whole operation was COVID-free – the health of the crew was assured and the project was not hampered or interrupted by COVID during the installation campaign. For that our project team, crewing and operations departments deserve a huge compliment for keeping everything going.”

The DP2 HLV Fairplayer in Brazil (Photo: Jumbo Offshore)

Source: https://www.marinelink.com/news/guanabara-fpso-mooring-system-installed-499199

According to news reports, Suez Canal Authority (SCA) tugboats refloated the Singapore-flagged Affinity V, after it was briefly stranded in in a southern section of the waterway late on Wednesday, due to a technical fault with its rudder.

“At around 17:00 UTC today (2022-08-31), the Aframax tanker Affinity V (9645401) seemed to have lost control in the Suez Canal while heading southbound. She temporarily clogged up traffic and is now facing south again, but moving slowly by tugboat assistance,” Tankertrackers.com said yesterday, citing a Marine Traffic report.

By late Thursday, the vessel was reported to be underway in the Gulf of Suez, headed for its destination at the major oil terminal in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

An Egyptian source told Seatrade Maritime News earlier this year that the SCA had beefed up towing power in its tugboat fleet to combat such threats, and now had at its disposal a number of 200 ton bollard-pull vessels and above, and was also engaged in widening a troublesome stretch of the southern area of the canal where the Japan-owned and Taiwan-operated Ever Given was grounded for a week in March 2021, throwing global logistics supply lines into chaos.

Source: https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/casualty/tanker-refloated-suez-canal-averting-lengthy-blockage

The broken bulk carrier OS 35 is leaking heavy fuel oil just off the east coast of Gibraltar.

The oil spill was reported Thursday and some has escaped the boomed perimeter surrounding the vessel.

The salvage team has pinpointed the source of the leak to two tank vents in the ship’s bunker tanks. All vents had previously been sealed but the splitting of the ship resulted in the release.

The Gibraltar Ports Authority said divers have been able to re-established the seals on the tanks and were working on stopping the leak. The Captain of the Port has confirmed that the leak from the tank vents is fully under control.

Oil spill response assets are downstream working to collect leaked oil and skimmers are inside the boomed area.

An operation is underway to pump out the fuel oil remaining onboard the ship into barges on the port side of the vessel. Meanwhile, the Gibraltar Port Authority has confirmed that an operation to pump out diesel has started.

The Port of Gibraltar remains closed so all assets can focus on the response.

Efforts are also underway to boom areas in Catalan Bay and on the Eastside Reclamation area and Sandy Bay to protect against impacts there. In the photo below you can see just how close the wreck is to shore:

Background

The Tuvalu-flagged OS 35 was outbound from Gibraltar Port when it collided with the unladen LNG carrier Adam LNG in the Bay of Gibraltar on Monday. The OS 35 was then anchored off Catalan Bay, on the opposite side of Iberian Peninsula, where it partially sank.

The vessel has since suffered a break in its hull. A survey inspection of the vessel before it broke confirmed a gash amidships measuring approximately 10 meters by 4 meters on the starboard side. Its bulbous bow is submerged in the sandy seabed.

OS 35 is loaded with steel bars and carrying over 400 metric tons of low sulphur fuel oil.

The Adam LNG, which is registered in the Marshall Islands, sustained only minimal damage.

The Captain of the Port and the Gibraltar Contingency Council have declared a Major Incident (MAJAX) under the Civil Contingencies Act to free up more resources to respond to the incident.

Spain’s Salvamento Maritimo and the Port of Algeciras are also assisting in the response.

Source: https://gcaptain.com/broken-bulk-carrier-os-35-leaks-fuel-oil/

Ro-ro cargo ship GRANDE GUINEA ran aground in Western Scheldt in front of Bath, at around 0130 UTC Sep 2, while sailing downstream, en route from Antwerp to Zeebrugge. Tugs assisted, the ship was refloated at around 0300 UTC, taken upstream to Schaar van Ouden Doel anchorage. Was either anchored or in process of anchoring at 0630 UTC, with 2 tugs assisting. No reports on damages, probably none. Cause of grounding unknown, but it looks like grounding caused by some mechanical failure – the ship reduced speed and went off course.

Source: https://www.fleetmon.com/maritime-news/2022/39393/grimaldis-ro-ro-grounding-western-scheldt/

Russian 63-year old Captain died on board of the ship under his command, on Sep 1 or Aug 31, “because of natural causes”, according to preliminary report. The ship was positioned off Arish port, North Sinai, Governorate of Egypt, Sinai Peninsula. He collapsed, and died, his body was transferred to Arish Hospital for forensics, investigation and formalities requiested for sending body to Russia. Ship wasn’t identified, but as of present, there’s only one ship docked at Arish, general cargo ship GULF BLUE (IMO 9125073, dwt 4450, flag Antigua, operated by Turkish Company). She arrived at Arish anchorage on Aug 30, was berthed on Sep 1. Ship’s ID is not confirmed.

Source: https://www.fleetmon.com/maritime-news/2022/39385/russian-captain-died-board-his-ship-med/

Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) yesterday officially started construction on the U.S. Navy’s first Constellation-class guided missile frigate. As shipbuilders began cutting steel for the ship, members of the Navy, representatives of elected officials and community leaders witnessed the milestone event.

Two years ago the Navy selected FMM to design and build the Constellation-class frigate, which is based on the FREMM design developed by its parent Fincantieri Group. Since then the Marinette, Wis., shipyard and its employees have been remarkably busy. The shipyard has received extensive upgrades and new facilities to efficiently build the vessels.

“We invested more than $300 million into our Marinette shipyard to build many frigates for the U.S. Navy,” said Marco Galbiati, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. “Using our new facilities and industry-leading best practices, we stand ready to deliver the two frigates a year the Navy requires.

The Navy’s PEO ships notes that the start of construction follows the successful completion of a production readiness review (PRR) on July 20.

Constellation Class Frigates are a key component of the recently released Chief of Naval Operations Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN) 2022, which envisions a future hybrid fleet composed of 350 manned ships and approximately 150 unmanned ships.

“Our team has worked tirelessly with industry partners to develop an innovative acquisition approach to efficiently procure and produce a 21st century frigate,” said Rear Adm. Casey Moton, Program Executive Officer, Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC). “The start of Constellation’s construction marks a key milestone on our path to build and deliver this new capability to the fleet,”

PEO USC oversees the Constellation Class Frigate program office (PMS 515) charged with the design, development and construction of the Navy’s newest warship class.

The new frigates are designed to operate in both open ocean and littoral environments, as part of a Carrier or Expeditionary Strike Group or a Surface Action Group. The ships will be equipped with proven technologies and systems already in use today, which will accelerate the timeline to get this new capability to the fleet.

“The Frigate program has worked diligently to minimize risks by selecting non-developmental systems and proven program of record equipment to meet our requirements, and by conducting this rigorous PRR,” said Capt. Kevin Smith, PMS 515 Program Manager.

“I am proud of the Government acquisition professionals and industry teammates for all their hard work to get the Constellation program to this milestone as we transition from design development to building the ship,” said Smith. “Building a first of a class warship is an exciting moment.”

The Navy is planning for at least 20 frigates to be built in the near future, and Fincantieri says it intends to be a driving force in this surface combatant community.

“We continue to work extensively with the Navy’s program office to complete first ship design to give the Navy the ship they want,” said Mark Vandroff, CEO of Fincantieri Marinette Marine. “We are better than 80% complete on ship design prior to starting construction, which is consistent with best practices across the naval shipbuilding industry.”

Fincantieri Marinette Marine is on contract to build the first three frigates, and has contract options with the Navy for seven additional ships.

Source: https://www.marinelog.com/shipbuilding/shipyards/shipyard-news/fincantieri-marinette-cuts-steel-for-first-constellation-class-frigate/

LONDON — Royal Australian Navy submariners will join United Kingdom crews to train on the newly commissioned Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarine HMS Anson, the U.K. Ministry of Defence said Aug. 31.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace hosted new Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at Barrow to see the commissioning of the Anson.

The announcement came as Marles and Wallace emphasized the importance of the deep defense ties between the U.K. and Australia, following the development of the trilateral AUKUS partnership working with the United States, which was represented today by the U.S. Defense Attaché, Navy Capt. Leland.

Hosting Marles on his first official visit to the U.K. since the new Australian government came to power, the prime minister and ministers attended the commissioning of the fifth of seven new Astute-class Royal Navy submarines.

With naval capability at the center of the two powers’ future defense relationship, the visit reinforced the priorities of the Integrated Review and significance of the AUKUS partnership, which links the U.K., the United States and Australia in promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.K. and U.S. already have welcomed Royal Australian Navy personnel on its specialized nuclear training courses, and more will follow next year, before Australian submariners go to sea. The training and exchanges mark the beginning of a multigenerational naval partnership between the three AUKUS nations.

Marles, who is also minister for defense, visited Barrow, having also seen the Type 26 frigate shipbuilding facility in Govan, accompanied by the First Sea Lord, Adm. Sir Ben Key.

“Today is a significant milestone in the U.K. and Australia’s preparation to confront growing threats to the liberal democratic order, especially in the Indo Pacific,” said Wallace. “Not only have we progressed our defense planning but Minister Marles participated in the commissioning of our latest attack submarine, on which will Royal Australian Navy submariners will be embarked as we develop our shared capabilities in the years ahead.”

One of the most sophisticated underwater vessels ever built, HMS Anson represents £1.3 billion of U.K. investment. Capable of defending the U.K.’s interests at home and overseas, HMS Anson will be armed with up to 38 Spearfish Heavyweight Torpedoes and Block V Tomahawk land attack missiles, able to tackle targets at a range of up to 1,000 miles.

“HMS Anson is the cutting edge in submarine design and construction, ensuring operational advantage in the underwater battlespace, the last great stealth domain,” said Key. “Given the world we live in, there is no more important tool in the United Kingdom’s arsenal: silent, unseen, and a key instrument of our global, modern, ready Royal Navy.”

At 97 meters long, HMS Anson stands at around the length of two Olympic swimming pools, with 240 kilometers of cabling, enough to stretch from Barrow-In-Furness to its new home in Faslane, Scotland.

HMS Anson will remain in Barrow for the coming weeks while undergoing final checks and rigorous testing to the numerous complex systems that make up a nuclear-powered submarine, before sailing to HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane to prepare for sea trials.

HMS Anson will join four other Astute Class submarines in service with the Royal Navy — HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful and HMS Audacious.

Two further boats — Agamemnon and Agincourt — are in various stages of construction at BAE Systems’ Barrow-In-Furness site as part of £11.2 billion overall investment in the whole Astute-class program.

Source: https://seapowermagazine.org/australian-navy-submariners-to-train-on-british-nuclear-submarines/