TUGS & TOWING NEWS SVITZER ACQUIRES BRAZILIAN TOWAGE OPERATOR

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1 16 th Volume, No years tugboatman 2014 Dated 31 May 2015 BUYING, SALES, NEW BUILDING, RENAMING AND OTHER TUGS TOWING & OFFSHORE INDUSTRY NEWS TUGS & TOWING NEWS SVITZER ACQUIRES BRAZILIAN TOWAGE OPERATOR Svitzer aquires controlling stake in Brazilian harbour towage operator Transmar Serviços maritimos and begins offering towage service in Brazil. The acquisition represents the first step for Svitzer into the Brazilian towage market and is part of Svitzer s strategic objective of growing in emerging markets. Brazilian towage market features sizeable pockets of underserved demand and it has the potential for growth and productivity improvements in both, the harbour towage and terminal towage segments. Our Brazilian division, soon to be renamed Svitzer Brazil, will establish a significant footprint in this emerging market, which is a testament of our confidence in this country and its untapped opportunities, says Martin Helweg, Managing Director of Svitzer Americas. Transmar Servicos Maritimos operates in 2 ports and 2 Oil Basins, has a fleet of 10 vessels and 74 employees. The head-office is in Rio de Janeiro and Transmar provides maritime support services to harbour and offshore clients along the entire Brazilian coast. Our ambition is to provide an outstanding high level of professional service and dedication to our clients; Joining forces with the biggest and best maritime service provider in the world, makes this a reality, says Tarik Darian, Operations Director of Transmar. This acquisition is a clear step towards Svitzer s strategic objective of growing in new markets. Partnering with Transmar Servicos Maritimos combines strong local experience and knowledge with Svitzer s expertise of reliable and safe global towage services, says Robert Uggla, CEO of Svitzer. Svitzer Brazil will be managed by Managing Director Dan Estebanez whom has many years of experience from various different positions within the Maersk group. (Press Release) Advertisement 1/24

2 MORAN & EBDG PATENT INNOVATIVE ARTICULATED CONDUIT SYSTEM FOR NATURAL GAS Moran Towing Corporation, a long-time partner of Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) has been granted US Patent 8,967,174 for "Articulated conduit systems and uses thereof for fuel gas transfer between a tug and barge." The patent was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on May 2, 2014, and in general terms describes arrangements and methods for transferring boil off gas between a liquefied natural gas barge and its tug, while taking into account the relative motion between the two vessels, EBDG said in a press release. "This design represents an advance in natural gas fuel transfer technology and demonstrates EBDG's and Moran's commitment to the emerging maritime LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) transport industry," stated Curt Leffers, PE, EBDG Project Manager and one of the inventors listed on the patent. "It also brings to realization the concept of using natural gas as fuel between a tug and a barge. The development of the system was the result of a collaborative effort over an approximate one year period by teams from both EBDG and Moran. The individual inventors listed on the patent include Sean Perreault; (Danbury, CT), Curtis Leffers; (Seattle, WA), Matthew Roddy; (Edmonds, WA), Matthew Wichgers; (Seattle, WA) and Jeremy Rice; (Seattle, WA). Elliott Bay Design Group LLC (EBDG) is an employee-owned company with offices in Seattle, New Orleans and Ketchikan that provides naval architecture, marine engineering and production support services to owners, operators and shipyards across the country. With a focus on responsiveness, EBDG delivers designs that are better to build and better to operate. Moran is a leading provider of marine towing and transportation services that, over a period of 155 years, has grown from a small tug assist company in New York Harbor to a position of preeminence in the US towing and marine transportation industry. The cornerstone of its success has been a long-standing reputation for safe, efficient service achieved through a combination of first-rate employees and outstanding vessels and equipment. (Source: PortNews) TWO SEAMAN KILLED IN SINKING OF TUGBOAT NEAR BUSAN Two crew members died after their tugboat sank in waters off the southeastern port city of Busan in Korea, Yonhap reports quoting the authorities. The accident took place around 12:30 p.m. when a towing cable of the 22-ton tugboat, 97 Samyoung, snapped and slapped its side as it was towing another vessel in the waters near Busan s Dudo island. The 53-year-old captain, identified only by his family name Oh, and his crew member fell into the water and were unconscious when they were pulled out. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, but they were later pronounced dead. The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. The authorities said they have installed an oil fence near the shipwreck in efforts to prevent any maritime pollution, adding that an investigation is under way to find the exact cause of the accident. (Source: Marinelog)) 2/24

3 Advertisement TUG MOVING U.S. NAVY HOSPITAL MAY HAVE STRUCK USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL A U.S. Navy hospital ship or a tug maneuvering it through a narrow channel may have struck the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii on Wednesday, according to the service and local press reports. At about 7:30 A.M. local time, the tug was pushing the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) past the memorial near Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam when either the tug or Mercy struck a dock adjacent to the memorial. Initial reports indicated that a tugboat hit the Memorial, but an investigation is underway, read an early statement from Navy Region Hawaii. White boat passenger traffic onto the memorial has to be suspended as we assess the full extent of damage and can ensure the safety of visitors. A spokeswoman for the memorial told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser it was in fact Mercy that struck the memorial. According to a statement from the National Park Service, one of the ships had collided with a dock used to disembark visitors to the memorial and the site will be closed for several days while the Navy and the park service asses the damage. Initial visual assessments show that the dock was moved about 10 feet toward the Memorial, a statement from the National Park Service said. A small area of concrete was damaged where the dock s ramp joined the Memorial. The dock s ramps and railings were also damaged. The site will be closed for several days while the park service and the Navy asses the damage. We deeply regret the impact this will have on visitors experience, but we want to make sure that everyone has a safe visit. We will work closely with the Navy to resume access to the Memorial as soon as safety allows, USS Arizona Memorial superintendent Paul DePrey said in the statement. (Source: USNI News) ICEBREAKER ALEUT ON ITS WAY TO NORWAY 3/24

4 Havyard has informed that Aleut, a newbuild icebreaking vessel launched on May 16, 2015 at Cemre Shipyard in Turkey, today started its long journey to Norway. Havyard reported that the icebreaker is expected to arrive to Leirvik on June 19, The Havyard 843 Ice vessel was ordered from Havyard in 2013 by the Russian shipping company FEMCO. It is due to be delivered in September In 2014, the Russian company ordered two more vessels of the same design from Havyard. Amongst other things, the vessel can break ice that is more than 1 metre thick and has systems for avoiding icing of the vessel. The vessel is otherwise designed to carry out anchor handling, towing and standby operations for oil protection and rescue services. (Source: Offshore Energy Today) HYBRID TUG RT EVOLUTION SHOWS ITS STUFF DURING ESCORT TRAILS Built by Damen Shipyards, RT Evolution is 32-meter hybrid nextgeneration ART80-32 Rotortug designed by Rotortug B.V. in the Netherlands and Robert Allan Ltd in Canada. The tug is one of three hybrid Rotortugs operated by Netherlands-based KOTUG. RT Evolution will operated in the Port of Rotterdam alongside RT Adriaan, a 2010-built Rotortug that was converted to hybrid propulsion in RT Emotion, of the same ART80-32 design, recently commenced towage activities in the German port of Bremerhaven. The three vessels are part of the E-KOTUG series, producing 50% less harmful emissions, significant noise reduction, cleaner combustion and substantial maintenance savings thanks to improved fuel economy. The Rotortug s hybrid capacity is generated by three electric motors, complemented by a battery pack and managed by an intelligent XeroPoint Hybrid Propulsion System. RT Evolution s three Caterpillar 3512 C engines produce a total of 7,150 horsepower and 80+ tons of bollard pull. Watch the video HERE G-TUG PHOTO CONTEST The 1st annual G-Tug Photo Contest opens June 1, Harness the power of photography and share your stunning photos of tugboats from The Great Lakes Towing Company fleet the largest 4/24

5 and most experienced U.S.-flag tugboat fleet on the Great Lakes. Gather your best photos of G-Tugs and join the competition. The 2015 G-Tug Photo Contest ( Contest ) begins June 1, 2015 at 12:00:00 p.m. US Eastern Time and ends when the Soo Locks close for the 2015 Great Lakes Navigation Season. Visit monthly to see photo galleries of the top entries until the winners are announced at the end of the 2015 Great Lakes Navigation Season. Think you have the winning picture? Show us your best and submit your photos. Click HERE for more info Advertisement GULF SPRAY SOMEBODY HAS TO DO IT The tug Gulf Spray earns its keep towing a scow with garbage from cruise ships. It may not be glamorous work, but the process is well organized, with a lot of separation on board the ship itself. Once loaded the scow returns to the pier 9A in tow where it is unloaded by forklift with the "cargo" distributed into bins for recycling or incineration at a special international waste incinerator. Assistance to Gulf Spray and its scow is provided by the outboard 5/24

6 motor boat which has a square bow for pushing and a towing bit. (Source: Mac Mackay-Tugfax) YESTERYEAR TUGS AT WORK KERRY MORAN The Kerry Moran helping a ship back out into the Hudson River from a dock. The tug working at the bow is called the head tug; the line leading from the tug s bow to the ship is the head line. A single head line is used so the tug can pivot, and both push with her bow and check the ship s motion backing down. When the ship is clear of the dock, the head tug will push sideways against the bow and turn the ship around. Nowadays, many new ships are equipped with bow thrusters, which do the work of the head tug and thus cut down on towing fees. The potential problems in working so close to a large ship are evident in this photograph. The flare of the ship s bow is so great that it could easily damage a higher superstructure on the tug. Also, the visibility for the ship s captain is just about zero; he cannot see the head tug and so must rely on signals from the mate, who is leaning over the bow rail, checking progress. (Source: On the Hawser by Steven Lang and Peter H. Spectre) ACCIDENTS SALVAGE NEWS PIRATES STRIKE OFF NIGERIAN COAST Piracy has reared its ugly head again off the coast of Nigeria with an attack and the taking of hostages on the offshore supply ship Butler Spirit (3291-dwt, built 2013). The Nigerian supply vessel was boarded in position N E in the Inim Field, offshore Rivers State at 03h50 UTC on 19 May Such news leaks out only slowly no-one, whether in the oil industry or in the Nigerian security forces, likes to discuss such details of pirates enjoying success under everyone s noses. Butler Spirit is owned and operated by A G Butler Nigeria Limited and operates as a supply vessel. The number of hostages taken and condition of the remaining crew has not been made public. (Source: Port & Ships) GERMAN RESCUE GROUP GETS NEW BOATS The German Sea Rescue Service (DGzRS) was taking delivery of a new 28m Class cruiser at the end of May the first of a new generation of search and rescue boats. Actually, not one but three new rescue boats units were joining the DGzRS fleet during ceremonies in Bremerhaven marking the 6/24

7 150 th anniversary of the service. Being handed over in Bremerhaven on May 30 th along with the 27.9m cruiser newbuilding - still known only as SK 35 prior to that date - was that boat s 8.2m docked tender TB 39, the name of which was also being revealed at the anniversary ceremonies. The tender carries a Steyr SE 236 E40 engine of 170kW providing 18 knots. Spokesman Christian Stipeldey told Maritime Journal it expected to take delivery of the next two new 28m Class cruisers in 2017 and 2018 as part of a fleet modernisation and he revealed that they, like SK 35, would also be built by the specialist Fassmer Werft in Berne. SK 35 will serve out of Amrum and replace the 23.3mVormann Leiss and its tender Japsand. At 30, Vormann Leiss is the oldest serving DGzRS boat on the Schleswig-Holstein west coast. Stipeldey said the second new boat would be stationed in Laboe and replace the 27m Class Berlin. No decision had as yet been taken about where the third new cruiser will serve. SK 35 was floated out at Fassmer in March and has been under close inspection by the yard, the DGzRS and the public since then. Among immediately noticeable features are a completely closed-in deck house with observation position for search missions and a separated multi-purpose room with hospital. The 28m Class is a completely new design to succeed the organisation s 27.5m Class boats. The newbuilds will be 27.9m long, 6.2m wide, draw 2m and displace 120t. SK 65 has two 16-cylinder MTU Type 16V 2000 M72 engines with a combined output of 2880kW providing up to 24 knots. They are complemented by a rough kit facility which makes it possible for engines to operate even when listing badly and also by MTU Blue Vision new generation automation control. MTU, which has delivered engines to the DGzRS since the 1950sa, will also build the engines for the next two cruisers. At similar ceremonies in Bremen on May 29 th, the DGzRS was taking delivery of a third newbuild - its latest 9.5/10.1m Class rescue boat SRB 65. That 10.1m, 4m wide boat has a Cummins QSB 6.7 engine of 280kW providing 18 knots and is the first new DGzRS ship to be built at Tamsen Maritim. In 2012 that small Rostock yard modified the biggest DGzRS boat, the 46m Hermann Marwede. (Source: Maritime Journal; Photo: Mercator Media) Advertisement 7/24

8 SHELL RESPONSIBLE FOR KULLUK GROUNDING Shell is responsible for the 2012 grounding of a drilling rig offshore Alaska, The U.S. National Transportation Board (NTSB) has determined. In its 14-pages long report, the NTSB has concluded that that probable cause of the grounding of the mobile offshore drilling unit Kulluk was Shell s inadequate assessment of the risk for its planned tow of the Kulluk, resulting in implementation of a tow plan insufficient to mitigate that risk. To remind, the incident happened on December 31, 2012, near Ocean Bay on the eastern coast of Sitkalidak Island off Kodiak Island, Alaska, while the rig was under tow by the anchor-handling tow supply vessel Aiviq, after it had completed a drilling season in the Beaufort Sea. I believe that this length of tow, at this time of year, in this location, with our current routing guarantees an ***kicking. The rig was on its way to Seattle for maintenance and repairs, to enable the rig to be ready for the upcoming 2013 drilling season, offshore Alaska. According to the report, the day after departure, the Aiviq master wrote an to the Kulluk tow master stating, in part, I believe that this length of tow, at this time of year, in this location, with our current routing guarantees an ***kicking. As it would turn out later, he was right as the Aiviq and Kulluk were hit by high winds and big waves, leading to power failures at Aiviq, broken tow lines, unsuccessful assists by several other vessels, and eventually grounding of the Kulluk. Kulluk s underwater portions of the hull were extensively damaged in the grounding, but the rig retained watertight integrity. Widespread damage also was noted to areas including the vessel s superstructure, electrical equipment, lifesaving and safety equipment, and interior and engineering spaces. No environmental damage was found as a result of the grounding. Following the refloating, Kulluk was loaded on a heavy lift and transportation vessel, and shipped to China where it was scrapped, due to the amount of damage making it unfeasible for repairs. Shell ultimately responsible for the accident NTSB asserts that it was not a single error or mechanical failure that led to the accident. Rather, shortcomings in the design of a plan with an insufficient margin of safety allowed this accident to take place. The plan was created to move the MODU at a time of year with a known likelihood of severe weather conditions for reasons unrelated to operational safety. Below is an excerpt from the report under which Shell is considered to be responsible for the grounding of Kulluk: Given the risks associated with this transit, including the likelihood of the tow encountering severe weather, Shell and its contractors, particularly Offshore Service Vessels, the operator of the Aiviq, who reviewed and approved the tow plan should have either mitigated those risks or departed at a time of year when severe weather was less likely. For example, Shell and its contractors could have included additional tow vessels to the entire transit to reduce the likelihood of catastrophic results from a failure of the Aiviq or its tow gear. Redundancy is a necessary element of safety-critical transportation systems, and given the hazards of operations in Alaskan waters, those involved in the tow plan should have recognized and addressed the lack of redundancy. The series of failures that led to this accident 8/24

9 began when Shell failed to fully address the risks associated with a late December tow in Alaskan waters The series of failures that led to this accident began when Shell failed to fully address the risks associated with a late December tow in Alaskan waters, and ended with the grounding of the Kulluk. Although multiple parties were involved in the review and approval of the tow plan, the ultimate decision to approve and implement the tow was Shell s. The dynamics of a single entity approving a go/no-go decision in the face of risks, with multiple parties involved, have been addressed in studies of previous catastrophic events. This research demonstrates that, even with formal review processes involving multiple entities, the ability of parties involved in a decision to articulate and draw attention to risks is limited when a single entity bears ultimate decision-making responsibility and at the same time favors a particular outcome of the decision. For this reason, Shell, as the organization responsible for designing, approving, and implementing the tow plan, is considered to be ultimately responsible for this accident. To read the full NTSB report HERE (Source: Offshore Energy Today) Advertisement GO PHOENIX TO PULL OUT FROM MH370 SEARCH The search for missing Malaysian Airline MH370 has now covered more than 48,000 square kilometers of the seafloor. The search area has been expanded beyond the original 60,000 square kilometers search area to cover up to 120,000 square kilometers and has been modified to enable continuous search operations during winter. According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) operational update, the vessel GO Phoenix which departed from Fremantle on May 21, and arrived back in the search area on May 26. will cease search operations and is expected to transit to Singapore, upon completion of the current swing. No reason was given for withdrawing the vessel from the search. Other two vessels Fugro Discovery and Fugro Equator arrived back in the search area from Fremantle and are undertaking search operations. Earlier this month, Fugro Supporter has 9/24

10 withdrawn from search operations as the deteriorating weather has brought sea conditions which are beyond the safe launch and recovery limitations of the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Fugro Supporter arrived at the port of Fremantle where the AUV was offloaded and stored and the survey team demobilised. Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared on 8 March 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board. (Source: Subsea World News) PURPLE BEACH The 192 meter long, dwt cargo vessel Purple Beach caught fire in the North Sea while en route from Immingham to Brake, Germany with a cargo of fertilizers. The fire started in one of the cargo holds of the Purple Beach and the crew quickly responded. The crew extinguished the blaze that evening, but the fire reignited the following day while the vessel was off Helgoland. The crew requested assistance with rescue boats, helicopters and salvage vessels arriving on scene. Reports state a firefighting team was brought on board to help contain the blaze. One of the 25 persons on board suffered injuries from the toxic gas released and was airlifted for treatment. Update: May 26 fire broke out again, which most probably, is due to the character of fertilizer. Vessel at the time of restarted fire was some 15 nm west of Helgoland, North sea. Big-scale salvage under way, involving salvage vessel Neuwerk (IMO ) rescue boats and helicopters. Firefighting team or teams were delivered on board. Some 25 people, reportedly crew and salvors, suffered slight gas poisoning, one crew was seriously injured and medevaced by helicopter. Update: At 1400 UTC May 26 vessel was shown by AIS as anchored 17 nm southwest of Helgoland, surrounded by salvage vessels. Update: May 27: Fire in cargo hold or holds of general cargo vessel Purple Beach is still on, explosion feared, crew and firefighters evacuated, vessel in the same position anchored 17 nm southwest of Helgoland, North sea. Three salvage vessel, Mellum, Nordic and Neuwerk, are drifting nearby. Some 36 people, among them 22 crew and a number of firefighters, were taken to hospital for gas-poisoning treatment, but luckily, no one seriously injured. There s a danger of gas poisoning, salvage vessel keep a distance of 3 miles, even coastal population was warned about possible air pollution. It s still unknown, what happened in cargo hold and what s going on, vessel is too dangerous for boarding. Update: May 29: According to latest updates available, dated evening May 28, fire on board of PURPLE BEACH is under control, in the evening May 27 4 firefighters temporarily boarded vessel for survey. One hold reportedly is flooded with water cannoned by salvage ships. Air in coastal area is clear of fertilizer smell. Still, as of May 28, it wasn t known for sure yet, what s going on in holds, if there is fire still smoldering, or maybe some kind of chemical reaction is taking place. Vessel will be taken to port, reportedly it will be Nordenham, Weser, after she will be found safe enough to do so. Update: At 0400 UTC May 29 Purple Beach was in the same position anchored off Helgoland, with three salvage ships nearby: Nordic; Neuwerk and Mellum. (Source: Fleetmon) 10/24

11 OFFSHORE NEWS STATOIL DECLARES OPTIONS FOR TWO SIMON MØKSTER VESSELS Norway s Simon Møkster Shipping has informed that Statoil declared options for the vessels Stril Pioner and Stril Poseidon. The Stril Pioner was one of the first gas fueled supply vessels in North Sea operation and has been operating for Statoil since delivery in July In 2012, Statoil extended the contract for the Stril Pioner with two years firm contract that started in July 2013 with further two by two years options. Statoil has now declared its first option. The Stril Pioner is a large platform supply vessel (PSV) of a VS- 4403(LNG) design. It is 95m long and 20,4m wide with a dead weight (DWT) of more than 6000t. The second vessel, the Stril Poseidon, was also delivered in 2003 and it is on a firm contract with Statoil until July 25, Statoil has now declared its one two-year option which will start after the current contract expires, in July It is a field support and rescue vessel of a VS-483 design. The Stril Poseidon is 91.4m long and 18.2 m wide. (Source: Offshore Energy Today) Advertisement DEEPOCEAN HIRES FUGRO FOR FLEET POSITIONING DeepOcean, a provider of services and technologies for the subsea industry, has hired Fugro for the provision of precise satellite positioning for the company s entire fleet of vessels. The contract is valid for three years. Fugro will supply DeepOcean with three completely independent decimetre Global Navigation Satellite Systems. In addition, Fugro s new Starfix.G2+ system, which has a 3D accuracy approaching that of GNSS RTK systems, and Fugro s Starfix.G4 satellite correction service are part of the contract delivery. The DeepOcean fleet will be equipped with hardware and software developed by Fugro, providing independent positioning solutions on each vessel. (Source: Offshore Energy Today) 11/24

12 FIRST DAMEN TWIN AXE ORDER FOR OFFSHORE OIL & GAS To develop its large fleet, Groen Offshore, Guard & Support has selected the first Damen Twin Axe Fast Crew Supplier 2610 to be customised with Offshore Oil & Gas standby capabilities. The Netherlands-based company will deploy the new vessel on long-term charter for a major E&P operator in the Danish part of the North Sea, following quick delivery this summer from Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam. On 13 May, Henk Groen, Director of Groen Offshore, Guard & Support (in Dutch known as Rederij Groen), signed the contract for the new FCS 2610 with Frits van Dongen, Director of Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam the Damen yard in the Netherlands that will finish the vessel from stock. The FCS 2610 is the first Damen Twin Axe Fast Crew Supplier in Groen Offshore, Guard & Support's modern fleet of 27 vessels and 37 charter vessels. New twist to Twin Axe success story Damen has built more than 40 vessels from the highly successful Damen Twin Axe FCS 2610 design. Thanks to its proven seakeeping performance in demanding North Sea conditions, the popular workboat is already a mainstay of Europe's Offshore Wind construction and maintenance sector. The order for the first FCS 2610 customised for Offshore Oil & Gas highlights the design's multipurpose functionality as well as Damen's ability to quickly tailor the built-from-stock vessels to client specifications. Groen Offshore, Guard & Support, with more than 40 years of experience in Offshore Oil & Gas, specified a number of plug and play features including a davit for a fast rescue craft on the fore deck, a 10-foot offshore container outfitted as a hospital/office, a multipurpose deck crane and Dacon Rescue Scoop. The vessel also meets the highest safety standards specified by Groen Offshore, Guard & Support. "The Twin Axe Fast Crew Suppliers stand out for their speed, maximum seaworthiness, excellent fuel economy and high stability," a spokesperson for Groen Offshore, Guard & Support stated. "That means they can also be deployed in harsher weather conditions." Continuing strong customer relationship The familyrun Groen Offshore, Guard & Support has a relationship with Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam that stretches back more than a decade in fact all of the client's five Seismic Research Support vessels were built at the Dutch shipyard. Just a few weeks ago, at the end of April, Groen Offshore, Guard & Support took delivery of the fifth vessel, 7-Stars, a 35-metre offshore chaser vessel. (Press Release Damen) 12/24

13 Advertisement View the youtube film of the Alphabridge for tugboats on WORLD WIDE SUPPLY TO LAY UP TWO OF ITS SIX PSV S Norway's World Wide Supply AS is to lay up two of its fleet of six new generation platform supply vessels. All six m, 1,500-tonne deck capacity vessels are of Damen Shipyards PSV 3300 design. The DP 2 vessels have a wave piercing bow, slender hull lines and diesel electric propulsion with azimuth stern drives. They were delivered over a six month period, the most recent being christened in March last year. When that ship was delivered, World Wide Supply AS Jostein Sætrenes said that all six vessels would be under contract during the second quarter of last year. In a stock exchange announcement today, though, World Wide Supply said: World Wide Supply has decided to lay up the PSV`s World Diamond and World Pearl due to a very weak offshore spot market. A total number of approx. 48 crew will be given notice of termination. World Wide Supply's fleet currently consists of 6 PSV vessels where four are on long term contracts with Petrobras in Brazil and two will now be laid up. (Source: MarineLog) BORDELON MARINE WELCOMES ITS INTERVENTION VESSEL SHELIA BORDELON Bordelon Marine, a provider of marine transportation services, has taken delivery of the Shelia Bordelon, a DP2 Ultra-Light Intervention Vessel (ULIV). According to the company, this vessel features an NOV 50 ton Active Heave Compensating crane with 3,000 meters of wire, a mezzanine deck with internal office and control rooms, capable of supporting two full work class ROV systems. The M/V Shelia Bordelon offers 6,200 sq. ft. of clear useable deck space, POB of 60, and two 13/24

14 independent thru-hull USBL systems. The vessel is also equipped with four additional below deck Tier 3 generators, providing fully redundant power to the crane and ROV systems. Wes Bordelon, President and the CEO, said: We are very excited to introduce the M/V Shelia Bordelon and the ULIV concept to the subsea market. We think it hits a sweet spot and provides an affordable high-spec option that the industry is currently missing. As subsea infrastructure develops, the ULIV will play an increasingly important role in the vessel portfolio of these projects. Thus providing a much needed cost benefit option to the client. (Offshore Energy Today) LAMOR (FINLAND) DELIVERS THREE ICE CLASS MULTIPURPOSE OIL RECOVERY VESSELS TO TRANSNEFT FAR EAST Shipbuilding company Lamor (Porvoo, Finland) has delivered three Multipurpose Oil Recovery Vessels with Ice Class KM ICE2 R3 with the built-in oil recovery system LORS to Transneft Far East (former Dalnefteprovod, Khabarovsk), IAA PortNews journalist reports. According to Nikolai Kildishev, Vice-President of Lamor for Russia and CIS countries, it took 11 months to build the vessels. The vessels will be delivered to Khabarovsk along the Northern Sea Route and then will leave for their fixed location on the Amur river as specified by the customer, he explained. According to him, the vessels will come to the place of operation in October. Nikolai Kildishev also reminded that the pipeline of Transneft Far East to port Kozmino is running under Amur. The vessels able to operate in broken ice up to 0.5 m thick have been completely designed and built in Porvoo according to specific requirements of the customer to the class of Russian River Register. The oil recovery vessels are intended for oil spill response operations, collection of floating litter, boom deployment, loading and transportation of different cargoes with total weight of up to 5 t. Characteristics: crew 4, LOA 19 m, BOA 5.3 m, depth 2.7 m, loaded draught about 1.2 m, draught with collected oil about 1.6 m, full displacement 93 t. The contract for three vessels was signed a year ago. Earlier, similar vessels were built for Gazprom Neft Shelf. They currently operate within the framework of Prirazlomnaya project. Lamor also supplies equipment for Russia s Gazprom Neft, Gazprom Neft Shelf, Rosneft, Transneft, Lukoil, Bashneft as well as for Russia s state rescue services and the Ministry of Emergencies. Founded in 1982, Lamor has established itself as a major market leader 14/24

15 providing state-of-the-art oil spill response solutions, services, and equipment. The Finnish corporation has grown over the past 30 years and expanded its global presence in strategic markets, partnering with trusted associates, and investing in a range of companies to expand its environmental solutions capability. By introducing innovative technology forged by dedicated research and development combined with engineering expertise, and a focus for protecting and healing the earth, Lamor has developed creative and effective solutions to evolving environmental problems. Their 3-tier facility and new global divisions position Lamor to strategically deploy and respond quickly and efficiently around the world. Now with more than 160 employees and 8 main facilities, Lamor provides a range of superior and tested environmental solutions while remaining true to the original values of the company. (Source: PortNews) Advertisement GC RIEBER TAKES DELIVERY OF ITS NEW SEISMIC VESSEL POLAR EMPRESS Today, May 26, 2015, GC Rieber Shipping has taken delivery of its seismic newbuild Polar Empress from Kleven-owned Myklebust Verft, in Norway. The vessel is chartered on a five-year contract to Dolphin Geophysical. We have looked forward to take delivery of the Polar Empress, which is one of the largest and most advanced seismic vessels in the world. The construction of the vessel makes it particularly suitable for operations in the arctic, an area of strategic priority and expertise for GC Rieber Shipping. With the Polar Empress we are strengthening our position within the high-end seismic segment, says CEO Irene Waage Basili. The Polar Empress is a 3D seismic vessel with ice-class 1A. The vessel is 113 meter long and 21.5 meter broad, and can accommodate 70 crew. With high pollard pull the vessel can tow up to 22 streamers. In addition to Polar Empress, GC Rieber Shipping s fleet of seismic vessels consist of Polar Duke, 15/24

16 Polar Duchess and Polar Marquis, which are all chartered on contracts to Dolphin Geophysical. The contract between GC Rieber Shipping and Kleven was signed in February GC Rieber Shipping s cost for the new vessel is about NOK 700 million ($90.56 million). 70 percent of the purchase price is financed through a long-term loan drawn in DNB, Export Credit Norway and GIEK. (Source: Offshore Energy Today) ATLANTIC OFFSHORE RESCUE UNVEILS ERRV OCEAN FALCON AS PART OF FLEET MODERNISATION Atlantic Offshore Rescue, a standby vessel operator, will today, May 29, unveil the third new vessel in the past 12 months as part of its fleet modernisation programme, representing an investment totalling 300 million ($458.9 million). Ocean Falcon, a brand new Class A Multi Role and Emergency Response and Rescue (MRV/ERRV) vessel, is to be christened at a ceremony at Aberdeen harbour today, 29 May 2015, before starting a contract with a major UK operator. Atlantic Offshore Rescue will provide emergency recovery, rescue cover, tanker assistance and general field support for offshore operations at the Curlew Field, in the North Sea. The ship can accommodate 21 employees, and has the amenities to rescue up to 300 people. It has a towing capacity of up to 65 tons, measures meters in length and 16 meters beam and features two MAN main engines with a power of 1935 kw each. Ocean Falcon is a new H820 design from Havyard Ship Design. It was built and developed in Passai, Spain by Zamakona shipbuilders, in close collaboration with Atlantic Offshore Rescue over an 18 month period. Its sister ships, Ocean Tay and Ocean Osprey were launched in February and May 2014, respectively. Matthew Gordon, managing director of Atlantic Offshore Rescue, said: We are immensely proud to unveil Ocean Falcon, the third vessel to be launched as part of our extensive modernisation strategy. The vessel incorporates cutting edge technology, and it is due to this and the expertise and professionalism of our team that we have secured a lucrative contract with an oil and gas operator. We are trailblazing the way for emergency support vessels in the North Sea and this programme is part of our vision for strategic growth and commitment to offer the very best FSV and ERRVs to existing and potential clients, a vital assurance for offshore operations within the energy sector. The new vessel has secured 30 jobs and is one of 11 ERRVs managed by the company from its new 12,000 sq ft Aberdeen base at Waterloo Quay. The move, which took place earlier this year, totals an investment of 3.5 million over a ten-year lease period. Gordon continued: Moving into our new premises was is a real milestone in our history, and already marks a very successful year for Atlantic Offshore Rescue. Having outgrown our previous office we now have the capacity to accommodate future growth in the coming months and years. Being so close to Aberdeen harbour, we are also in a position to increase operational efficiency and better serve clients. (Source: Offshore Energy Today) 16/24

17 Advertisement POLARCUS, NAMCOR INK MOU Polarcus and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to assist with the exploration and development of Namibia s offshore petroleum resources. Under the terms of the MOU, Polarcus will provide 3D/4D marine seismic acquisition and processing services together with its geoscience expertise to help promote industry investment offshore Namibia. Commenting on the agreement, Stephen Doyle, SVP Multi-Client Polarcus, said: Namibia has an extensive yet still relatively unexplored shelf and we are excited at the opportunity to collaborate with NAMCOR on several initiatives to assist in realizing Namibia s full potential. The country has seen an upturn in exploration activity over recent years with encouraging results that justifies further exploration and development to unlock Namibia s petroleum resources. NAMCOR s Acting Managing Director Ludwig Kapingana said: The accord provides an opportunity for the national oil company to get much needed technical support, which I am confident will strengthen NAMCOR s participation in future hydrocarbon exploration activities in Namibia. (Source: Subsea World News) NORMAND INSTALLER We ve featured the impressive multi purpose offshore vessel Normand Installer (14,506-gt, built 2006) on two recent occasions (4 and 12 May 2015) but because she has been busy in and out of Durban harbour assisting in the replacement of the single buoy mooring (SBM) outside the port, this 17/24

18 has presented numerous photographic opportunities. In these pictures the ship is seen at sea outside the port, where the SBM has been replaced with her spare on account of problems with equipment on the mooring itself. The older original SBM has remained in reserve for just such an incidence. At some point once repairs have been completed the SBM s will have to be reversed with the older mooring returning to standby mode. (Port & Ships; Photo:Ken Malcolm) PACIFIC GOLDFINCH The recently launched into service offshore service vessel, Pacific Goldfinch (4,078-dwt, built 2015) arrived in Cape Town last week for bunkers and supplies. The ship is part of the Singapore-based Swire Pacific Offshore fleet and flies the Singapore flag. (Photo: Aad Noorland) ATLANTIC OFFSHORE SELLS OCEAN SUN Atlantic Offshore, a Norway-based supplier of offshore support vessels, has sold its offshore support vessel (OSV) the Ocean Sun. The name of the buyer was not disclosed, but the company said that the vessel has been sold for the price slightly above the book and brokers value. In its annual report for 2014, the company said that the vessels Ocean Sun and Ocean West would be sold or recycled during The Ocean Sun is a Multi-Role OSV built in It is 58,4 m long and can accommodate 16 people. (Press Release) 18/24

19 Advertisement CHEVRON CONTRACT PSV VIKING PRINCESS Eidesvik Offshore s platform supply vessel (PSV) Viking Princess has been awarded a new contract by Chevron. According to Eidesvik, the vessel has been awarded a contract for 19 months months options from Chevron UK. The contract is scheduled to start in June/July 2015 and as been made at the current market terms, Eidesvik said. The Viking Princess is an LNG-powered vessel. It was named and delivered in 2012 and has been trading in the North Sea spot marked for the past months. (Source: Offshore Energy Today) GC RIEBER CLOSES DEAL FOR CSV POLAR PRINCE GC Rieber Shipping has entered into an agreement to sell its construction support vessel (CSV) the Polar Prince. The transaction will provide GC Rieber Shipping with an accounting gain of approximately NOK 10 million ($1.3 million). According to the company, the vessel is expected to be delivered to the new owner in early June. The vessel was built at Flekkefjord Verft in Norway in It is a purpose built, multi-functional DP2 construction support vessel optimised to perform in severe sea and weather conditions. GC Rieber recently took delivery of its 3D seismic vessel, the Polar Empress. (Source: Offshore Energy Today) 19/24

20 WINDFARM NEWS TIDAL TRANSIT WINS WORK FORCE NEW ANGLIA AWARD Tidal Transit has recently received a Highly Commended Work Force New Anglia Award having taken full advantage of a grant from the 2 million European Social Fund Project to update workforce skills. The project was led by the College of West Anglia which came together with five further colleges across Norfolk and Suffolk and three private providers to form an organisation known as the New Anglia Colleges. The aim of the project is to help small companies and their employees to access a range of qualifications and training. Eligibility for the scheme is that the company has fewer than 250 employees and is based in Norfolk or Suffolk; employees must be aged 19 or over, have lived in the EU for past 3 years, and have qualifications at Level 2 or below. Leo Hambro, Commercial Director at Tidal Transit, and the employees who participated in the scheme, received the award from Susie Masson from the College of West Anglia. Hambro commented: Five of our employees took part in an IT training course over a period of 3 months. It covered topics such as word processing, spread sheets, databases and presentations. We were also able to purchase additional training units that helped them to achieve a Level 2 qualification. I am extremely proud of their achievements, and was delighted that Tidal Transit was presented with the Highly Commended award. (Source: Offshore Wind) YARD NEWS KEEL LAYING CEREMONY OF THE NUCLEAR-POWERED ICEBREAKER TAKES PLACE AT THE BALTIC SHIPYARD Project series of nuclear-powered icebreakers is being built to the class of Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS). The keel laying of the first serial ship took place at the Baltic Shipyard on 26 May RS class notation: КМ Icebreaker9 [2] AUT2-ICS EPP. The pilot ship is being built at the yard since All in all, three nuclear-powered ships of the project are planned for construction to the RS class. The official keel laying ceremony was attended by Dmitry Rogozin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Kiriyenko, CEO of State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, Vyacheslav Ruksha, General Director of Rosatomflot, Aleksey Rakhmanov, President of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, Artur Chilingarov, President of the State Polar Academy, Sergey N. Sedov, CEO of Russian Maritime Register of Shipping and other official persons. At the ceremony, the heads of the Atomfflot, the Baltic Shipyard and the RS Branch Office for Nuclear Vessels signed a Keel Laying Acceptance Report of the first serial nuclear-powered icebreaker, project RS was represented at the ceremony by Sergey N. Sedov, CEO, who noted 20/24

21 that RS is a world leader in technical requirements development for icebreakers and ice class ships and a unique society having civil nuclear-powered fleet in its class. All the icebreakers operating in Russia today were designed and built with RS direct involvement, which made it possible to ensure their compliance with the highest safety standards. The new series of those sophisticated engineering structures constitutes no exception. Ships of this project represent a new type of Russian nuclear-powered icebreakers and a new stage in the history of national shipbuilding. By their construction, a corner stone of the Russian icebreaking fleet is laid and a new page is turned in the development of the Arctic shipping, Sergey Sedov emphasized. Owing to a new structural solution, ship draught can be modified which makes efficient operation possible both in deep western areas of the Arctic (Barents, Pechora and Kara Seas) and in shallower waters in the mouth of the Yenisei and the Gulf of Ob. The highest Arctic category Icebreaker9 and 60 MW power will enable the icebreakers to move through the level ice up to 2.8 m thick. The project ship length is m, the breadth is 34 m, design draught is 10.5 m and minimal operating draught is 8.55 m. Pre-designed displacement is tons. They will be the largest and the most powerful icebreakers in the world. While constructing the icebreakers, RS experts carry out survey of their hulls, machinery plants, radio-navigational and electrical equipment, automation equipment, etc. in accordance with the requirements of RS Rules and RS-approved design documentation as well as with all the applicable statutory requirements. Upon completion of the construction, RS will proceed with the in-service survey of the icebreakers. (Source: PortNews) Advertisement MICANTI RAISES GROWTH CAPITAL FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION Today Dutch maritime technology company Micanti has closed an investment round with Pindustry to finance the global roll-out of its proprietary antifouling. Pindustry is an independent investment company investing in innovative industrial enterprises. Micanti has developed a 100% environmentally friendly antifouling, called Thorn-D. Thorn-D antifouling is not a paint like 21/24

22 incumbent antifouling systems; it is a self-adhesive foil which is applied on the hull of a vessel, forming a physical barrier against marine growth such as mussels and barnacles. As fouling is prevented, ships can sail more economical as there is no increase in fuel consumption, and it is environmental-friendly at the same time. The lifespan of Thorn-D is at least 5 years, allowing ship owners to save time and fuel. In addition, Thorn-D works when the ship sails, but also when it is moored. Market expansion At present Micanti is active in the offshore sector in The Netherlands and the Middle East. Its client base consists of market leading companies like: Damen Shipyards, Fugro, Vroon, Halul Offshore and Dockwise. Micanti now wishes to expand towards Asia and America, where it already has received a lot of attention from ship owners. Micanti will also pursue market opportunities in other shipping segments such as cargo. Eric Pieters, Commercial Director and co-owner of Micanti: "Thorn-D is commercially available for vessels worldwide since In the past 3 years, we have achieved one success after another. Recognition by winning two prestigious industry awards also contributed to our brand in the maritime world. As a company we have grown fast, resulting in an increasing demand for Thorn-D. We are pleased with the investment of Pindustry which enables Micanti to seize these opportunities. Pindustry s investment provides both the necessary financial resources to achieve our long-term ambitions, as well as support on a strategic management level." Tjalko Reedijk, investor and co-owner of Pindustry: "We regularly meet interesting companies in need of capital. The P of Pindustry stands for Partner to make clear that as an investor we work closely with the management of the company we invest in. Pindustry will assist Micanti in achieving its international ambition, by providing capital, strategic advice, and access to our worldwide network." Rik Breur, founder and CEO of Micanti: "Due to the great interest in environmentally friendly and effective antifoulings, demand for Thorn-D has increased dramatically over the past year. We are very pleased with the investment by Pindustry in our company. With this financial injection and access to Pindustry s knowledge and networks, we can optimally execute the global growth of Micanti. In addition, it enables us to further develop and commercialize our product pipeline over the coming years. Watch the youtube movie HERE AURORA YACHTS DELIVERS CATAMARAN Aurora Yachts has delivered a workboat designed for fish farming and aquaculture. The vessel is metres long, 9.0 metres wide and has a depth of 2.5 metres. Individually, each hull is 2.0 metres wide. The building team opted for two John Deere marine engines to power the vessel, each producing 430kW of power at 2,000rpm. These engines turn twin Nogva 4-bladed adjustable pitch propellers via two Nogva gearboxes. While working, the vessel can maintain a cruising speed of 13 knots while it can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots when travelling between fish farms or nets. To provide additional onboard power a 30kW Kohler generator was installed. To aid manoeuvring while attending fish farms and other aquaculture installations, the vessel has two thrusters from Petter s Marine Hydraulics. The thrusters are designed to provide good ship control in docking, at slow speed, in narrow water manoeuvring and in position keeping. (Source: Baird) 22/24

23 Advertisement BOLLINGER ANNOUNCES PROMOTION Bollinger Shipyards announces the promotion of Eric Bollinger to Vice President of Sales. President and CEO Ben Bordelon made the announcement, stating Eric has been a key contributor to our company s sales efforts for over 39 years. His knowledge and understanding of our markets will benefit and support our customer service and customer relations efforts. Eric has proven himself a very dedicated employee and integral member of our team time after time, and I am excited to see the impact of his leadership on our business. Bollinger Shipyards ( is a leading designer and builder of offshore oil field support vessels, ocean-going double hull barges, tug boats, rigs, liftboats, inland waterways push boats and barges, fast military patrol boats and other steel and aluminum products from its new construction shipyards. Bollinger has 10 shipyards and all are strategically located between New Orleans and Houston with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Bollinger is the largest vessel repair company in the Gulf of Mexico region with a total of 30 dry-docks in Louisiana and Texas. (Press Release) WEBSITE NEWS ARE YOU ALSO INTERES T ED IN THIS FREE TUGS TOW ING & OFFSHO RE NEWSLETTER. PLEASE VIS IT THE WEBS ITE WW W.TO W I N G L I N E. C O M AND S UBSCRIBE YOURSE LF FOR FREE Last week there have been new updates posted: 1. Several updates on the News page posted last week: Svitzer awarded new contract in Northern Canada, servicing Baffinland at Milne Inlet Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. Delivers the M/V BILL SEYMOUR for Florida Marine Transporters, Inc. Vane Brothers welcomes Kings Point as the company s latest Maryland tugboat A hat-trick for Kotug: green power ahead with three Hybrid Rotortugs (E-Kotug 23/24