Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Christens Next-Gen LNGC “Marvel Crane”

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a Group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) based in Yokohama, held a christening ceremony on February 21 for the next-generation LNG (liquefied natural gas) carrier currently under construction for Mitsui & Co., Ltd. The new ship, named MARVEL CRANE, is a state-of-the-art LNG carrier with a design that significantly improves both LNG carrying capacity and fuel performance due to the adoption of a more efficient hull structure and hybrid propulsion system. Completion is scheduled for March 2019, after which the MARVEL CRANE will be put into service, transporting LNG for the Cameron LNG Project in the U.S., in which Mitsui & Co. is participating.

The christening ceremony, held at the Koyagi Plant of MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works, was attended by many people involved with the project. Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Counselor Hiroyuki Kato announced the name of the ship, while his wife performed the ceremonial rope cutting.

The MARVEL CRANE is the first of two LNG carriers of the same design being constructed for Mitsui & Co., Ltd. It has a length of 293.0m, width of 48.94m, and depth of 27.5m, with a draft of 11.4m. Deadweight tonnage is approximately 79,000 tons, with a total tank holding capacity of 177,000m3.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding received the order for the new vessel through MI LNG Company, Limited, a joint venture for the design and sale of LNG carriers established by MHI and Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Construction was managed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Structure Co., Ltd., an MHI Group company based in Nagasaki. The launching took place on August 3, 2018. Mitsui & Co., Ltd. named its LNG carriers for the Cameron LNG Project “MARVEL” and “CRANE,” after the migratory bird.

The vessel is equipped with a modified version of the highly reliable Moss(Note) spherical tank, an apple-shaped tank with a protruding upper half. This tank design effectively expands the ship’s LNG carrying capacity without increasing its width, allowing it to pass through the new Panama Canal. The propulsion system is a hybrid 2-shaft STaGE (Steam Turbine and Gas Engines) system combining a steam turbine and a gas-fired engine. The ship is equipped with MHI’s proprietary high-efficiency reheat marine steam turbine engine, or UST (MHI Ultra Steam Turbine Plant), a dual-fuel engine power generator that’s able to burn both natural gas and diesel, as well as an electric propulsion engine. Effective utilization of waste heat by the UST provides a substantial improvement in plant efficiency, allowing for high-efficiency navigation at both low and high speeds.

Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and MHI Marine Structure will continue the development of next-generation LNG carriers, exhibiting exceptional fuel efficiency and sustainable performance in order to contribute to stable energy supplies and environmental conservation.

Press Releases: acnnewswire.com

Photo Courtesy: mhi.com

The post Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Christens Next-Gen LNGC “Marvel Crane” appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2tyXK8j

Port Tampa Bay Welcomes New CMA CGM Container Service

Port Tampa Bay is pleased to welcome the announcement by the CMA CGM Group, a leading worldwide shipping group, that it will begin serving Port Tampa Bay in late May 2019 on its Pacific Express 3, or PEX3 service. With a presence in 160 countries and a fleet of 506 vessels, CMA CGM serves over 420 ports across the globe and is a member of the Ocean Alliance. The PEX3 port service rotation will be as follows: Singapore – Vung Tau – Hong Kong – Shekou – Ningbo – Shanghai – Busan – Panama Canal – Houston – Mobile – New Orleans – Tampa – Miami – Singapore.

“We are delighted with this announcement by CMA CGM,” said Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay President and CEO. “This is a further testament to the growth of the US Gulf market and the significance of the Tampa Bay/I-4 Corridor region, home to the state’s largest concentration of distribution centers, which has become the heartbeat of Florida’s international trade. These days, it’s critically important that you get as close to the customer as you possibly can. With this development, CMA CGM is doing exactly that.”

“The PEX3 offers an outstanding service to and from Asia, and now shippers in Central Florida will have enhanced access to it,” said Nick Fafoutis, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at CMA CGM America. “With this new call to Port Tampa Bay, the CMA CGM Group is pleased to provide an invaluable routing option between critical Asian markets and a growing population base in Central Florida and the greater Southeast region. With the recent addition of Vung Tau on PEX3, the Tampa call will also be the first ever direct connection between the booming Vietnam market and Central Florida. These changes to PEX3 exemplify the customer-centric strategy that has propelled the CMA CGM Group to be the number 1 carrier in the U.S.

Port Tampa Bay is the closest port to Florida’s fastest growing region and its largest consumer market – the Tampa Bay/Orlando I-4 Corridor. As trucking costs have increased, Port Tampa Bay’s location is recognized as offering the lowest delivery cost solution for exporters and importers. Home to almost half the state’s population of more than 21 million residents, and welcoming a majority of the 120 million tourists who visit Florida every year, the I-4 Corridor has the largest concentration of distribution centers in the state. From this central location in the middle of the Florida peninsula, importers and exporters achieve significant savings in their truck delivery costs to serve the entire state, as well as reaching into markets throughout the Southeast and beyond. For companies involved in retail distribution, e-commerce, food and beverage, and manufacturing, the demands for same-day service, tighter delivery windows and shorter lead times are driving this shift in supply chain strategy. Ongoing pressures on trucking caused by driver shortages, hours of service, ELD mandate and rising fuel costs, continue to enhance Port Tampa Bay’s preferred location and proximity to Florida’s largest consumer market.

Port Tampa Bay’s position on the eastern Gulf coast complements the western and central Gulf ports of Houston and Mobile and the three ports, together with the Panama Canal, have been jointly promoting the advantages of the all-water Asia-Gulf route and the growing markets along the Gulf coast.

Together with container terminal operator partner Ports America, Port Tampa Bay is continuing to expand and upgrade facilities, having recently added two new post-Panamax cranes to complement its existing three gantry cranes and implementing a phased build-out plan to quadruple capacity over the next few years as business continues to grow. The Port is also investing in new facilities to continue to diversify its service offerings and cargo mix, which includes a new state of the art on-dock cold storage warehouse recently opened by Port Logistics Refrigerated Services.

“Ports America is proud to partner with the Port in welcoming CMA CGM,” said Mark Montgomery, President & CEO of Ports America, container terminal operator at Port Tampa Bay. “Together with the Port, we’re moving forward with the expansion of the terminal, as well as adding cranes and equipment so we can continue to accommodate this growing market.”

Press Releases: porttb.com

Photo Courtesy: porttb.com

The post Port Tampa Bay Welcomes New CMA CGM Container Service appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2E81oKT

Navis To Equip Bulk Carrier Newbuilding Series With Onboard Loading Computer MACS3

Navis, the leading provider of maritime software solutions for cargo and vessel performance and compliance, announced it will equip a series of nine new build 82,000 dtw bulk carriers with the dedicated bulk version of MACS3 loading computer. The vessels are currently being built at Yangzijiang shipyard, China, and will be delivered between July 2019 and April 2020 to the Liberia-registered ship owner Lepta Shipping, a subsidiary of Mitsui. Shanghai-based design experts CS Marine Technology have designed the vessel, which has seven cargo holds to load heavy cargo as per class notification by the Japanese classification society Class NK. The vessels are going to operate under the Panama flag.

Beside a wide range of calculations related to hydrostatics, intact stability, longitudinal and local strength, the MACS3 bulk carrier version provides dedicated functionalities required to load and unload varying solid-bulk cargoes with consideration for hatch cover handling and safe transport of cargo. Such solid bulk cargo includes ore, coal, grain, steel coil and logs or cargo falling under the IMSBC code category risk group C like nickel ore, iron ore fines or bauxite. In addition, the loading instrument offers guidance on loading sequences and stowage, ballast-water distribution, and grounding scenarios.

“Taking into account that cargo failure and grounding are one of the main sources of bulk carrier incidents, carefully planning and controlling cargo and ballasting operations is vital to ensure seaworthiness and the efficient and safe transport of various types of bulk cargo,” says Martin Bardi, Vice President, XVELA Global Sales and Head of Navis Carrier and Vessel Solutions. “Since MACS3 is approved by the world’s leading classification societies, both ships crews and planners can rely on the instrument to help them adhere to current IMO regulations, and obtain regular updates on dangerous goods.”

MACS3 loading computer was established in 1984 as a Seacos loading computer. It owns a worldwide unique ship library of more than 4,500 container vessel profiles and more than 1,500 vessel profiles of various vessel types including bulk carriers, multi-purpose vessels, tankers, roro and offshore vessels.

The MACS3 loading computer for bulk carriers is a tool that incorporates the highest standard of safety. This is evident through its approval by worldwide leading classification societies such as ClassNK, CCS, DNVGL, Lloyds Register, Bureau Veritas, ABS, etc., along with the integration of its dangerous goods module for a bulk carrier with complete IMSBC code that provides guidance for segregation and handling instructions. Furthermore, the steel coil module supports a load of steel coils in holds by checking bottom strength including dunnage.

The MACS3 bulk carrier fleet is now utilized aboard more than 500 vessels.

Press Releases: navis.com

Photo Courtesy: navis.com

The post Navis To Equip Bulk Carrier Newbuilding Series With Onboard Loading Computer MACS3 appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2SUqB5K

Norway’s Largest Container Terminal ‘YILPort Oslo’ Records Highest Container Volume

In 2018, a total of 238,000 containers (TEU) were handled in Norway’s largest container terminal, YILPort Oslo, an increase of 14% from the previous year. Cargo from Europe is growing. Oslo is the logistics hub in Norway. About 80% of the goods that come in containers, everything from bicycles, books to electronics, curbstones, and foodstuffs is destined to Oslo and the neighboring areas. Norway’s most modern container terminal is close to a large and growing market. Half of the Norwegian population is within a three hours drive from the port of Oslo.

Delivers good quality
New lines and dynamic terminal operators, shipping companies and logistics actors are key preconditions for growth.

We want to commend the work that the container operator YILPort Oslo, together with the shipping companies, has closed over time. Good capacity and quality are crucial. We are in the process of getting a very competitive container terminal, says Port Director, Ingvar M. Mathisen (picture), who adds that increased sea transport is an important contribution in the green shift, and to reach Oslo’s goal of a future zero emission port.

Sea transport is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, and more than halves greenhouse gas emissions compared to other modes of transport.
More European goods

The increased volume in 2018 is mainly in European cargo, which previously came from Europe to Norway with trucks. Changes in the transport market and lack of truck drivers in several countries in Europe have led to increased prices for road transport.

In a good dialogue with the market, we have changed the dynamics of the supply chain and expanded the operating times to compete with the trucks on the road. This is how we got new lines and more goods. In April 2018, the shipping companies Via sea and Containerships started a new, weekly route from Klapeida in Lithuania via Gdynia in Poland to Oslo, says Maiken Solemdal, marketing manager in YILPort.

Growth. YILport takes market shares from road transport, says commercial manager, Maiken Solemdal.

Towards a zero-emission terminal
YILPort Oslo’s advanced logistics systems and modern, environmentally friendly terminal equipment ensure efficient transhipment and short stay time for the cargo.
Yilport aims to become a zero-emission terminal. Terminal container cranes are among the world’s quietest, zero-emission cranes. The Port of Oslo has provided environmental grants that enable the purchase of six new electric trucks that will replace diesel-powered machines.

Yilport is well on its way to achieving the goal and wants to be at the forefront of development. The next step is electrical terminal tractors. Then there remain to be electric-Reach stackers, which are vehicles that lift containers. The electricity technology for this vehicle is not yet on the market, but I strongly believe that technology is coming. Then we are a zero-emission terminal, says marketing manager Maiken Solemdal, who adds that the most important environmental measure is to move goods from road to sea, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions on goods and goods imported into Norway.

Collaboration for more sea transport
Close cooperation in the value chain, between port, terminal operator, goods owners and logistics operators is necessary. BAMA has since 2017 transferred 2000 means of transport of fruit and vegetables from road to sea. It is a result of the collaborative project Cool Oslo Shortsea in the port of Oslo for more sea freight of fresh produce.

We notice that targeted work by goods owners, shipping companies and logistics operators to improve and deliver the quality that is necessary, gives results.

Press Releases: oslohavn.no

Photo Courtesy: oslohavn.no

The post Norway’s Largest Container Terminal ‘YILPort Oslo’ Records Highest Container Volume appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2E81oun

Fleet Xpress Powers National Geographic’s New Adventure Cruise Ship

Inmarsat is providing connectivity through Fleet Xpress for Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s new adventure cruise ship, National Geographic Venture.

The expedition ship, designed to explore the coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels where wildlife congregates, completed its first cruise around the Galapagos Islands in December 2018 before travelling to Baja California. It is destined for the Pacific North West coast and Alaska in the next few months.

Built by US yard Nichols Brothers, the 73m (240ft) Venture is one of a growing band of ice-strengthened expedition ships catering for more remote destinations. With a capacity for 100 guests supported by 50 crew, ship-to-shore connectivity is a central proof point that adventure cruising can deliver on comfort, safety and continuity of lifestyle, as well as get up close to nature.

Guest expectation
“Fleet Xpress is the right fit for our fleet of smaller expedition vessels due to the requirement of a smaller VSAT terminal and the ability to provide high-speed, reliable, global coverage as these vessels sail to remote parts of the globe where connectivity is limited, and our guest expectation is always to be connected,” said Arthur Theodorou, Director of IT Lindblad Expeditions.

Christian Cordoba, Inmarsat Maritime Channel Manager for Yachting and Passenger, commented: “Expedition cruising is creating a significant new market for Fleet Xpress.

“Combining the high data speed of Ka-band and continuous L-band back-up with purpose-designed and easy to install 1m terminals allows Fleet Xpress to achieve 24/7 coverage, stability and reliability, including high-speed IoT connectivity, whether the ship is in the Arctic or miles up an inland channel.”

Brand Reputation
The new generation of expedition cruisers has especially high expectations for connectivity, now considered a lifestyle entitlement. “For adventure cruisers today, connectivity is part of the package they are paying for; this is an audience which expects a highly educational vacation but also to share experiences online instantaneously,” said Christian. Service reliability and speed become hotel management issues that affect brand reputation, ratings and repeat business, he added.

“From the owner’s perspective, Fleet Xpress is also the answer because these compact ships don’t have the real estate for the sizeable terminals larger cruise ships use to connect via C-band. Meanwhile, L-band alone falls short on data speeds and Ku-band services may work with compact shipboard terminals, but they can’t offer the benefit of a seamless global coverage the itineraries demand.”

Fleet Xpress is now installed onboard six of the Lindblad Expeditions ships, including Venture’s sister ship National Geographic Quest, delivered in 2017, with retrofits made on Sea Bird, Sea Lion, Endeavour II and Islander. Fleet Xpress is fully integrated with the ship phone systems (PABX), and the internal communications platforms and local area networks used to optimise vessel operations.

Press Releases: inmarsat.com

Photo Courtesy: inmarsat.com

The post Fleet Xpress Powers National Geographic’s New Adventure Cruise Ship appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2VeqIWF

N-Sea Wins Multi-Million Pound North Sea Sub-Sea Contracts

UK and Netherlands-based subsea provider N-Sea has announced that it has been awarded two £multi-million contracts.

Managed and supported by N-Sea’s Aberdeen base, the first is a three-year contract, awarded by an international operator. The workshop will take place across a number of the operator’s UK North Sea assets and includes air diving inspection, repair and maintenance, in addition to light construction requirements from its diving support vessels and dive daughter craft.

Additionally, and following an initial framework contract award in 2018, N-Sea will also undertake a two-year project for another North Sea operator, comprising inspection, repair and maintenance on two of its North Sea assets. The project will see N-Sea provide its client with a variety of services similar to the highly successful scopes already provided in 2018.

Commenting on the awards, N-Sea Chief Operating Officer Roddy James said: “Given that the North Sea market is still in recovery phase, we are delighted that we continue to build a genuinely robust order book within the region.

“These contracts have been awarded by returning customers and is entirely reflective of the quality and experience provided by our project teams, who consistently deliver above expectation, and maintain a focus on providing safe and efficient operations for our customers. Both contract awards will see N-Sea utilise two dive support vessels for up to 250 days in 2019, which is a great place to be at this point in the year.”

N-Sea specialises in subsea services for the renewable, oil and gas, and telecom/utility industries, as well as for civil contracting communities. With a focus on safe and efficient operations, N-Sea provides nearshore, offshore and survey services to asset operators and tier 1 contractors.

Press Releases: n-sea.com

Photo Courtesy: n-sea.com

The post N-Sea Wins Multi-Million Pound North Sea Sub-Sea Contracts appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2EqmrKo

Alphaliner: Megamaxes Continue to Be Favored by Ocean Carriers

As explained, containership operators continue to find ways to fill their megamaxes, with Ocean Network Alliance (ONE) declaring that the 20,170 TEU MOL Triumph achieved a new world load record.

On January 10, the boxship departed Singapore en route to North Europe on THE Alliance’s FE2 service with a cargo of 19,190 TEU. The previous load record had been achieved in August 2018, when the 20,568 TEU ship Mumbai Maersk sailed from Tanjung Pelepas to Rotterdam with 19,038 TEU onboard.

These records will likely to be surpassed in the near future as 23,000 TEU ships are being introduced, according to Alphaliner.

A total of 95 megamax containerships of over 18,000 TEU have been delivered so far, while 42 vessels in this size class are on order.

The trend in the container shipping industry is in contrast to the one in the aircraft industry. There, operators are said to prefer smaller aircraft that are easier to fill, allow for more direct point-to-point connections, or direct links between major hubs and smaller destinations.

Although there are no signs of replacing bigger containerships, vessel overcapacity remains a key challenge that carriers have not been able to overcome. Signs of stress are already starting to emerge as shipping lines are forced to move some of their megamaxes out of the Asia-North Europe route, Alphaliner added.

Press Releases: Alphaliner

The post Alphaliner: Megamaxes Continue to Be Favored by Ocean Carriers appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2XgCodl