Gauthiers’ announces the acquisition of an equity share of Modex, a leading international manufacturer of DNV-certified offshore equipment. As part of the transaction, Gauthiers’ will merge its operations with Modex to create the world’s third-largest offshore container company, with an inventory of 17,000 units, a global presence and comprehensive service offerings from engineering and manufacturing to the sale and leasing of offshore containers and modules. Modex currently has operations in Norway, Brazil, UAE, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and the United Kingdom (Aberdeen) with further growth planned in the near future.

This new partnership provides substantial advantages to both parties. Gauthiers’ benefits from adding full in-house manufacturing design and production capacity as well as capital support for its continued growth, while Modex gains access to the North American oil and gas market via Gauthiers’ locations, expertise and relationships with operators, contractors and service companies in the Gulf of Mexico.

Gauthiers’ branding materials will be updated to include “A Modex Company” to reflect its expanded capacity and new global service offerings. Meanwhile, Gauthiers’ existing Louisiana locations (in Lafayette, Houma and Port Fourchon) will continue under the same management while offering an even broader range of customized units along with a larger available inventory.

“It will be business as usual – only better – with the merged company. Our customers will still receive the same outstanding service they always have, only now they will gain access to additional units, more facilities, new models and direct factory support,” said Gauthiers’ President Robert Gauthier. “What’s more, we can now serve customers anywhere in the world.”

Modex is the leading integrated Cargo Carrying Unit (CCU) manufacturer and rental provider in the world. Unlike other CCU providers that subcontract their production, Modex owns and operates the most advanced CCU and cabin manufacturing facility in the world, capable of producing 5,400 CCUs and 120 cabin units per year.

“Gauthiers’ is an ideal partner for us because of their experience, facilities and long-standing customer relationships throughout the Gulf region. And just as importantly, they are industry leaders in the development and implementation of international safety standards,” said Modex CEO Eric Snellen.

Following an order announced in October 2013, MacGregor, part of Cargotec has delivered and commissioned 45 variable frequency drive (VFD) winches and a full control system for the recently completed heavy-lift crane barge Hyundai HLV-10000, one of the largest heavy lift vessels in the world.

Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Hyundai Heavy Industries, built the large floating crane to meet the increasing demands for heavyweight shipbuilding support activities, along with offshore lifting operations.

"This delivery extends MacGregor's heavy lift vessel portfolio," says Francis Wong, Head of Sales and Marketing at Offshore Deck Machinery at MacGregor. "It also confirms our ability to meet the developing needs of specialist vessels, supported by our good track record for all types and sizes of winches and cranes from merchant ships to offshore support vessels.

"We won this contract because we offer the most advanced winch and crane technology, underpinned by our worldwide service support organization."

MacGregor's electric winches consume 25 to 30 percent less energy than equivalent hydraulic winches. In lowering mode, they generate energy rather than consume it. Electric winches benefit from reduced installation and maintenance costs, reduced environmental impact and simplified diagnostics.

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has been awarded a contract by Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding Limited for two subsea knuckle boom cranes to be installed on the world's first seabed mining vessel. Delivery of the cranes is scheduled for Q1/2017. The order was booked into first quarter 2015 order intake.

The 227m production support vessel has a beam of 40m. It has been designed by Singapore's SeaTech Solutions for Dubai-based owner Marine Assets Corporation (MAC). Following delivery at the end of 2017, it will operate under long-term charter to Canadian seafloor exploration company Nautilus Minerals Inc.

The MacGregor order consists of two knuckle boom cranes; a 200t active heave-compensation (AHC) subsea crane with the capability to operate to a depth of 2,500m, and a smaller 100t subsea crane.

Mike Johnston, CEO of Nautilus Minerals, says, "We are very pleased to have such a world class supplier providing key equipment for use on our Production Support Vessel. The cranes are an essential component in ensuring operations can be performed safely across all of our large working deck areas. We look forward to reporting on the progress of this equipment as we move closer to production in 2018."

"We are delighted that we have been chosen to supply the cranes for this exciting and prestigious new vessel," says Tom Svennevig, Vice President, Offshore Load Handling, MacGregor. "The demands of offshore operations are constantly changing. At MacGregor, we work hard to understand our customers' requirements and to ensure that we are always ahead of the competition in our ability to offer exactly the right hardware for the job, supported by our global service infrastructure."

BMT Nigel Gee (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group, is pleased to announce the successful completion of sea trials for Njord Odin, the first of a series of advanced 26m windfarm support vessels (WSV) for Njord Offshore. Developed from BMT’s well-established range of WSVs, these are the largest BMT designed vessels built to date.

Built by Strategic Marine, Njord Odin is also the first to be fitted with a quadruple installation of the Volvo Penta IPS system, with the forward-facing, twin counter-rotating propellers and individually steerable pods under the hull. The IPS system offers high propulsive efficiency combined with excellent manoeuvrability, dynamic positioning, as well as excellent bollard pull which is of paramount importance on a windfarm.

Tom Mehew, Director at Njord Offshore comments: “Our clients demand efficiency and redundancy in our service and comfort for their technicians whilst operating in tougher, more inclement conditions. We believe Njord Odin will deliver on all fronts. BMT and Strategic Marine have done an excellent job and we’re delighted with the performance and sea trials results.”

The vessel is 26.3m in length with a beam of 9.3m with each of the four Volvo IPS900 units delivering 515 kW. The vessel is specifically designed for working further offshore with a fuel capacity of 29,000 litres and fresh water capacity of 2,900 litres. Njord Odin achieved a speed of in excess of 27 knots with 20 tonnes of deadweight and with the same deadweight will cruise at 25 knots with the engines running at 85% of their maximum continuous rating.

The vessel has extremely low noise levels thanks to the resiliently mounted superstructure and selection of propulsion machinery. Noise levels in the main accommodation are 60 dBA and 54 dBA in the wheelhouse whilst operating at 25 knots.

The accommodation is extremely spacious with excellent visibility from all seating areas. Utilising the patented Active Fender System, the vessel also benefits from significantly reduced impact forces when docking with boat landings.

Ed Dudson, Technical Director at BMT Nigel Gee comments: “Our designs are well proven with an excellent reputation for seakeeping and fuel economy. It is great to be providing these vessels together with Strategic Marine to Njord Offshore. Njord Odin is the first of our quad IPS designs and we are looking forward to seeing this new fleet of Njord Vessels joining the current fleet which includes 8, 21m BMT designed vessels.”

Helix Well Ops’s, new intervention semi-submersible, the Q5000, set sail from Singapore on her journey of over 13,000 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Stopping at Mauritius, Namibia and Curacao en route, she will arrive in United States’ waters in the summer of 2015.

Helix is in discussions with various parties for work for the vessel for the period from her arrival date until the commencement of a five year contract in April 2016. Based upon the Q4000 design, the Q5000 is a much larger second generation intervention semi with enhanced capability for subsea intervention, construction and life of field services.

InterMoor Inc., an Acteon company and part of its foundations and moorings business, finished replacing critical components in an FPU mooring system offshore Equatorial Guinea on schedule, enabling the prime contractor, Boskalis, to expand the InterMoor work scope.

The original contract covered replacing old mooring chains and wire ropes for eight of the 12 mooring lines along with two drag anchors on Mobil Equatorial Guinea Inc.’s (MEGI’s) Zafiro Producer floating production unit. During the operation, Boskalis contracted InterMoor to replace an additional mooring line.

The engineering work began in Oct. 2014 in Houston and the Netherlands, where the Norwegian Anchor Handling & Construction (AHC) vessel Olympic Zeus was mobilized. InterMoor completed the installation work on location 64 kilometers west of Malabo, offshore Equatorial Guinea, from the Olympic Zeus.

During the installation, InterMoor thoroughly inspected all the mooring lines as they were being disconnected from the floating production unit to determine which portion of the line required replacement with new chain and connectors. The company also documented the installation to ensure the client had accurate, as-built information on the mooring system. The offshore installation was completed in March 2015 to MEGI’s satisfaction and the project will be finalized with all documentation delivered in April 2015. InterMoor had previously worked for MEGI in country, but this was the company’s first time working in conjunction with Boskalis.

Jim Macklin, vice president of projects and engineering, InterMoor, said, “Our past experience working with MEGI on their mooring installation leveraged our ability to deliver this work safely and on schedule. The current market conditions in the oil and gas industry mean that more of our clients are focusing on integrity management to maintain their production levels. InterMoor will work to ensure production is uninterrupted by complications from mooring failures.”

Not only was the project a success offshore, it also helped the local community onshore. InterMoor, MEGI, Boskalis and Olympic donated $30,000 to a local school, based on the onboard safety performance of the crews during the execution of the work. The local school, Escuela Unitaria de Bareso, will purchase new furniture, improve the playground, install washroom facilities and waterproof windows.

InterMoor, an Acteon company, is the leading mooring, foundations and subsea services provider delivering innovative solutions for rig moves, mooring services and offshore installation projects. We support operators and contractors worldwide with our engineering, fabrication, shore base, survey and positioning, and inspection services to provide truly customized solutions that reduce cost, time and risk.

Acteon provides a range of global subsea services from surveying, installation, asset integrity management through to decommissioning. Acteon’s companies are 2H Offshore, Aquatic, Claxton, Clarus Subsea Integrity, Conductor Installation Services (CIS), Core Grouting Services, InterAct, InterMoor, J2 Subsea, LDD, LM Handling, MENCK, Mirage Machines, NCS Survey, Offshore Installation Services (OIS), Probe Oil Tools, Pulse Structural Monitoring, Seatronics, Subsea Riser Products (SRP), TEAM Energy Resources and UTEC Survey. Acteon’s companies share knowledge and experience to add value and create effective, tailored solutions for clients across four business segments: survey, monitoring and data; risers and moorings; seabed foundation technologies; and project support services.

About subsea services: Acteon’s aim is to define, shape and lead subsea services through best-in-class expertise offering full market coverage across the whole life of a subsea field. Acteon’s integrated approach to subsea services makes it easy for clients to combine capabilities to meet their specific project needs. Acteon’s subsea services companies share knowledge and experience across four business segments to deliver highly efficient solutions tailored to a client’s unique challenges, thereby reducing overall cost, risk and complexity.

Risers and moorings: Acteon provides deepwater riser engineering, structural analysis, riser, conductor, flowline and pipeline services to add value and create effective, tailored solutions. Acteon offers world-leading capabilities in high-pressure, high-temperature risers, temporary and permanent moorings, design, supply, installation, relocation and decommissioning. With the largest global inventory of offshore mooring equipment, Acteon also provides global inventory management with rapid delivery.

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) chose the final day of Ocean Business at Southampton (16 April) to announce the eagerly awaited start date for the IIMS accredited vessel inspectors (AVIs) scheme, for CMID (Common Marine Inspection Document ) work on a worldwide basis as 1 June. Those wishing to apply to become IIMS AVIs will be able to register their interest from the beginning of May in order to allow for processing of applications from 1 June.

“The accreditation process for CMID vessel inspectors, to be known as accredited vessel inspectors or AVIs for short, will be explained on a new website devoted to the CMID AVI community,” says Chris Baldwin IMCA’s Technical Adviser. “This initiative is being collaboratively delivered by IMCA and the IIMS and will radically alter the vessel inspection expectations of all stakeholders as the AVI badge will become the ‘industry standard’ symbol of quality for CMID reports.

“We wanted to announce the launch date where the industry was, for the evolution of the CMID has so much to do with us listening to the needs of the industry that we want to be able to answer questions on it at a public forum, and publicly thank so many who have helped steer us towards this important step in our efforts to continuously improve the CMID system.

“Now we have recognized the critical element of inspector competency and IMCA and IIMS will be working together to deliver CMID training and workshops for the benefit of the marine vessel inspector community.” Chris Baldwin added: “The changes to IMCA’s CMID itself in the shortly to be released version 9 are significant and extensive”.

“The new version is designed to be more useful than ever as an audit tool, and will see the return of the vessel supplements, which were withdrawn when version 7 was introduced in 2011. These 16 supplements will cover the common offshore vessel types, and are designed to be added to the general section of the document. The ability to add more photographs to the document will be included and we intend to ensure that the inappropriate generation of findings is reduced. We are planning to introduce the new version in July and will let the users get familiar with the new version before we commence the international workshop program in September.”

IMCA will also be launching an App at the same time, which has been designed for Android and Apple devices, and links users directly to the eCMID database.

The AVI scheme, being run and managed by MSA, a subsidiary of the accrediting body IIMS on behalf of IMCA, will be established on a worldwide basis with initial and refresher training courses being made available in all major regions where IMCA members operate. Having gained accredited status, vessel inspectors/auditors will be issued with an identify card embossed with both an IIMS logo and a declaration that the accreditation is recognized by IMCA. They will be able to get free download of the App and a comprehensive Vessel Inspectors’ manual.

Commenting on the launch of the AVI scheme, Mike Schwarz, IIMS Chief Executive Officer said: "We are thrilled to have been appointed to run the accreditation scheme for IMCA's CMID Vessel Inspectors. The scheme is the result of more than 12 months discussion and careful planning with IMCA.

“It is an important and challenging piece of work that will resolve a clearly defined industry need. Furthermore, it will put IIMS firmly at the heart of the international marine and maritime industry. We have already put in a great deal of effort behind the scenes and I look forward to our hard work bearing positive results for all involved as the scheme is unveiled and develops."

The next step for those eager to become AVIs is to download an application from the IMCA CMID Vessel Inspector website and complete their application. IMCA’s partners at IIMS are keen to ensure that applications meet the criteria demanded and will be able to offer regional support hubs to provide applicants with advice and guidance on completing the application form.

A program of workshops will be held around the world to explain the new features. Dates and venues will be published on the IMCA website, www.imca-int.com, and in the regularly published CMID update. Further information on workshops will be available from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 5520; Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 5521.

CMID: the background

The Common Marine Inspection Document (CMID), published by IMCA, is a globally recognized vessel safety audit system that has done sterling work since 1999, meeting the aim of reducing the number of audits carried out on individual marine vessels by adoption of a standard format for inspection. It was joined in 2009 by the eCMID, along with a secure online database for the CMID reports, which are ‘living’ documents that can be kept and updated onboard a vessel.

In all nearly 2,600 users (operators, clients and inspectors) have made use of the eCMID database, with 887 vessels on the system by 1 December 2014. “However, we know that on average only 10% of downloaded CMID report forms are then uploaded onto the eCMID database when completed,” explains Chris Baldwin. “This data appears to support anecdotal evidence that the CMID user community is much broader than appears at first sight.”

Naturally, over the years CMID has been regularly reviewed and updated in the light of regulatory and technical developments. This year (2015) will see the release of version 9 reflecting that the current version, and the status of vessel inspectors, needed further revision to meet the demands of modern work practices and recent regulatory amendments in the maritime domain.

The revision re-emphasizes the need to make the CMID an integral part of the process of the ship safety and environmental protection management system, which is a requirement of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. This places legally binding responsibilities on companies, owners, contractors and vessel masters and crew for safety, and environmental protection management.

CMID is there to assess three measures of vessel assurance – the safety of personnel; the protection of the environment; and to visually inspect the internal integrity of the vessel’s hull (i.e. its watertight integrity). The ownership by the Master and crew of the safety management system (SMS) cannot be stressed enough, and it is very apparent to vessel inspectors when the crew are properly engaged with the safety management system employed onboard. The inspector effectively acts as the Master’s independent observer with a responsibility to make an objective assessment of their vessel’s SMS, the top priority being to assure the safety of the Master and crew in the operation of the vessel.

The CMID applies to vessels 24m and over as well as the +500GRT, with the Marine Inspection Document for Small Workboats (MISW – IMCA M 189) applying to vessels less than 500GRT and 24m in length. The MISW has also been part of the review and will also employ the use of vessel supplements (though not as many as the CMID).

Further information on all aspects of the CMID and the inspection process is available from IMCA at www.imca-int.com and the IIMS at www.iims.org.uk.

On Thursday 9 April, the official naming ceremony took place for IRM (Inspection Repair and Maintenance) light construction vessel the Olympic Bibby, at the Kleven Shipyard, Norway.

The ceremony saw the vessel’s official Godmother Mrs. Connie Brown, wife of recently appointed Chairman of Bibby Offshore Mike Brown, christening the NORSOK compliant, 4,500 ton vessel in front of a crowd of 250.

Commenting on her experience, Mrs Brown said: It’s been a great honour and privilege to christen the Olympic Bibby. During my tour of the ship, it was wonderful to see the developments in technology and how beautifully turned out the vessel is, she’s magnificent.”

IRM (Inspection Repair and Maintenance) light construction vessel the Olympic Bibby

Bibby Offshore, leading provider of subsea installation services to the offshore oil and gas industry, signed a charter agreement with Olympic Shipping in March 2014 for the newly built Olympic Bibby. The agreement for the subsea support vessel is for a three year period, with options to extend for an additional two years.

Howard Woodcock, Chief Executive of Bibby Offshore, commented: “Norway is a very important marketplace for us, and we are dedicated to expanding our presence and existing services in line with regional industry demand. The Olympic Bibby is a cost efficient vessel with capabilities that will help us achieve these objectives by further aligning the business going forward during the current environment.”

Arne Lier, Managing Director of Bibby Offshore AS, said: “We aim to further grow our capacity and presence in Norway by providing a superior service for our clients.

“By making our NORSOK compliant vessels available to the Norwegian market, we are working to ensure we have a range of assets capable of operating in this important new area, and becoming a partner of choice in the region.”

Bjorn Kvalsund, Executive Vice President for Olympic Shipping said: “We have developed a strong relationship with Bibby Offshore over several years. The name of our latest vessel is a true reflection of this relationship and we look forward to further strengthening our ties now and in the future.”

Awarded Multi-Vessel Contracts - Containers to Caribbean Ports

Signet Maritime Corporation has completed Phase II of a $250M capital expansion program with the acquisition and integration of the Harvey Gulf OTV fleet. The corporate strategy was to design and own vessels for multi-disciplinary work, and diversify with the addition of the powerful offshore vessels. This has enabled Signet to broaden its services into new market segments and meet the global needs of our customers.

Continuing this US expansion, Signet has been awarded multi-vessel, long term charters by Trailer Bridge, Inc., an international freight service company, to perform weekly sailings from Jacksonville, Florida to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The contracts were brokered through Compass Maritime Services, LLC, specialists in the sale, purchase, and charter of ships and offshore vessels.

The particulars of the towing vessels are as follows:

m/v SIGNET TROJAN, ABSXA1, Towing Service, XAMS, SOLAS Compliant, 75.70 MTBP

m/v SIGNET TITAN, ABSXA1, Towing Service, XAMS, SOLAS Compliant, 82.81 MTBP

m/v SIGNET LIGHTNING, ABS Loadline, Towing Service, 98.76 MTBP

Mr. Timothy M. McGriff has been appointed to the position of Marine Superintendent, Operations & Engineering in Jacksonville. This Signet office will provide 24-hour customer service with on-site management and control all aspects of the operation. The SIGNET TROJAN, SIGNET TITAN, and SIGNET LIGHTNING underwent a combined $2.3 million in upgrades for these projects. Signet Shipbuilding & Repair provided the labor, refurbishment and management oversight.

Mr. Joshua T. Ervasti, Manager, Ocean Towing Scheduling & Logistics, reported, “The expansion into Jacksonville exemplifies Signet’s commitment to going above and beyond in every aspect of our business. We are ensuring that we are there every step of the way to support our customer, our employees, our vendors and continually strive to exceed their expectations. I’m excited to see the partnership between the two companies expand throughout the years.”

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has secured a contract with the Brazilian shipowner and shipbuilder Grupo CBO. The contract is to supply Triplex deck handling equipment and cranes for four customized Havyard 843 anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTS). The order was booked into first quarter 2015 order intake.

The 81.5m Havyard 843 is a modern anchor-handling vessel with a maximum speed of 16 knots. It has a 400 ton anchor handling winch and accommodation for up to 30. This Havyard design will be adapted to meet the particular requirements of Brazilian energy company, Petrobras. Two vessels will be built at Grupo CBO's Estaleiro Aliança yard and two at the Estaleiro Oceana yard.

Under the contract with CBO, MacGregor will provide each vessel with two sets of Triplex shark jaws (H-700) and guide pins (S-200), one cargo rail crane (KNC-60) and one knuckle boom deck crane (KN-150).

"We are delighted to sign another contract with CBO, further growing our good relationship," says Even Arne Kippernes, sales manager for Triplex products at MacGregor. "The Triplex shark jaws and guide pins are market leading products. They will help to ensure safe working deck operations on the new vessels; the jaws have a unique quick release system and, when not in use, they lie flush with the deck. The combination of Triplex cranes will provide very flexible, safe and reliable lifting capabilities."

Africa-focused proprietary investment firm L.A.T Cleveson (LATC) has signed an order with Damen Shipyards Group for the supply of two PSV 3300 Platform Supply Vessels and two FCS 5009 Fast Supplier Vessels. This landmark transaction will bring next generation Damen PSVs to the offshore industry of Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea for the first time.

The purchase is being made by LATC Marine Ltd, a subsidiary of L.A.T Cleveson, which has quickly established a positive reputation by providing state of the art marine vessel supply and offshore operation support services to leading Oil & Gas operators in Nigeria. The company’s aim is to set new standards in the West African offshore oil sector through acquiring modern and technologically advanced assets to serve international & local clients operating in the region. Vessels servicing the offshore industry in the Gulf of Guinea, and specifically Nigeria, typically are substantially older than those operating elsewhere in the world – until now.

The purchase has been financed by Fidelity Bank Plc, a progressive and reputable Nigerian bank, with a dynamic Transport & Shipping division which is poised to support value-adding projects and new/efficiently run companies in the industry, in particular those with a strongly local content status.

Mr. Gbolahan Shaba, COO of LATC Marine comments: “Our aim is to redefine the concept of quality tonnage in the Gulf of Guinea and particularly in Nigeria. We plan to locally develop the necessary skill sets that will sustain our quality service to the most demanding clientele who run very complex operations in the most challenging environments. Ultimately, our strategy is to attain the capacity to build and maintain quality tonnage in Nigeria. We anticipate strong demand for repair and docking services in our region and we plan to create the facilities to meet that demand, professionally and safely”.

Fidelity Bank’s Head of Transport & Shipping Division – Mr Mike Nnaji agrees heartily: “This agreement and acquisition further marks our support toward professional development of Offshore Oil & Gas marine support in Nigeria within the local content framework. The quality of the assets speaks for itself and the professional management is evident from the positive reaction of the Oil & Gas companies whose operation they already support and will be supporting. These vessels will show the value and effectiveness of assets that are built to UK North Sea standards which are efficient, environmentally-friendly and economic to operate. Fidelity Bank will continue to stimulate and support this development in line with the Nigerian Government’s local content initiative”.

Advising on the agreement was RS Platou Africa (RSP), a global organisation with an in-depth knowledge of the industry and the region particularly. Dedicated to creating productive relationships between shipbuilders, operators & end-users, RSP has been a trusted advisory party to LATC and Damen. Advising on the agreement was RS Platou Africa (RSP), a subsidiary of Clarksons the world’s largest shipbrokers, a global organisation with an in-depth knowledge of the industry and the region particularly. Dedicated to creating productive relationships between Shipbuilders, operators & end-users, RSP has been a trusted advisory party to LATC and Damen. Mr Simon Pethick, Head of RSP’s Offshore Support Vessel & Drilling Units division, comments: “For some years now, we have seen the need for Innovation in Vessel Designs of Higher Quality & Efficiency and especially sustainable services throughout Africa’s west coast operations. Hence, new - and newly built – tonnage is needed. At the same time, both businesses and governments need long-term stability to grow.

This can only happen if the region develops the right skills and focuses on long-term relationships between owners, operators, suppliers, governments and financial institutions for the development of long term sustainability. We are proud to be the ‘enabling advisor’ in this project, which does exactly that – taking steps to enable long-term commitment and growth.” The Platform Supply Vessels and Fast Suppliers Vessels acquired by LATC Marine will have the full support of the Damen Service Hub in Port Harcourt, as well as the Damen Regional Office in Lagos. An additional Service Hub in Ghana is being planned.

Leading classification society ClassNK (Chairman and President: Noboru Ueda) has announced the release of printed versions of its 2015 Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships. ClassNK regularly reviews and revises its technical rules and guidance in order to ensure that they are relevant and up-to-date.

The 2015 edition’s amendments, made between 1 March 2014 and 31 December 2014, reflect the latest R&D findings, feedback from damage investigations, changes made to international regulations, as well as industry requests and include requirements related to:

• Guidance for Temperature Gradient ESSO Tests and Double Tension Tests

• Structure of Bilge Keels

• Dangerous Chemical Substances

• Strength Calculations for Gears

• Black-out Tests in Special Surveys

PDF files of the updated Rules and Guidance will be available to download free of charge from early May for ClassNK “MyPage” users. Registering for this service is easy. Simply go to ClassNK’s website and click on the “My Page Login” button. Printed versions are currently available for purchase from the ClassNK website with CD-ROM versions scheduled to be released in early May.

In addition to the above, printed versions of the newly established Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, Part CSR-B&T as well as revised versions of both the Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers, Part CSR-B and the Common Structural Rules for Double Hull Oil Tankers, Part CSR-T (all dated 27 February 2015) are scheduled to be made available in late May.

On 20 April, Damen gave a sneak preview of their newly designed 2nd generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) during the annual OPVs & Corvettes Asia Pacific conference in Singapore. Damen’s Design & Proposal Manager Piet van Rooij explained how this new OPV has been configured for various missions.

This new generation of re-configurable Damen OPVs is highly efficient and incredibly versatile. Damen’s famous Sea Axe hull shape is used for these 2nd generation OPVs. Due to this hull design, these vessels demonstrate superior seakeeping including exceptional low heave accelerations. This makes the vessel very comfortable, even in stormy sea states. Since the hull is designed to reduce water resistance, the new OPV is also very fuel efficient and capable of speeds up to 25/26 knots.

Versatility has been reinvented by three newly developed multi-mission locations – namely the bridge, hangar and bay. The Multi-Mission Bay (MM Bay) can be equipped with dedicated mission modules (e.g. mission containers) for missions such as counter piracy, counter-drug operations, anti-mining warfare (AMW), search-and-rescue (SAR) etc. The MM Bay is also equipped with a nine metre RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat), which can be launched over a dedicated slipway through the rear of the vessel while the OPV is sailing. In the Damen-built Holland Class Ocean Patrol vessels for the Royal Netherlands Navy this system has already proven to be safe in operations up to SS 5 conditions.

Unlike other OPVs, the command-and-control centre (C2 Centre) is located directly behind the bridge. Damen calls this development their Multi-Mission Bridge (MM Bridge). Both spaces can be separated by means of a blinded sliding wall. OPVs are less likely to take part in combat situations such as those faced by a frigate. During a mission, when lowering the sliding wall, situation awareness in the C2 Centre is improved, allowing C2 Centre officers to observe the situation immediately with their own eyes.

Mr Van Rooij comments: “Today OPVs don’t engage in combat situations as often as frigates do, however, fast and effective coordination during a ‘chase’ is essential for an OPV.”

The Multi-Mission Hangar (MM Hangar) is capable of storing an 11-tonne NH-90 helicopter and a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) such as the Boeing ScanEagle®. The MM Hangar has been designed so that the OPV crew can deploy either the helicopter or the UAV without having to move either one. Furthermore, there is space for a spare parts store and workshop for both the helicopter and UAV.

The Damen OPV 2nd generation is available as a standard in four series [sizes]:

• 75 meter – 1400 tons

• 85 meter – 1800 tons

• 95 meter – 2400 tons

• 103 meter – 2600 tons

Caterpillar Marine announces it has completed the acquisition of ESRG Technologies Group, LLC, a vessel monitoring and data analytics leader in the marine industry. The acquisition includes ESRG’s comprehensive software suite for the remote monitoring and diagnostics of more than 65 on-board systems as well as the expertise to provide meaningful recommendations to ship owners to help increase efficiency, reduce downtime on their vessels and assist shipyards in reducing warranty expenses.

Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, ESRG has provided leading-edge data analysis and remote monitoring technology for assets in the marine and naval defense sectors since its inception in 2000. ESRG serves as a data analytics provider for the United States Navy, providing remote monitoring and analytics services for warships. Currently ESRG’s proprietary software is monitoring thousands of assets on vessels operating around the world, providing leading edge prognostic recommendations to ship operators and owners.

“As a result of the ESRG acquisition, Caterpillar Marine is evolving beyond engine-focused monitoring to provide monitoring and diagnostic solutions for an entire vessel,” Nigel Parkinson, Caterpillar Marine managing director noted. “Our customers are asking for solutions to drive down operating costs and maintain leading-edge uptime. Together with ESRG’s experience, Caterpillar Marine is prepared to offer solutions to our customers today to help them achieve this goal. This acquisition enables Caterpillar Marine to move closer towards our strategic vision of serving our marine customers as a complete systems solutions provider.”

ESRG will become a part of Caterpillar Marine, which operates within the Marine and Petroleum Power Division of Caterpillar Inc. ESRG software solutions will be rebranded as Caterpillar and sold and supported through the global Cat® dealer network. The technology will operate in alignment with the broader Caterpillar Inc., Cat Connect monitoring initiatives.

To achieve customers’ financial targets, Caterpillar is now able to make vessel productivity and equipment recommendations utilizing aggregated data and automated analytics supported by account-dedicated fleet advisors. Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence solutions can be implemented on vessels operating with Cat equipment or with any other competitive power solutions. The solutions are not limited to the engine, but focus on the entire ship as well as all of the operating systems. The suite of solutions will bring value to customers not only in equipment management, but also in the areas of productivity, safety and sustainability.

“Marine customers have been asking for this technology for the past few years as communication costs have declined and Big Data is becoming more commonplace. However, managing data and establishing analytical driven rules are not the core competency of most operators today,” Leslie Bell-Friedel, Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence business development manager stated. “Our role as Caterpillar Marine is to introduce a full suite of analytics solutions to our customers which are tailored to their individual pain points. Some customers will want to focus on increasing the reliability of machinery operations, while others will be focused on optimizing vessel productivity, ensuring safety, and/or operating more sustainably. This technology not only monitors running conditions, but it leverages analytics to understand the interrelations of different variables on the overall system and incorporates historical data to predict future failure modes. Regardless of the individual challenges, Caterpillar Marine is now able to offer a full suite of analytics solutions to help our customers achieve their objectives.”

“We are excited about joining Caterpillar Marine in providing marine owners and operators with technology and service solutions to increase uptime and decrease total cost of ownership,” Ken Krooner, ESRG’s President, noted. “We believe the combination of Caterpillar’s product and service leadership in the marine industry and ESRG’s technology and expertise creates additional customer value that neither of us would be able to deliver alone. Together, with the reach of the global Cat dealer network, we look forward to helping customers optimize their maintenance and operations across the total vessel, including both Cat and non-Cat equipment, as well as across an entire fleet.”

Ceona, SURF contractor with heavy subsea construction capabilities, has entered into a significant Joint Venture (JV) with Seaweld Engineering which will act as a strategic partner for offshore deepwater construction projects in Ghana.

The JV allows Ceona to extend its operations in West Africa and build upon the success it has already achieved in the region. The agreement will see Seaweld Engineering supporting Ceona in delivering its full line of products and expertise in Ghana. The companies have been working together since late 2014 and the JV was officially registered by the Petroleum Commission in Ghana in March 2015.

As part of Ceona’s growth plans, the company has opened an office in Accra as well as taking on a further office and yard space in Takoradi.

Mark Preece, Executive VP Commercial and Business Development at Ceona, said: “It was important for us to find an experienced and respected partner to support our move into Ghana as we increase our growing geographical footprint across West Africa.

“Seaweld Engineering is well known in the country and has a well-earned reputation for the high quality of its work in oil & gas. The JV will complement both companies as we offer our combined strengths to clients requiring specialist support in deepwater construction operations.”

Seaweld Engineering is headquartered in Takoradi and is a specialist in steel fabrication for the oil & gas industry. Established in 1979, Seaweld provides a flexible and well-resourced inspection, repair and maintenance service. The company has over 20 years of experience in the fast developing oil & gas production fields of West Africa and other areas of the world. Last year, the company received the prestigous Indigenous Oil & Gas Company of the Year 2014 at the Ghana Oil & Gas Awards.

The news comes as Ceona’s flagship vessel, the Amazon, nears completion at Huisman’s yard in Schiedam, Netherlands. The Amazon, specifically designed for deepwater markets including West Africa, is a unique field development vessel built with the capability to operate in multiple pipelay and operational modes, changing from rigid to flexible pipelay within a week. Designed to operate independent of spoolbases, the Amazon is ideal for projects in Ghana where spooling operations create long transit requirements and increased costs.

The Amazon is due to finish construction in Schiedam in the coming weeks, and will have her firing line fitted before heading to Gulf of Mexico for her first rigid pipelay project for Walter Oil & Gas this year.

Among the company’s state-of-the-art fleet of vessels are The Polar Onyx and the Normand Pacific. The Polar Onyx is a high-capacity new-built flexible pipelay and construction vessel designed to the highest standard for dynamic positioning, DP3 (Operations+), and equipped with a 250te AHC offshore crane and a 275te vertical lay system. Like the Ceona Amazon, it is capable of installing pipeline and umbilicals to water depths of 3,000m (10,000 ft). She is chartered for 5 years from GC Rieber Shipping, with option for 5 additional years.

The Normand Pacific, built in 2010, is a DP3 offshore construction vessel equipped with a 200te knuckle boom crane. She has been chartered by Ceona for one year and fitted with a 75tem vertical lay tower, a reel drive system and two new high-specification work class ROVs for deepwater flexible pipelay and subsea construction in deep and ultradeep waters.

Four models of ADCPs are available for individual rental, or as part of a package with auxiliary communication and flotation equipment.

Okeanus Science and Technology, LLC (Okeanus) announces the addition of four models of Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) to its available selection of oceanographic and marine scientific rental equipment.

With a variety of working depths ranging from shallow coastal waters to over 1500 meters, Okeanus' selection of ADCPs, now available for rental, are ideal for any project demanding accurate current measurement. In stock are the 55 kHz Nortek Signature 55 ADCP, used for long-range water column measurement to a 1,000 meter range; the 75 kHz RDI Long Ranger ADCP for long-range water column current speed and direction measurement; and the 300 kHz and 600 kHz Rowe Technologies Seawatch ADCPs, which feature long range measurements and lesser resolution, or mid- to low-range measurements and higher resolution, respectively.

Each model in the fleet is available for standalone rental, or as part of a custom equipment rental package tailored to suit customers' individual and project needs. Okeanus can provide complementary communication equipment including an acoustic release and universal deck box, as well as any necessary buoys and flotation items to accompany each ADCP model.

"We are very excited about the addition of this fleet of ADCPs to our current equipment portfolio. Okeanus' ability to offer ADCPs that can work anywhere from shallow coastal waters to deepwater environments has positioned us to better serve our customers who are actively engaged in any metocean survey and research situation," said Benton LeBlanc, Vice President and General Manager of Okeanus. "Providing these items for lease further strengthens our value proposition, enabling our customers to better allocate their capital to completing projects in a cost-effective manner."

Okeanus Science and Technology, based in Houma, Louisiana, was established to cater to the science and technology rental and equipment integration market. Okeanus provides the latest technology as well as tried-and-true industry standards to all regions of the globe to support and accomplish clients' goals.