Netherlands-based Palfinger Boats has launched the first of two Damen-designed FRSQ 1200 fast-rescue/oil response vessels. Built in Harderwijk, Netherlands, the 12-meter (40-foot) vessel is powered by dual 440-horsepower (hp) Yanmar diesels mated to twin NAMJet TJ431 HH waterjets.

Designed to be carried aboard larger ships as a "daughter-craft," the 9.6-ton vessel's primary mission is oil spill response, which will make exceptional use of the vessel's 4.1-ton bollard pull capacity. The boat's Brazilian owners, OCEANPACT, cite swift acceleration and top-end speeds as mission-critical performance characteristics at sea, making the vessel's 35-knot top speed and 31-knot cruise speed an ideal match. To better fit its rescue parameters, the vessel also serves as a dive platform for launch and recovery of divers.

Palfinger partnered with NAMJet to customize one of the waterjet manufacturer's unique "Twin Pak" designs, which simplifies installation of the vessel's twin TJ431 HH waterjets by turning the jets at an angle and welding them directly into the hull to become part of the vessel's structure. The design eliminates the need for transition ducts or transom plates while greatly improving its overall performance.

Builder: Palifnger Boats, The Netherlands
Design: Damen Gorinchem
Length: 12M (40 feet)
Beam: 2.3M (7.5 feet)
Weight: 9.58 Tons (Full fuel, 8 crew, tow gear)
Top Speed: 34.8 Knots
Cruise Speed: 31.1 Knots
Bollard Pull: 4.1 Tons (freshwater conditions)
Engines: Twin Yanmar 6LY2A-STP (440hp @3300 rpm)
Waterjets: NAMJet TJ431 HH Twin Pak

assNK (Chairman and President: Noboru Ueda) has just announced its official registration figures in addition to Clarkson's data which reveals that it is once again the world's largest classification society. The Society made the announcement at its annual Japanese press conference held in Tokyo on 17 March.

The latest figures show that over 366 million deadweight tons are now registered with the leading classification society, some 21% of the world's entire classed fleet, more than any other classification society in the world according to Clarkson's. Despite a global decline in new orders, the number of newbuildings joining ClassNK continues to grow, with the Society welcoming newbuildings totaling over 16 million gross tons to its register in 2014, or more than 25% of all newly built tonnage last year.

Speaking on the occasion, ClassNK Chairman and President, Mr. Noboru Ueda said: "At ClassNK, we believe that nationality is not relevant to our customers. Shipowners and operators around the world select their classification society on the basis of the services delivered. These figures represent not only the growth of our organization, but also the trust we have gained from the maritime industry through consistently providing quality services."

As ClassNK's register grows increasingly international, so does its R&D activities. With significant contributions towards maritime R&D, ClassNK is working with industry partners throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas on a wide variety of joint R&D projects focusing on the safety of ships at sea, protecting the marine environment, and developing technologies that enhance efficiency for the benefit of the entire maritime community.

"As an independent, non-profit organization we are able to invest all of our profits back into improving our services and providing the maritime industry with innovative solutions. We respond to our clients' needs and when these needs change, our strategy is to adapt and invest to meet that change. We are always looking for ways to address new challenges, as well as enhance and expand our existing range of services and the maritime community has responded to this by continuing to choose ClassNK."

MacArtney Underwater Technology and Sea-Bird Scientific have joined forces to deliver no less than four state-of-the-art complete oceanographic instrumentation solutions to research vessel operators in Turkey.

The package
A key common denominator for the type of oceanographic package procured by these Turkish research clients is the powerful combination of highly versatile MacArtney CORMAC Q winches and cutting-edge Sea-Bird Scientific CTDs and water sampling systems. In addition to this, clients have opted to mix-and-match a multitude of different instrumentation options including the broad range of optical and water quality sensors from WET Labs and Satlantic offered by Sea-Bird - to form complete turnkey CTD packages corresponding with their specific scientific measurement needs. In extension of this, all installation, commissioning and training, performed by MacArtney specialists, was also included in the packages.

A MacArtney and Sea-Bird CTD package, complete with CORMAC Q winch and sampler carousel - seen onboard the ARAMA 1

The vessels
The first of four Turkish research vessels to take delivery of the MacArtney and Sea-Bird CTD solution was the R/V TUBITAK Marmara built by CEKSAN shipyard for the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. The second and third Turkish research vessels to benefit from a turnkey MacArtney and Sea-Bird package was the R/V Seydi Ali Reis - a brand new scientific vessel operated by the Sinop University and the ARAMA 1 - a newly built vessel operated by the Mediterranean Sea and Fishery Institute based in Antalya. Finally, a fourth system procured by an undisclosed Turkish client, for installation on a new research vessel, has been delivered, with commissioning planned to take place during 2015.

Complete solutions and mutual success
The recent Turkey-bound CTD package orders grant tangible testimony to the strength and vast potential of the cooperation between MacArtney and Sea-Bird Scientific. "We are certainly very happy with the recent order flow and I guess one can say that we have become the preferred supplier of this type of solution within the Turkish market. This is definitely a product of two companies combining their strengths to persistently grow a market by offering a truly competitive product boasting unmatchable quality - and with more system orders in the pipeline, MacArtney is delighted to work even closer with Sea-Bird Scientific in the future" - says MacArtney Sales Manager Hans Jørgen Hansen. This opinion is shared by Casey Moore, President of Sea-Bird Scientific who states that "the systems delivered to the Turkish research vessels give testimony to the unique total-system capability and user-friendliness achieved when the systems and expertise of Sea-Bird Scientific and MacArtney are united: By joining forces, we are able to provide complete solutions - from surface to seabed - assuring our clients that the best solutions for their system requirements are also the most convenient for them to implement. This is a definite win for our customers. We look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with MacArtney to provide full service turn-key solutions to clients for years to come."

The completion of the Rowan Reliance drillship marks the third successful delivery of high-specification units built at HHI using the ABS ISQM process.

ABS, the leading provider of classification services to the global offshore industry, continues to improve construction and integration timeliness with the completion of the Rowan Reliance ultra-deepwater drillship. This newbuild, the third in a series for global offshore drilling contractor Rowan Companies, was built in the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) yard in Ulsan, South Korea. It joins sister ships Rowan Renaissance and Rowan Resolute as the next high-specification drillship to earn the ABS Integrated Software Quality Management (ISQM) notation.

"ABS is an industry leader in recognizing the importance of integrated software quality management," says ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. "Our engineers developed a process for verifying software programs - including their integration - and have been working for several years with Rowan Companies and HHI on a four-vessel newbuild drillship program employing ISQM. The most recent delivery is a testimony not only to the process but to the strength of our relationships."

The move toward automation on offshore facilities has allowed drilling and production systems to work much more efficiently. But the introduction of complex integrated control systems introduces the challenge of making sure the many pieces of software that enable efficient operations are able to maintain reliable communications.

ISQM addresses this challenge by providing a framework for coordinating and controlling the way software development, integration and maintenance are managed throughout the life of the equipment.

"ABS is the only class society that has classed drilling equipment and other essential marine equipment with a software notation that addresses software quality during construction, at delivery and into operations," says Paul Walters, ABS Manager.

Rowan Companies is a first mover among drilling contractors in applying a structured software quality management approach. Rowan Senior Manager of Electrical Control Systems Celestino Puentes says, "We are pleased to pioneer the process and work with ABS on the development of ISQM."

HHI is unique in its hands-on experience with ISQM, a capability that sets it apart from other yards. "Working with ABS and Rowan Companies on this project has allowed HHI to develop a knowledge base that allows us to offer experience with a new process that will benefit not only Rowan but other clients that choose to take advantage of the ISQM process," says Sang-Sik Yoon, ISQM Team Leader, HHI.

HHI will follow the ISQM process in the construction of the final drillships in the four-unit series, the Rowan Relentless, which is to be completed in 2Q 2015.

Fugro took delivery of the Fugro Americas, a new-build shallow draft survey vessel, on March 18th 2015. Custom designed to Fugro's specifications, the vessel is fitted with the latest geophysical survey equipment and houses some of the most advanced instrumentation in the field.

The Fugro Americas is optimised for working in the Gulf of Mexico, but she is also suitable for other geographical areas, being permanently mobilised and available for rapid deployment to locations throughout North and South America as well as the Caribbean.

The 59 metre-long vessel is capable of carrying out a wide range of offshore services including high resolution geophysical and light geotechnical surveys in water depths of up to 4,500 metres. Fugro Americas is built to operate Fugro's new 4,500 metre-rated Hugin 1000 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Echo Surveyor VII, which was delivered in December 2014. Specialist equipment on the new survey vessel includes a dynamic positioning system and state-of-the-art survey systems, including a deep water EM302 multibeam echosounder to be used for gas seep surveys.

The Fugro Americas meets stringent industry safety and environmental standards and was built by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors in Louisiana, with supervision by Fugro Marine Services.

Ceona, SURF contractor with heavy subsea construction capabilities, has secured a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the company's flagship field development vessel, the Ceona Amazon. This will be Ceona's first rigid pipelay project in the Gulf of Mexico for well-established US independent oil & gas operator, Walter Oil & Gas Corporation.

The Ceona Amazon will be deployed for the Coelacanth Export Pipelines project with the scope of work encompassing the installation of an oil and a gas export line tying the new Coelacanth Platform into existing pipeline infrastructure. Each 10" line will be approximately 11 miles, totaling 22.6 miles (approximately 36 km). The pipelines will each be terminated by two pipeline end termination (PLETs) structures installed by the Amazon. All work will be undertaken in one single mobilization.

Project Management and Engineering work has started in Ceona's Houston office with support from the corporate offices in London and Aberdeen.

Mark Preece, Ceona's Executive VP Commercial and Business Development, said: "We are extremely pleased that the Amazon has secured her first contract, with final vessel delivery on time and within budget. This will also be her first rigid pipelay project and we look forward to demonstrating the Amazon's capabilities in this area.

"As such, we would like to thank Walter Oil & Gas for having such confidence in the Amazon and her distinctive, cost-effective capabilities which is a huge endorsement of Ceona's vision for designing a vessel that takes subsea construction and installation into a new era. The project will be managed from Ceona's Houston office and the team will ensure Walter Oil & Gas is highly satisfied by the quality of our project execution and vessel performance."

Janelle Pence, Ceona's VP Commercial Americas, said: "The award of Coelacanth is a milestone for Ceona and fully demonstrates our commitment to the region. We look forward to working closely with Walter Oil & Gas to deliver a safe and successful project."

Shipbuilding specialist Lloyd Werft successfully delivered the Ceona Amazon less than two years after the letter of intent for its construction was signed. Last month, the Amazon was equipped with her inclined multi-lay VLS with a top tension of 600te, and with two 400te Active Heave Compensated (AHC) masthead cranes able to work in tandem. The two 18m (59 ft) diameter wheels on the top tower and deck are also being installed. All deck installation work has been carried out at the Huisman yard in the Netherlands.

The Ceona Amazon will represent the second new vessel – after the Polar Onyx – that Ceona has brought to the market on time and budget. The Ceona Amazon is 199.4m (655 ft) long and 32.2m (106 ft) wide, drawing 8.0m (25 ft) with a gross tonnage of 33,000te. She is due to enter service in March 2015.

Subsea 7 S.A. (OsloBørs: SUBC: the Company) announced it has been awarded a two-year extension to two Underwater Services Contracts (USCs) by Shell Upstream International Europe, worth approximately US$240 million.

Under these Life of Field contract extensions for Diving Support Vessel (DSV) and Remotely Operated Vehicle Support Vessel (ROVSV) services, both of which will commence in 2016, Subsea 7 will continue to provide subsea construction, inspection, repair, UK offshore fields and facilities.

The DSV contract will be delivered on a 24 hour, year-round basis through to the third quarter 2018.

The ROVSV contract will cover a minimum of 100 vessel days per year and continue through to the second quarter of 2018. Subsea 7's North Sea fleet, including the Seven Atlantic for the DSV workscope, will undertake the work under the USCs.

Associated project management and engineering support for the USCs will be executed from Shell's and Subsea 7's offices in Aberdeen.

Phil Simons, Subsea 7 Vice President UK and Canada, said: "We are proud to have received these contract extensions. An award of this importance recognizes our strong track record in providing Life of Field expertise and high quality vessels and safe and efficient operations to Shell since our support of their subsea operations began in 1984."

Three More Planned for Coming Weeks

Crowley Accord Management Pvt. Ltd., the international ship management venture managed globally by Crowley Maritime Corp.'s ship management group, was awarded full technical management contracts for five new tankers. These tankers will be joined in the coming weeks by three more, bringing Crowley's international ship management fleet to more than 70.

The five products tankers brought under Crowley Accord management are the MT Dawn Haridwar, MT Dawn Mansarovar (photo), MT Dawn Mathura, MT Dawn Madurai and MT Portland Pearl. The first four are owned by Arya Tankers and will operate along the Indian Coast, while the fifth is owned by Union Maritime Limited and will operate in the Europe-to-Nigeria trade. Combined, these tankers represent over 130,000 gross tons in the market.

"The Crowley Accord partnership continues to be a successful one and this latest onboarding of additional vessels is testament to that," said Mike Golonka, vice president, ship management. "Vessel owners are seeking us out because we provide honesty and transparency in our operations and adaptable, safe and professional solutions for all of our customers."

"Crowley Accord draws on its pool of experienced resources, which are at its disposal both ashore and afloat," said Sanjay Shesh, managing director, Crowley Accord. "We utilize proven systems based on internationally recognized quality management principles and have the flexibility to meet all owners' needs for periodic technical and accounting reports – all things our new customers indicated were of importance to them."

The Crowley Accord acquisition, which took place in April 2014, immediately increased the size and scope of Crowley's technical ship management group and supported the company's expansion into the international ship management market with a foreign crewing presence.
The acquisition also made Crowley a rare U.S. company – one that provides third-party international crewing and technical ship management.

Crowley, founded 1892 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the oldest ship owning and managing companies in the U.S., providing marine solutions, transportation, logistics and technical services in the domestic and international markets. Accord is a third party ship management company providing technical services and crew management as well as a broad range of back office services. With offices throughout the U.S., Mumbai, Goa, Hong Kong and Amsterdam, Crowley's international ship management group including Crowley Accord manages over 70 vessels of every type and variety. The company shows a strong focus on value added management models and safe, operational efficiency.

Following its inauguration ceremony in Rotterdam on 27th February 2015, Allseas' Pioneering Spirit will start its first job offshore Norway this summer with an integrated Dynamic Positioning (DP) and maneuvering system based on state-of-the art Kongsberg Maritime technology. The Kongsberg Maritime delivery includes forward and aft bridge systems in addition to an extensive automation network and the HiPAP subsea position reference system.

Eight years in the making, Allseas' Pioneering Spirit single-lift vessel is the largest construction vessel in the world. Kongsberg Maritime has been involved with this ground-breaking project from near the very start, having been selected by Allseas to provide the Dynamic Positioning system for Pioneering Spirit (then Pieter Schelte) early in 2008.

Allseas' Pioneering Spirit single-lift vessel is the largest construction vessel in the world. Image courtesy of Allseas.

Pioneering Spirit's role as a platform installation, decommissioning and pipelay vessel demands the most comprehensive, reliable and feature rich DP and maneuvering system available. With sea trials already completed in summer 2014, Kongsberg Maritime's Class 3, fully redundant DP system and other vital systems will next be put through their paces this summer, when Pioneering Spirit starts its first and particularly challenging project, the removal of the 'Yme' platform topsides in the North Sea.

The Kongsberg Maritime integrated Dynamic Positioning and maneuvering concept for Pioneering Spirit relies on a distributed and open system design, which employs a fully backed-up system-wide standardized communication network. The communication network integrates the K-POS Dynamic Positioning, K-Thrust thruster control, K-Bridge Navigation and K-Chief machinery automation systems, into a complete solution with unique positioning and maneuvering capabilities required for Pioneering Spirits complex operations.

Pioneering Spirit features two fully equipped redundant Kongsberg Navigation bridges with Multi Function Displays (MFD); forward and aft (in separate fire zones). The K-Bridge system utilizes new Radar Transceiver interface technology distributing radar signals from the eight radar transceivers on a Local Area Network (LAN). This enables the possibility for long cable runs (500m) allowing for locating two radars in each 'corner' of the Pioneering Spirit. The K-Bridge system is delivered with innovative new features such as the ability to combine radar images from multiple radar transceivers and display them as a single composite picture. This eliminates blind sectors and provides a 360 degree view around the vessel.

Kongsberg Maritime has also provided subsea position reference systems to ensure the accuracy of the Kongsberg Maritime DP, including the industry standard HiPAP high precision acoustic positioning system.

Statoil (U.K.) Limited has awarded a contract to Sentinel Marine Limited to provide a new multi role  Emergency Response & Rescue Vessel (ERRV) to support operations on the Mariner field on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).

Mariner Sentinel illustration. (Illustration: Sentinel Marine)

Sentinel Marine is an Aberdeen-based company, owning and operating offshore support vessels in the oil and gas marine industry. The new 65 meter ship, to be named "Mariner Sentinel", will be custom built for Statoil and provide emergency cover, oil spill response preparedness and tanker assist capabilities for the Mariner field.

The ERRV contract with Sentinel Marine has a fixed duration of five years, commencing in July 2016, and also includes five one-year extension options.

"This is an important contract award in our preparations for safe and efficient operations on Mariner," says Gunnar Breivik, managing director of Statoil Production UK.

"The emergency and rescue vessel plays a key role in our safety and emergency preparedness plan. We are pleased with the flexible and cost-effective solution Sentinel Marine is offering, and we are looking forward to working with them as a partner in the operational phase. "Mariner Sentinel" will carry mechanical oil spill response equipment and contribute to a strengthening of the emergency preparedness capacity also on a regional basis," Breivik says.

The Mariner field, located approximately 150 kilometers east of the Shetland Isles, is currently under development, with production start-up planned for 2017. Hook-up and commissioning is expected to start in 2016.

"Mariner Sentinel" is expected to be delivered early in 2017. From the summer of 2016 and until the new vessel is ready for operation, Sentinel Marine will provide another ERRV for emergency cover on Mariner.

Statoil is the operator of the Mariner field with 65.11% equity. Co-venturers are JX Nippon Exploration and Production (U.K.) Limited (28.89%) and Dyas Mariner Ltd. (6%).

Facts:
The Mariner Field is located on the East Shetland Platform of the UK North Sea, approximately 150 kilometers east of the Shetland Isles.

The Mariner heavy oil field consists of two shallow reservoir sections – the deeper, Maureen Formation at 1492 meters and the shallower Heimdal reservoir at 1227 meters.

The development of the Mariner field will contribute more than 250 million barrels reserves with average plateau production of around 55,000 barrels per day.

The field will provide a long-term cash-flow over a 30-year field life. Production is expected to commence in 2017.

The concept chosen includes a production, drilling and quarters (PDQ) platform based on a steel jacket, with a floating storage unit (FSU).

Drilling will be carried out from the PDQ drilling rig, with a jack-up rig assisting for the initial years.

The Mariner field development entails a gross investment of more than USD 7 billion.

Following the final investment decision in December 2012, Statoil in 2013 established an office an Aberdeen.

Statoil's new UKCS operations center is currently under construction on the Prime Four business park at Kingswells west of Aberdeen.

ClassNK (Chairman and President: Noboru Ueda) announces that it has released the latest version of its Guidelines for Floating Offshore Facilities for LNG/LPG Production, Storage, Offloading, and Regasification (Second Edition).

In February 2011, the leading classification society released its Guidelines for Floating Offshore Facilities for LNG/LPG Production, Storage, and Offloading in response to a growing need for clear technical guidelines for the construction and survey of Gas FPSOs.

Recent years have also seen a rise in FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) projects. These offshore gas facilities have been gaining popularity due to their low cost (less than half the cost of an equivalent onshore facility) and the advantage of being able to move wherever demand is the highest for regasification.

In light of this industry trend ClassNK has clarified its guidelines to include FSRUs as well as FPSOs. As many of these facilities are often located close to shore, the amendments include design conditions which take into consideration the possibility and effects of tsunamis on offshore gas facilities. Tsunamis which occurred in the past at the specified operation site are to be investigated and the maximum tsunami which can occur at the site is to be taken into account during the design process.

The Guidelines for Floating Offshore Facilities for LNG/LPG Production, Storage, Offloading, and Regasification are available on the ClassNK website for ClassNK "My Page" users. Registration for ClassNK's "My Page" service is easy and free. Simply go to ClassNK's website at www.classnk.com and click on "My Page Login".

Harvey Gulf International Marine LLC has achieved another milestone in maritime history by receiving the first ABS Classification Certificate and the first USCG Certificate of Inspection for a vessel powered by LNG. The M/V Harvey Energy is the first LNG powered vessel in service in North America. Last week, Harvey Gulf celebrated the first truck to vessel transfer of LNG, the first vessel to bunker LNG and was the first U.S. Flagged LNG powered vessel to enter into port while being powered by LNG. The vessel will be based out of Port Fourchon, LA and will immediately begin its long term charter role.

The M/V Harvey Energy built at GCSG in Gulfport, MS is based on the Vard Marine 1 311 design and is 310x64x24.5 ft powered by 3 Wartsila 6L34DF dual fuel gensets providing 7.5MW of power fueled by Wartsila's LNGPac system. The Harvey Energy is U.S. Flagged Subchapter I and L, SOLAS compliant and is classed by the ABS as +A1, OSV, +AMS, +DPS-2, +ACCU, UWILD, FFV-1, ENVIRO+, GP, GFS (Dual Fuel Diesel) E. with 5,150 tons of deadweight, the vessel is capable of carrying 253,000 USG of Fuel Oil, 18,000 Bbls of Liquid Mud, 1,600 Bbls of Methanol, 10,250ft3 of Dry Cement and 78,000 USG of LNG fuel.

Mr. Shane Guidry, Chairman and CEO of Harvey Gulf, commented, "The delivery of the Harvey Energy exemplifies Harvey Gulf's commitment to their customers to deliver world class ships that set highest of standards for offshore support vessels in the Gulf of Mexico."

AAL, one of the world's leading global breakbulk, project cargo and heavy lift shipping operators, today announced that AAL Galveston will join its fleet on long-term time charter and add capacity to its Tramp and Projects division; providing worldwide trade for customers, with a specific focus on EU and US trades.

AAL Galveston is a multipurpose, heavy lift 'Super A-Class' vessel, which AAL has re-classified under its own fleet classification criteria, to 'G-Class'. At 160 meters in length and 25,800 dwt, she is highly versatile and robust, with a combined lifting capacity of 240 mt and large, strengthened cargo holds. This latest long-term charter for AAL follows a recent announcement that it will grow its fleet to over 500,000 dwt in 2015; a fleet that is already the youngest and most advanced in the breakbulk sector.

"The AAL Galveston increases our service capabilities and options, in support of a highly diversified customer base and our strategy to continue to build it even further," said Namir Khanbabi, Managing Director of AAL's Tramp and Projects Division.

"We have seen growth in some core industry sectors, particularly renewables, where logistics challenges have become greater, as components get larger and more complex to transport, and ports of loading and discharge more globally widespread. These factors demand solutions than can ensure cargo safety and project efficiency; expertise which AAL has a 20-year reputation of providing."

iSURVEY Pte Ltd, Singapore, has been awarded a marine construction support contract by Solstad Offshore Asia Pacific to provide positioning and survey support for its 2015 platform installation program in Thailand, on board the DLB 'Norce Endeavour' (photo).

iSURVEY will provide services including positioning and monitoring during jacket setting, together with final positioning, levelling and survey assistance during pile cut-off. Subsea positioning is to be provided to integrate IKM Subsea's Merlin work-class ROV into installation operations.

iSURVEY Singapore's managing director Bill Petrie said: "The first few months of 2015 are proving to be extremely positive for iSURVEY's business in the Asia Pacific region, which has been reinforced by this contract award.

"We are pleased to have been selected to handle this work by Solstad Offshore Asia Pacific, and look forward to working closely together over the coming months."

iSURVEY Group is a leading provider of survey and positioning services to the global oil and gas, telecommunications and offshore renewable energy sectors. The Group is headquartered in Norway with bases in Singapore and Aberdeen.

The world's leading ship and offshore classification society DNV GL welcomes the world's largest containership into class – the MSC Oscar. Delivered by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in Geoje, South Korea, in January the 19,224TEU vessel is already plying its trade on the new East-West service.

Not only does MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company's newest vessel set a size benchmark for containerships in terms of capacity, but it has also been designed with a number of efficiency enhancing features. For example, the engine has been optimized so that fuel consumption can be automatically controlled to take into account both speed and weather conditions and she has a broad optimal speed range for enhanced operational flexibility.

"For over forty years the MSC family has been growing – and so too has our fleet," Diego Aponte, MSC President and CEO, shares with us. "Our partnership with DNV GL continues to be an important part of our journey. Today we are proud to own the largest container vessel on the seas, the MSC Oscar, which adds to our solid reputation as a leading ocean carrier. She will soon be joined by sister ship MSC Oliver, built to the same demanding class regulations, which marks yet another milestone in our ongoing relationship with DNV GL."

MSC Oscar at seatrail. (Image care of MSC)

In less than twenty years the loading capacity of container vessels has more than tripled – with the length of the biggest vessels jumping from just over 300 to 400m during that time. MSC Oscar measures in at 395.4m long and 59m wide with a draft of 16m. Initially specified at 18,000TEU MSC Oscar was expanded during the building phase to add an extra tier above decks. The state of the art containership is unique in its wide beam design and use of torsion box and hatch coaming plates with steel plate thickness up to 100mm. The vessel is able to carry dangerous goods in holds, and approximately 1,800 reefer containers.

The vessel's cargo capacity has also been enhanced by implementing the RSCS class notation (Route Specific Container Stowage). The RSCS notation was developed by DNV GL to provide an even more efficient usage of cargo capacity with more flexibility for laden containers on board for specific routes while not compromising on safety.

"We are very pleased to mark this historic event with MSC, given our longstanding business relationship," said Jan-Olaf Probst, Global Ship Type Director at DNV GL – Maritime. "DNV GL is proud to have been a part of MSC's growth into a world leader in container shipping and we hope to be able to continue our successful cooperation for many years to come. MSC's decision to construct MSC Oscar and its upcoming newbuildings according to the DNV GL regulations reflects a clear focus for quality, maximum efficiency and an awareness of the need for a more sustainable industry."

The vessel's construction took only eleven months to be completed from steel cutting to delivery, which included extensive commissioning and sea trials. MSC Oscar is the first of the series of six ultra large containerships (ULCS) of Olympic Series. The remaining sister vessels of the series are expected to be completed by November 2015.

The cooperation between MSC and DNV GL stretches back to some of MSC's first vessels. And in 2005 the company's first entry into the large boxship market, the 9,000TEU MSC Pamela, was built to DNV GL class rules.

Today, MSC has 18 more vessels of over 19,000TEU on order. These deliveries could move MSC into the position of being the largest container shipping line in the world. The next of these vessels, MSC Oliver, also with DNV GL class, is expected for delivery in April.

DNV GL has been the class of choice for shipowners moving into the ULCS segment, with virtually all of the largest vessels being constructed according to DNV GL rules.

Harvey Gulf International Marine LLC made maritime history in North America last week by being not only the first owner/operator of a dual fuel offshore support vessel to bunker LNG as a marine fuel but to also successfully complete the first truck to vessel transfer of LNG and to power the M/V Harvey Energy on LNG.

The Harvey Energy built at GCSG in Gulfport, MS is based on the Vard Marine 1 311 design and is 310x64x24.5ft powered by 3 Wartsila 6L34DF dual fuel gensets providing 7.5MW of power fueled by Wartsila's LNGPac system. The Harvey Energy is US Flagged Subchapter I and L, SOLAS compliant and is classed by the ABS as +A1, OSV, +AMS, +DPS-2, +ACCU, UWILD, FFV-1, ENVIRO+, GP, GFS (Dual Fuel Diesel) E. With 5,150 tons of deadweight, the vessel is capable of carrying 253,000 USG of Fuel Oil, 18, 000 Bbls of Liquid Mud, 1,600 Bbls of Methanol, 10, 250ft3 of Dry Cement and 78,000 USG of LNG fuel.

This historic bunkering took place at a shore-based terminal owned by a subsidiary of Martin Midstream Partners L.P. in Pascagoula, MS. Participating in the activities alongside the crew of the Harvey Energy was the U.S. Coast Guard, the ABS, Wartsila, Martin Energy Services LLC, State and Local Agencies and GCSG. The cool-down process took approximately 12 hours to achieve the desired tank temperature and pressure utilizing 3,800 gallons of nitrogen. The LNG bunkering was successfully completed within a few hours of cool-down. The Harvey Energy will next proceed to LNG trials before delivery.

Mr. Shane Guidry, Chairman and CEO of Harvey Gulf, commented. "today's historic event is an example of Harvey Gulf's commitment to their customers and the environment to provide the most affordable, innovative, environmentally friendly technology solutions to meet their business demands."

In concert with the Harvey Energy, Harvey Gulf is preparing to operate the first LNG marine fueling facility in the United States, located at its vessel facility in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. The fueling facility will be a vital addition to the growing national LNG supply infrastructure, supporting critical operations of the oil and gas industry's offshore support vessel fleet operating on clean burning LNG.