Products & services

LR to support the retrofit of two Stena Line ferries to methanol

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 19 May 2024 19 May 2024

Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII will be transferred to LR Class and converted to methanol propulsion.

Building upon the success of the Stena Germanica in 2015, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Stena Lines will work together on a project to retrofit two fast roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels with methanol propulsion.

The conversion will see the Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII Ro-Ro ferries, which operate on the Scotland to Northern Ireland route between Cairnryan and Belfast, converted to methanol dual-fuel propulsion with the vessels transferring class to LR.

As part of the project, the retrofit process will convert two out of the four main engines in each vessel to run on methanol alongside MGO (Marine Gas Oil). The ship’s bunkering, storage, fuel supply and supporting systems will also be adapted for methanol.

The LR-classed Stena Germanica is the only retrofitted methanol vessel in service and will provide valuable experience for the project to convert Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII.

Paul Herbert, Principal Technology Specialist, Lloyd’s Register said: “The project to retrofit the Stena Superfast VII and VIII with methanol dual-fuel propulsion underlines Stena Line Ferries and LR’s shared commitment to sustainability and the importance of embracing alternative fuels for a more sustainable future. Leveraging our expertise and experience gained from the successful conversion of the Stena Germanica in 2015, we are poised to deliver another groundbreaking solution that will pave the way for greener and more efficient ferry operations.”

Ian Hampton, COO Fleet & Government Affairs, Stena Line Ferries said: "As we continue to implement our strategy to decarbonise our operations, we still see methanol as a viable alternative fuel that will help us achieve this ambition. Lloyds Register with their knowledge and experience from supporting the conversion project of Stena Germanica nine years ago will once again be able to provide the necessary support with these retrofits of our existing tonnage. In the process, it will make them more sustainable by reducing CO2 emissions and encouraging the technology and development needed on our ongoing journey towards fossil free shipping.”

LR’s recent Fuel for thought: Methanol for Passenger Ships report shows that methanol is an increasingly technically viable for shipowners, however Infrastructure and investment need to be prioritised for widespread adoption. LR has also built upon its expertise with projects such as the partnership with Danish methanol-as-marine-fuel consultancy Green Marine focusing on seafarer training for methanol handling and approval in principle for NACKS methanol-fuelled 81,000 DWT bulk carrier.

Telenor Maritime signs MoU with GE Vernova

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 11 April 2024 11 April 2024

Telenor Maritime has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GE Vernova. The intention of the strategic partnership is to promote a joint offering, providing customers a unique combined value on their digitalization journeys. The parties presented their solution at Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami, 8-11 April.

The partnership will enable customers to deploy a wide range of GE Vernova’s digitalization tools and services through Telenor Maritime’s edge platform and managed connectivity service.

GE Vernova’s (GEV) Power Conversion business helps the world’s maritime fleets to improve their energy efficiency and reduce emissions through electrification and cleaner energy sources. Its value-added digital tools and services reflect its expertise in maritime power and energy. GEV’s Power Conversion portfolio includes remote support solutions, asset performance, and energy optimization solutions as well as cyber security compliance services for the maritime fleets.

Telenor Maritime, well known for their maritime connectivity solutions, have recently entered the domain of digitalization in the maritime industry through their Unified Hosting Service™ (UHS®), the core of the ship’s digital ecosystem. The platform gathers, contextualizes, and stores operational data from various sources on board the vessels. Applications hosted on the UHS then process and reuse this high-quality data to provide insight and enable performance optimization, cost savings, regulatory compliance, sustainability reporting and other services onboard. The data can also be utilized on shore.

Another important aspect of the UHS platform is its neutrality. This allows shipowners full control over their data, but at the same time fostering collaboration and synergy between operational data providers and other service providers onboard. This approach ensures data democracy and transparency.

"We believe that our unique neutral position will enable ship-owners to utilize operational data and digital tools more efficiently across the different systems and for the whole fleet. We are proud to be working with GE Vernova and their innovative and proven maritime solutions to help our customers to meet their digitalization and sustainability goals." says CEO of Telenor Maritime, Lars Erik Lunøe.

As an initial step, the parties have successfully completed a technical Proof of Concept (PoC) to integrate GEV’s Power Conversion software on the UHS® platform, following the validation of the value proposition and commercial model with a pilot customer.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Telenor Maritime headquarters in Arendal by Olivier Jamart, Executive Director Microgrids and Digital, GE Vernova, and Morten Martens Breivik, Chief Strategy Officer, Telenor Maritime.

“GE Vernova is pleased to be collaborating with Telenor Maritime to deliver Power Conversion’s digital tools and services, aimed at decarbonization and maintenance optimization as part of the UHS platform. The intended partnership will allow both companies to leverage their expertise in delivering a richer value proposition to the market, allowing customers to take advantage of the platform and services for their digital transformation.” Said Mr. Jamart.

Telenor Maritime looks forward to the journey ahead with GE Vernova, exploring new business opportunities, creating common services, and reaching a larger part of the market together.

The partners presented their joint offering at the Seatrade Cruise Global Event in Miami, 8-11 April this year.

Telenor Maritime and AT&T sign new roaming agreement

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 25 April 2024 25 April 2024

Telenor Maritime, in collaboration with AT&T, has announced a new initiative that will transform the onboard experience for cruise and ferry passengers worldwide. Passengers can now enjoy transparent, affordable and seamless connectivity at sea, mirroring the comfort and convenience of home usage.

The launch of AT&T’s Cruise IDP (International Day Pass) enables passengers to utilize their phones effortlessly, with the freedom to stay connected just as they do on land, without the worry of bill shocks.

With Telenor Maritime’s extensive mobile network spanning over 280 ships globally, catering to millions of passengers daily, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the onboard experience. With packages at a fixed, affordable daily rate, passengers can now embark on their journeys with the assurance of seamless connectivity, enabling them to share their adventures and stay connected to what matters most.

"We are excited to introduce this revolutionary roaming product, in partnership with AT&T.” said Håkon Berdal, Commercial Roaming Manager at Telenor Maritime. "This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing the passenger experience by providing seamless connectivity solutions that transcend the boundaries of traditional maritime communication."

The launch of this transformative initiative not only redefines connectivity at sea but also reinforces Telenor Maritime's dedication to delivering unparalleled service and innovation for passengers worldwide.

YSA Design offers vision for the sail powered cruise ship catamaran

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 11 April 2024 11 April 2024

YSA Design has unveiled a concept for a new type of sail-powered catamaran cruise ship, whose flexibility, sustainability and sea-focused attractions can satisfy guest appetites to experience sensitive and hard to reach waters at close quarters.

Codenamed Seabreeze, the design includes a host of features to attract premium-end cruise guests while combining the sustainability of sail and a 4m draft, in a 104.5m length ship with access to shallow waters. Dual hulls counteract listing under sail to maintain stability and comfort for 200 guests on board.

Using a market-ready solution, four 50m high foldable sails would be mounted on 6m high bases on deck to capture zero emission wind. Engines running on green bio-methanol would sustain hotel operations and – if wind was insufficient – the main propulsion, although the ship would also be enabled with a hybrid drive to incorporate silent running on battery power.

Two 18.2m wide hulls would be connected by an inverted U-shaped structure spanning 18.5m, with the cat’s two-deck central superstructure incorporating the bridge and some public spaces. Each hull would include four decks plus a ‘yacht top’, with room for 100 dual occupancy guest cabins and 155 crew.

“Sustainability is critical but cruise shipping also needs to continuously reinvent itself,” said Trond Sigurdsen, Senior Architect and Partner, YSA Design. “A sustainable ship which brings environmentally conscious guests closer to the sea and reaches destinations others cannot is a clear opportunity at the premium end of the cruise market.”

Such an audience would “reclaim the sea” as an attraction, with hulls featuring retractable aft and central platforms extending down to the water when Seabreeze is at anchor or in dynamic positioning mode. Sea lounges could then open up for sunset dining, as spas, or as beach and watersports clubs.

The design envisages a transparent bay structure between the hulls so that guests can “hover” over the sea. Enhanced by auxiliary lighting, “seeing a shipwreck or coral reef would be unforgettable”, said Sigurdsen. In another scenario, guests relax on a mesh connecting the hulls in a “floating experience”.

“Seabreeze also aligns closely with contemporary thinking on destination-based cruising, where a ship gliding in under sail would not disturb wildlife and would be a welcome visitor anywhere. A 21st century wind-powered ship could even drive revival in communities which suffered with the demise of sail.”