Products & services

Viking Maritime Group opens new Simulation Centre

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 01 April 2019 01 April 2019

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) expands its training centres to the Solent area with the expansion of its training portfolio and a new centre opening in Portsmouth in July 2019.

The Viking Maritime Group (including the MSA, Viking Crew and Chiltern Maritime) has identified a highly innovative approach to meeting the specific requirements of the cruise, ferry and superyacht industries for Simulation Training.

A multi-million pound agreement has been reached between Viking Maritime Group (‘Viking’) and Wärtsilä Voyage Solutions (‘Wärtsilä’), formerly known as Transas Marine UK Ltd, to facilitate the development of a new state-of-the-art, purpose-built Simulation Centre in the harmonious setting of the Lakeside North Harbour business hub located near Portsmouth, UK (www.lakesidenorthharbour.com).

This relationship will ensure that the new Simulation Centre is uniquely positioned to service the needs of our cruise, ferry and superyacht clients, being the only commercial provider worldwide to fully integrate the Wärtsilä NACOS Platinum system within the Full Mission Bridge Simulator and associated course provision.

Viking will provide the essential simulation hardware, Wärtsilä will supply and configure the associated software solutions and the centre will be managed by Viking’s subsidiary training organisation, the Maritime Skills Academy (‘MSA’), with technical and maintenance support from Wärtsilä. MSA will also co-ordinate, manage and deliver any classroom based STCW 2010 training provision required by clients here, as well as at its well-established training facility in Dover, UK.

In developing this new Simulation Centre for operational launch in mid-2019, Viking and Wärtsilä has had the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with industry personnel in agreeing the desired simulation specifications before the implementation phase, thus achieving the most realistic physical environment and delegate learning experience possible.

Clients will also have the opportunity to liaise closely with our specialist management consultants during development of the various simulation-based courses, ensuring that course content and delivery is well-matched to the simulation facilities, adapted where possible for optimum effectiveness against known industry practice, and aligned with a company’s policies and procedures.

The Viking/Wärtsilä project team is confident that this unique and customised collaboration will both meet the exclusive, bespoke requirements of our cruise, ferry and superyacht industry clients and deliver the high standards and culturally-attuned training provision needed to support achievement of a company’s key objective: delivering the safest and most efficient standards in the industry.

Matthew Jaenicke Managing Director for Viking Maritime Group says “This is one of the most exciting and innovative steps Viking Maritime have taken by expanding not only its training locations but being a pioneer in how we offer simulator training to the maritime world. With the support of Wartsila and listening to client needs, we can provide ship operators with a new business to business training solution."

“We are very happy to have been involved in the discussions and reach the stage we are at today. We are acquiring a brilliant partner in the form of Viking to deliver exceptional training using our solutions. Viking have identified a specific market niche and it is with great pleasure that we can build our system to support the “as-a-service concept,” says Alex Ponomarev, Sales Expert for Wärtsilä Voyage Simulation and Training.

As part of the new centre opening, Chiltern Maritime (the UK's top ranked Merchant Navy Cadetship provider, offering highly sought after multi-vessel experience and mentoring) will be moving its operation to the new facility. This is an exciting step for Chiltern as it will have world class facilities to showcase for new cadets during interview and induction visits.

ABB wins contract to power the first Chinese-built cruise vessel

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 28 March 2019 28 March 2019

In a historic deal with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS), ABB will supply a comprehensive power and propulsion package for China’s first domestically built cruise ship

ABB has been awarded a contract to supply an integrated package, including two Azipod steerable propulsion systems, for the construction of China’s first ever home-grown cruise ship. ABB’s deep domain knowledge in cruise technology coupled with its local expertise makes it the perfect partner to support this significant milestone in the evolution of China’s shipbuilding industry.

The 323-meter vessel, due for delivery in 2023, can accommodate 5,000 passengers and is designed to suit the tastes of Chinese cruise travelers whose numbers are expected to rise to 8-10 million annually by 2025, according to industry body Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

“With this project, China is making great strides in cruise shipbuilding. We believe the key to success is in working closely with experienced stakeholders, and our selection of ABB is based on their unparalleled know-how of the cruise market, as well as capabilities and understanding of running projects locally in China. I’m looking forward to seeing the close cooperation between ABB and the shipyard to provide high level solutions and services for the first cruise vessel built in China,” said Mr. Gang Chen, General Manager of Shanghai Waogaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

ABB will supply an integrated package to the vessel including two Azipod units which are proven to cut fuel consumption by up to 15 percent, reduce noise and vibration and offer 360-degree maneuverability. The drive motor of the Azipod® is located in a submerged pod below the hull of the ship and has been an industry benchmark in environment-friendly cruise technology since its launch in 1990.

“We are truly honored to be part of this breakthrough project for China’s first home-built cruise vessel,” said Peter Terwiesch, President of the Industrial Automation division, ABB. “ABB has a long-standing history in delivering electric, digital and connected solutions to the cruise market globally, and with our strong local experience and proven solutions, we are committed to support China’s current and future cruise demands.”

The package also includes a complete electric power plant concept with electricity generators, main switchboards, distribution transformers and a propulsion control system for moving the Azipod units from the bridge. The Azipod units can be fully integrated with the electric power plant and propulsion control system for optimal energy efficiency. The digital system includes remote diagnostics capabilities, which enable connectivity to ABB Ability Collaborative Operation Centers. Overall, ABB’s technology will boost the performance of the ship while increasing passenger comfort, fuel efficiency and lowering emissions.

The vessel will support a flourishing Chinese cruise market, which is expected to rival that of the United States over the next decade or two, according to the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association. With the potential of China’s vast consumer market, as well as rapid developments in domestic shipbuilding, the country is expected to generate a significant demand for cruise travel in the next decade and is widely anticipated to become one of the world’s leading cruise nations.

As the maritime industry moves towards new energy sources and autonomous operations, ABB’s electric, digital and connected technologies are redefining the future, bringing new levels of reliability, efficiency and sustainability to shipping in China, and across the globe.

The new vessel will be part of a fleet of Chinese-built cruise ships operated by CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping Limited, a joint venture between Carnival Corporation Plc and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). Shanghai Waigaoqiao is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSSC.

Valmet to supply scrubbers to South Korean customer

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 29 March 2019 29 March 2019

Valmet will supply exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubber system) for seven new building container vessels, which will be built in South Korea by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering for Korean Shipping company Hyundai Merchant Marine. The building container vessels are the largest in the world, over 23,000 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) each. The scrubber system deliveries will start in 2019.

The scrubber system order was included in Valmet's fourth quarter 2018 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

Valmet has a long track record in supplying scrubber systems to different vessels types. This order is Valmet's first scrubber supply to South Korea and will further strengthen Valmet's position as a scrubber supplier for passenger and cargo vessels. Valmet has had its own locations in Korea over two decades to ensure best sales, project and life-cycle support for local customers.

"We are proud to provide our technology to the Asian market. Our scrubber system will ensure a sustainable and reliable exhaust gas cleaning for the ships," says Anssi Mäkelä, Senior Manager, Marine Scrubber Systems, Valmet.

Detailed information about Valmet's delivery

The scrubber system delivery will include tailor-made hybrid scrubber systems for main engine and generator engines including auxiliary systems and automation. The exhaust gas is washed with seawater in open loop mode and with recirculated water and alkali in closed loop mode. All emissions are continuously monitored, and the complete exhaust gas scrubber system is controlled with Valmet's proven marine automation.

 

Cable and pipe transits are important part of fire protection - Roxtec

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 06 March 2019 06 March 2019

Cable and pipe transits are just as important as fire doors, according to Roxtec, the Swedish sealing specialist.

Based on his vast experience from onboard inspections, senior inspector Per Törnström of Roxtec has an urgent message to owners and builders of marine and offshore units:

“Cable and pipe seals are vital for the passive fire protection. If they are not correctly installed, a fire can spread and water flood between compartments.Your assets are unnecessarily put at risk.”

He says that ship owners tend to think they have their cable and pipe penetrations under control. But after years of changes and upgrades, this is rarely the case. Forgetting to seal properly around cables or pipes after maintenance is like leaving a fire rated door wide open. Per Törnström recommends complete transit inspections on new-builds as well as refitted units:

“Safety products, such as fire rated doors, are inspected and documented. Why not the transits?”

Sharing safety insights

Per Törnström has seen too many poorly installed cable and pipe penetration seals during the years and he is convinced about the importance of increasing awareness. Therefore, he participates as sealing expert in the webinar ”How to secure your transits”, presented 10:00-10:45 CET on March 12, 2019. Anyone working with safety in marine environments should sign-up:

https://bit.ly/2DW7Fe0