Products & services

Wartsila and MAN Diesel & Turbo launch HERCULES 2 R&D programme

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 22 September 2014 22 September 2014

The HERCULES R&D programme to develop large engine technologies, which was initiated in 2004 as a joint vision by the two major European engine manufacturing groups, Wärtsilä and MAN Diesel & Turbo, is to continue with a new HERCULES-2 project, pending approval under the Horizon 2020 EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

 

The HERCULES-2 project is aimed at developing a fuel-flexible marine engine that is optimally adaptive to its operating environment. The work will focus on four areas of integrated R&D divided into Work Package Groups (WPG), as follows: WPG 1 - a fuel flexible engine; WPG II - new materials (for engine applications); WPG III - an adaptive powerplant for  lifetime performance; and WPG IV - a near zero emissions engine.

 

This work will build upon and surpass the targets of the previous HERCULES projects by going beyond the limits set by the regulatory authorities. By combining the very latest technologies, and through the use of integrated solutions, the new project aims to achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The project includes several full-scale prototypes and shipboard demonstrators that will speed the development of commercially available products.

 

This co-operation between Wärtsilä and MAN Diesel & Turbo will also involve a number of other European companies, as well as universities and research institutions. The project will further accelerate the shipping industry's transition to better fuel efficiency and a significantly reduced environmental footprint, while strengthening the position of the participating partners in the market place.

 

The consortium is made up of 32 partners, of which 30% are industrial and 70% are universities and research institutes. The budget is divided between industry and the universities on a 63% - 37% basis respectively.

The original HERCULES programme was conceived in 2002 to develop new technologies to increase marine engine efficiency. The three previous projects within this programme ran from 2004 until 2014.

L-3 Marine Systems International supplies equipment for Quantum-class ships

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 15 September 2014 15 September 2014

L-3 Marine Systems International (L-3 MSI) announced today that it has been awarded a contract to provide a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art navigation, lighting and communication systems for the third ship in Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum class. Built by Meyer Werft at its Papenburg shipyard in northern Germany, the 348-metre-long, 167,800-gross-ton ship is the sister vessel to Quantum of the Seas, due to be delivered this year, and Anthem of the Seas, to be launched in 2015, both of which have been similarly outfitted with L-3 equipment.

“The three-ship project marks the next step in L-3’s growing support of the world’s premier cruise ship fleets with proven, cutting-edge shipboard system solutions,” said Ulrich Weinreuter, president of L-3 Marine Systems International. “The ships’ design incorporates environmentally friendly and sustainable elements, and we are extremely proud to contribute to this major undertaking.”

The bridge equipment for the latest vessel includes L-3 SAM Electronics’ NACOS Platinum navigation system, comprising five X- and S-band radars serially linked to 10 Multipilot workstations for the combined display of ARPA, radar, ECDIS and conning functions, in addition to those for automatic steering control and voyage planning. The scope of supply is completed by subsidiary sensors consisting of AIS, DGPS, Doppler logs, echosounders, gyros, rudder steering, and indicator and wind/weather navigation aids. Supplementary support facilities comprise a full range of internal communications systems as well as a GMDSS A3 set.

L-3’s NACOS Platinum series is complemented by an advanced dynamic positioning system with three-axis joystick controllers, one CP1 DP controller, and interfaces for suitable environmental and position reference sensors shared with the NACOS Platinum Bridge System. The special cruise software was developed by L-3 Dynamic Positioning & Control Systems for two main azimuthing drives and three tunnel thrusters. Integrated DP functionality will be available at Multipilot workstations for the main operator console and both bridge wings through a user-friendly touch-screen interface. Part of the specialty cruise ship software package provides modes to support station-keeping with reduced fuel consumption and machinery wear.

Additionally, L-3 FUNA will provide its latest public address (PA) system, including a UHF system, to comply with “Safe Return to Port” requirements. Another important aspect of FUNA’s contribution are its architectural dimming and LED lighting systems, a general alarm network, a sunblind security system, and the shipwide sound-powered telephone and talk-back systems.

L-3 will also be providing power distribution support via L-3 SAM Electronics’ low-voltage (LV) switchgear package, which covers main and emergency switchboards, fire zone substations, a motor control center, local motor starters, power distribution boards, AC room automation cabinets, fire damper controls and LV transformers.

Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, L-3 Marine Systems International (L-3 MSI) is a sector within L-3’s Electronic Systems business segment. L-3 MSI is a turnkey supplier of complete electrical systems, as well as integrated navigation, automation, communications, energy distribution and propulsion systems for all types of ships and offshore wind farms.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 48,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aerospace systems and national security solutions. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of communication and electronic systems and products used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2013 sales of $12.6 billion.

Lindblad Expeditions to implement Adonis Suite

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 16 September 2014 16 September 2014

Lindblad Expeditions will be implementing Adonis Personnel Manager (APM) for all their crewing and payroll activities. The solution will enable Lindblad to integrate and centralize their HR, payroll and crew planning for their fleet.

Lindblad Expeditions is a pioneering expedition travel company that works in partnership with National Geographic to provide educational marine expedition programs that allow guests to interact with leading scientists, naturalists and researchers while discovering stunning natural environments, above and below the sea, through state-of-the-art exploration tools. Designed to address the specialized HR and Payroll needs of maritime organizations, APM provides Lindblad with the ability to seamlessly coordinate processes between their ships and offices, while more efficiently managing their crews -- and more effectively recruiting talent -- based on their experience and qualifications.

"Thanks to Adonis, Lindblad Expeditions will be better able to coordinate processes between our ships and offices, while helping us streamline staff recruitment,” said Arthur Theodorou, Network & Fleet IT Manager, Lindblad Expeditions.

"The leadership of Lindblad's management team, their deeply knowledgeable expedition team and their captains are what make their marine voyages such thrilling, educational and, ultimately, unique experiences," said Per Ove Kviteberg, Sales Director, Adonis. "We are pleased to provide Lindblad with an HR and personnel solution that helps them more efficiently manage their staff, and to be allied with an organization known the world-over for their innovative programs and vision."

Gary Oliver becomes Trimline Chairman

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 15 September 2014 15 September 2014

Gary Oliver, Managing Director of Trimline Ltd, is to become Trimline’s Chairman. The Southampton-based marine interiors specialist has recently undergone significant expansion including the appointment of Andrew Richards as CEO.

Oliver has begun his new role within the company and, using his experience within the industry, he will spend more time meeting with key partners and stakeholders to ensure that Trimline’s key offer is meeting with expectation and demand.
Andrew Richards, CEO at Trimline, said: “The appointment of Gary to this role is a much-needed step for the company. Gary has over 30 years of invaluable experience within the marine interior industry and to ensure that we continue to meet our stakeholders’ needs, he will be perfectly placed to maintain and build strong relationships.”

Gary Oliver, Chairman at Trimline, said: “I am delighted to have taken on this role. The transformation that has happened at Trimline over the last two years is essential for the company to grow and it is only fitting that my role within the company should also grow. I am very much looking forward to spending more time speaking with our stakeholders on a personal basis and ensuring that our commitment to them continues to strengthen.”