Products & services

ABB launches new software to cut fuel consumption of ships

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 20 September 2012 20 September 2012

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group announced that it has introduced several new software applications for the marine market that will help all types of ocean vessels dramatically reduce their fuel consumption. These Advisory Systems include the latest versions of ABB’s energy management system for marine applications (EMMA) and Amarcon’s Octopus solution.

With the recent acquisition of Amarcon, and the official launch of Advisory Systems during Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine Technology International Trade (SMM) in Hamburg, Germany, earlier this month, ABB is now able to provide a vertically integrated power and automation set of solutions that will help ship-owners increase productivity and safety of vessel operation while minimizing fuel consumption and environmental impacts.

For the first time in history, the daily operational costs of a vessel have surpassed its daily building costs. Fuel consumption is becoming the highest operational expenditure for each and every vessel of the global fleet, and one of the biggest environmental concerns. Fuel accounts for between 30-40 percent of the cost of running a cruise ship and between 50-60 percent for most merchant vessels.

Reducing fuel consumption by just 1 percent can mean an annual saving of $50,000 for a mid-sized bulk carrier and $300,000 a year for a large container ship. In a world where fuel savings have become a requirement for ship operators, a vessel with an integrated power, automation and advisory system that can help slash its fuel consumption by up to 20% represents a substantial competitive advantage.

ABB’s new ship advisory and automation systems suite incorporate a full range of vessel information and control technology that allows ship operators to monitor and calculate the optimum utilization of power on-board. The recent acquisition of Amarcon in the second quarter this year complements this portfolio and strengthens ABB’s long-term growth strategy.

“By aggregating Amarcon systems into ABB’s solutions, we are now able to provide the widest portfolio of optimization tools available on the market,” says Heikki Soljama, Head of business unit Marine and Cranes. “With these solutions, we are better equipped to help ship operators reduce fuel consumption efficiently and provide added-value technology to all ship owners.

Earlier this year, ABB won an order to provide an energy management system for one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly cruise ferries, which is due to be delivered to Viking Line in 2013 . ABB also won an order from Rickmers Group in Germany to supply advisory systems for dynamic trim optimization and fleet management solutions for five multi-purpose vessels. These systems will help the ship management teams to operate the vessels with the highest fuel and energy efficiency possible.

Over the years, ABB’s engineers have developed intelligent solutions that aim at increasing energy efficiency and productivity of all types of vessels. In 2011, ABB launched the ground-breaking Onboard DC Grid, which distributes power through a single DC circuit instead of multiple connections, providing significant power savings.Earlier this year, ABB won its first order for this new system. It will allow a new offshore platform support vessel, under construction in Norway, to operate at the highest energy efficiency level to minimize emissions.

“This delivery is a landmark in our strategy, and we look forward to seeing the vessel operating with maximum efficiency next year, when it will be delivered to the end-user”, says Heikki Soljama.

Also in 2011, ABB announced several improvements to its highly efficient Azipod® propulsion system. The new design combines improvements in the layout of the fin on the propeller increase efficiency up to 2.5% by reducing the losses from the propulsion system. Another design change for further fuel consumption savings optimizes the toe (steering) angle of the Azipod units dynamically, in addition to the angle optimization already undertaken at the vessel design stage, to provide an estimated extra 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption.

ABB’s global Vessel Information and Control organization develops automation solutions specifically for marine applications, based on ABB’s field-proven process automation technologies. The company’s expanded portfolio of solutions for Marine Automation and Control systems consists of a broad range of marine advisory and fleet management reporting solutions, integrated automation, vessel management and control systems, and marine instrumentation and sensors, all of which help to optimize vessel operations and performance, improve energy efficiency, onboard equipment reliability and availability, and operational safety.

Morgan Furniture supplied British seaside inspired furniture to Saga Sapphire

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 20 September 2012 20 September 2012

Morgan Furniture, the market-leading British designer and maker of contemporary contract furniture, has provided a wide range of soft seating for the Saga Sapphire cruise ship. Nine inspired collections from Morgan, including some specially- adapted designs, appear on board this latest addition to the Saga fleet providing comfort and ocean-going style for up to 706 passengers.

Designed to appeal to more modern tastes, the Saga Sapphire has a fun, quirky feel which was inspired by the British seaside. Young-at-heart travellers can enjoy gourmet fish and chips, traditional sweets and ice cream at the pool-side Beach Club; the top deck 12 features St Andrews crazy golf and Cooper’s bar, named in honour of Tommy Cooper, is complete with red Fez-like lampshades and scatter cushions bearing corny jokes. All bar areas, including Cooper’s, Britannia Lounge and the Aviator’s Bar are decked out in furniture by Morgan.

The relaxed Siena tub chair features a flowing, curved profile and simple turned wooden legs, while the Seville wing armchair provides a modern twist to a traditional winged-chair. With the same name as the Long Island seaside resort famous for its historical Summer colonies, Hampton sofas and armchairs set a mood which feels breezy and familiar, but at the same time prestigious and in tune with the modern world. Elegant and with a compact footprint, the timeless styling of Hampton makes it a perfect choice for cruise lines.Dining is a fundamental part of the cruise experience and, with passengers frequenting the same restaurants on numerous occasions, the seating must be memorable for all the right reasons.

Atlantic is one of the most popular dining chairs from Morgan with its sculptured, curved back which makes the chair both comfortable and elegant. The version chosen for the Saga Sapphire also features fully upholstered arms edged with polished wood to match the legs. Upholstered in creamy leather, this original design ensures the height of luxury in the Pole to Pole restaurant which is styled to the theme of different countries from around the world.

Inspired by cruise liners and colonial hotels, the Boston collection looks right at home in The Grill and Verandah. A dining venue where passengers can grab a lighter meal and watch their food being prepared in a state-of-the-art show kitchen, this area demanded a more informal seating style and a seamless transition from inside to outside for those choosing to dine alfresco. Boston and Boston Terrace provide exactly that with their finely crafted wooden frame available in a choice of timbers including Iroko sustainable African hardwood for outdoor models. The design features an attractive finger joint on the arm, which also adds strength, and a woven leather back for the indoor chairs.

Always a hive of activity, The Drawing Room looks out over the ship’s bow and is surrounded by impressive observation windows. The wide variety of seating here mirrors the activities which include reading from the well-stocked library, using computers or iPads, taking part in one of the many classes and lectures, or enjoying a snack from the larder or drink from the bar.With its square, low form, Verona chairs, sofas, daybeds and corner units from Morgan add contemporary style to the space. A specially adapted version was created for Saga with a higher and firmer sit. Seville winged-chairs and Siena tub chairs feature throughout the space upholstered in tactile and vibrant blue and orange fabrics.

Morgan worked closely throughout this project with RPW Design and Joanna Knight Interiors, who acted on behalf of Saga for the product procurement and project management. This is the third Saga cruise ship for Morgan having already successfully supplied furniture for the Saga Ruby and the Saga Pearl II. The cruise sector is a highly successful market for Morgan thanks to their ability to apply the Marine Quality Mark to produce attractive and practical furniture pieces of unsurpassed quality which fully conform to Marine Contract standards. The company also possesses exemplary eco-credentials, a fact independently endorsed by the ISO14001 environmental standard. All products are manufactured in a low energy consuming factory, using sustainable FSC timber, top quality CMHR foams and non rusting fittings.

Hempel launches high-solids antifoulings offering proven performance and benchmark ROI

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 09 September 2012 09 September 2012

At a time when the volatile global economy is hitting shipping hard, Hempel is launching high-solids versions of their Globic, Oceanic and Olympic antifoulings, which offer optimised features and stronger ROI.

The new versions, Globic 9000, Globic 6000, Oceanic+ and Olympic+, have been optimised to offer the benefits of high-solids. Reflecting Hempel's commitment to investment in R&D, they offer optimised binder systems, polishing rates, biocides and solids levels. In addition, they also feature microfibre technology, which works like steel reinforcement in concrete to deliver superior mechanical strength and elasticity.

Furthermore, the new high-solids antifoulings allow shipowners to greatly reduce the environmental impact of their vessels. By delivering powerful protection against fouling, they cut fuel consumption and associated emissions. Plus, their emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are very low.

New antifoulings based on patented technology with a documented record of success

Offering exceptional performance in even the most aggressive waters, Globic 9000 is Hempel's new top-end antifouling. An evolution of Globic NCT, it can be specified for 90-month docking intervals. Globic 6000 is a new product in the Globic series, which builds on the same technology as Globic 9000. It is suitable for 60-month intervals.

Both Globic 9000 and Globic 6000 are designed around patented nano-capsule binder technology, which has consistently been refined by Hempel over the last ten years. Importantly, analysis of indocking vessels using an antifouling based on this technology confirms they show very little evidence of foulingeven after 5 years at sea.

Oceanic+ is a more economical solution for 60-month intervals. It offers dependable performance in most trading waters, and is also available in a special version developed for flat-bottom applications. Olympic+ is an evolution of Olympic, an antifouling with a documented record of strong and reliable performance not overly aggressive fouling waters. It offers improved performance for 36-month service intervals.

According to Torben Rasmussen Group Product Manager at Hempel, the company's new antifoulings offer shipowners security in uncertain times: "We are proud that our new antifoulings offer our customers the confidence that comes with proven performance. All our new products are built on tried-and-tested technology and are developed using our unique method for evaluating and optimizing antifoulings."

Hempel supports launch with new site designed to help customers find the right antifouling for their needs When it comes to choosing an antifouling, every vessel has unique needs that must be considered. Understanding this, Hempel have created a new website at antifouling.hempel.com, which allows customers to quickly find the antifoulings that best meet the specific demands of their fleet.

ABB wins energy management automation package order for TUI newbuilding

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 20 September 2012 20 September 2012

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, recently won an order from STX in Finland to supply a comprehensive automation package and energy management system for a new 99,300 GT cruise vessel currently being built by STX Finland Oy and owned by TUI Cruises. The approximately 295 meters long and 35 meters wide cruise ship will be added to the luxurious cruise fleet owned by TUI Cruises GmbH, a joint venture between German tourism company TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

STX Finland, is an experienced shipbuilding company specialized in innovative and ecologically friendly solutions and technologically demanding projects. Its new vessel, highly sophisticated and innovative, is being both designed and constructed by STX Finland and TUI Cruises and is planned to be delivered in the spring of 2014. The ship has 1,250 staterooms and will serve 2,500 passengers with a crew of 1,000. Many environmentally friendly features are present in the vessel, with particular emphasis on energy efficiency.

ABB’s delivery will help the new ship to regulate fuel and power consumption, and provide detailed operational information for all onboard systems to maximize their performance, efficiency and passenger safety and comfort. “Being awarded with this project is a very important milestone in the automation business within ABB Marine business. The project demonstrates the importance of software and digital information as one the key cornerstones in delivering energy efficient solutions”, says Rami Jokela, Head of Vessel Information and Control systems for ABB’s Marine and Cranes business unit. “It underscores ABB’s leadership in the integration of power and automation systems.”

ABB’s scope of supply consists of an integrated vessel management system (VMS), power management and HVAC control systems, emergency shut-down system (ESD) and energy management system. The complete system has approximately 13’000 I/O points and is based on ABB’s flagship 800xA automation platform.

This ship will be first cruise vessel in the world to utilize Ethernet based IEC61850 protocol in switchboard to power management system communication. This scope will be added to the complete electrical and propulsion system, also supplied by ABB, and will start being delivered in the second half of 2013.

ABB’s expanded its portfolio of solutions for Vessel Information and Control systems in 2011; which includes of a broad range of marine advisory and fleet management solutions, integrated automation, vessel management and control systems, and marine instrumentation and sensors, all of which help to optimize vessel operations and performance, improve energy efficiency

Bolidt's smart solution for cruise ship balconies

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 29 August 2012 29 August 2012

Bolidt has extended its range of composite decking for cruise ship balconies to offer a new option for owners and shipyards looking to replace conventional teaks where cost is the key constraint.

The Dutch specialist in synthetic products and systems has patented the ‘Smart Balcony’, formed of a series of composite ‘planks’ that can be interlinked and installed to cover a standard balcony in under 15 minutes by just two persons, without any noise, smell or mess. Smart Balcony is offered as an alternative to the liquid-pouring product ‘Future Teak’, whose uptake has seen Bolidt establish a commanding position in strategic cruise shipbuilding markets.

Teak cruise ship balconies are notoriously difficult and costly to service, and liquid-poured techniques using synthetic decking remain a major step forward. However, the Smart Balcony alternative is distinguished by the shorter application time required and thus lower cost when a ship is in drydock. Critically, renovation can also be carried out during a cruise.

Smart Balcony can be installed during a voyage either by a riding squad or by trained crew members. The materials can be carried by two men through the ship and installed while the cabin is unoccupied, for example while the passengers are on a shore visit.

Bolidt Shipbuilding Division Global Director Jacco van Overbeek says: "Balcony renovation is a well-known problem in the cruise sector. Renewing traditional teak balconies is the problem. Liquid poured balconies by Bolidt are still a solid and proven system, but Smart Balcony system is our latest innovation, saving sanding and drying times. We believe that Smart Balcony offers the cruise industry a new alternative to what has been a difficult maintenance problem for many years."

Smart Balcony has been developed in response to requests from a number of cruise lines already using Bolidt decking systems. "Our customers asked us for a product that would reduce installation times and help keep their ships in service longer," says Jacco. "Smart Balcony offers a number of other advantages. For example it is much easier to clean and maintain than liquid systems and the crew can replace any damaged planks themselves in a matter of minutes. Smart Balcony is much harder wearing than traditional systems. It is also designed to meet stringent anti-slip standards, conforming to DIN 51097 and DIN EN 13451."

For a complete vessel refit, Bolidt will deliver a Smart Balcony pack measured to fit each balcony onboard. Jacco says: "We will provide the riding squad with training in advance and offer onboard training to crew members for repairs during a voyage." The standard dimensions of the Smart Balcony sections are 3m x 20mm x 100mm, weighing 1.4kg/m. Bolidt recently carried out a trial installation of Smart Balcony on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)’s Norwegian Sun, covering four balconies. Owner feedback has been positive and discussions are underway covering a more extensive project. A trial installation has also been agreed with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL). Bolidt is evaluating the potential for adapting Smart Balcony for other refit applications, including sun deck terraces on ferries and smaller river cruise deck areas.