This months selected article is from ShippingWorld & ShipBuilder:
Meeting the challenges
(PDF, 110kb)
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News
Nanocoating extends engine lifetime
ABRASION AND wear in engines, gear boxes, bearings and other mechanical systems has traditionally been prevented by the use of lubricants, which create a protective film preventing direct contact between metallic surfaces. However, since lubricants cannot protect metal surfaces under all conditions, a German company has developed a nano-coating that reduces friction by altering the surface structure of the metals rubbing together.
The product contains various synthetic silicates, which Rewitec Technology says will give components a smooth metal silicate surface with improved tribologic qualities.
The coating process is performed by adding the product to the machine lubricant, which carries it to the friction zones of the metal surfaces. Due to high local temperatures and pressures in the friction microsphere, the substances inside the coating treatment bond with the metal surfaces. The silicate particles consequently react with the metal, forming nano-composites of metal silicate on the surfaces. The new particles fill the roughness, pores and mirco-cracks in the metal surface and restore them forming an extremely smooth and solid metal silicate layer.
Tests performed at Ruhr- Universität Bochum and at FH Frankfurt indicate that gearboxes can operate at higher loads as well as significant improvements in the roughness values for tooth surfaces. In addition, the experiments suggest a measurable reduction in energy consumption.
The company states that the product could be used in virtually any machinery system where friction occurs, and it is currently investigating potential applications on main and auxiliary engines, compressors, gearboxes, separators and bearings.
In July 2006 the nanocoating was applied to a Sulzer 8RTA96C main engine, in order to extend engine lifetime while waiting for the delivery of parts to replace worn out liners and piston rings. Temperature readings of the liner and electrical resistance measurements between the liner and piston rings taken after the coating treatment was applied showed improvements in key operating parameters, allowing the engine to continue at full speed until reaching its port of destination.
[Source: Marine Engineers Review]
New England’s offshore LNG terminal buoyed up
The installation of a proposed Submerged Turret Loading (STL) buoy system for the Northeast Gateway (NEG) project will secure the capability of receiving and delivering a continuous uninterrupted base load supply of natural gas to New England.
APL (Advanced Production & Loading Inc) entered an agreement with Excelerate Energy (Excelerate) for the installation of the dual STL buoy system. The Northeast Gateway contract represents APL’s second order for an STL buoy system used as an offshore LNG terminal supporting Excelerate’s proprietary Energy Bridge Regasification Vessels (EBRVs). The installation is planned to take place in the summer/fall of 2007.
Rob Bryngelson, Excelerate’s Executive Vice-President, said: ‘Excelerate has worked closely with APL from the outset to ensure that the 2007 in-service date for the Northeast Gateway deepwater port would be maintained to meet the growing energy needs of Massachusetts and New England. With this project, we will have the first and only two facilities capable of offshore LNG vaporisation in service anywhere in the world.’
Jens Kaalstad, President of APL’s US operation, said the company will make sure that the systems are installed on time and budget and ready to serve New England’s natural gas and energy needs.
In February 2005, Excelerate completed construction of what was believed to be the world’s first offshore LNG terminal – Gulf Gateway Energy Bridge deepwater LNG port, located in the US Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. The STL system and the Energy Bridge technology have proven itself for LNG regasification on this project, successfully operating and negotiating both Hurricane Katrina and Rita.
Excelerate’s Energy Bridge system is an environmentally sensitive, safe, and reliable means of helping satisfy the growing global demand for clean-burning natural gas.
Excelerate Energy, a privately owned company based in Woodlands, Texas, is an importer of LNG with a focus on the rapidly growing global marketplace and the infrastructure required to support LNG deliveries. The dual STL buoy system will ensure capability of receiving and delivering uninterrupted base load supply of natural gas
[Source: The Journal of Offshore Technology]
Life extension for cranes
Rolls-Royce is carrying out a major contract for MACS Maritime Carrier to completely overhaul the five cranes onboard each of two multi-purpose containerships, without the need for docking the vessels.
Both the 1978-built vessels, Algoa Bay (pictured below) and Stellenbosch, acquired by the German owner about a year ago, had their original Fukushima cranes. After closer inspection and a detailed condition assessment by Rolls-Royce it was proposed that the 43t, 8.4m high cranes should be completely overhauled to give them an extra 10 or 15 years of operation.
It was decided to remove the cranes one by one in order to avoid having the vessels alongside for long periods at a time. After a crane is landed at the workshop, all the hydraulic equipment is taken out and the components overhauled or exchanged for new. This is followed by any necessary repairs to the mechanical equipment, brakes and couplings and other components. The work is intricate, involving a variety of systems, including overhauling or upgrading hydraulic drives, pumps, motors and the electrical control system, plus repair work to the steel structure and the crane jib.
After four weeks the crane body is empty and four weeks later the overhauled crane is delivered back to the ship and the next one removed. Following full scale testing of the hydraulic and electrical components, the crane is returned to the ship, where it is mounted in pairs on a common platform. This is so that the Rolls- Royce team can set the cranes up for twin-mode operation. Each crane has a lift capacity of 22.5t but in twin mode it will be possible to lift 44t, with both cranes operated by a single driver.
Overhaul work has been completed on two cranes, one from each ship, and the entire contract should be complete by April next year.
The company’s service concept has been strengthened with the addition of an extended winch and steering gear repair capability at the Singapore site. A new specialist workshop will be opened and two experienced service engineers have already been relocated from Norway to provide the necessary expertise for Rauma Brattvaag and Norwinch winches, and Tenfjord and Frydenbö steering gear.
The service team is also providing specialist courses for the optimum operation and maintenance of Rolls-Royce equipment and is already in dialogue with number of shipowners in order to deliver a package that best reflects their training needs.
[Source: ShippingWorld & ShipBuilder]
Bournemouth University PhD studentship
Bournemouth University is offering a funded PhD studentship for a project entitled: 'Citizenship and the Marine Environment'. A project summary and application details are available here.
The bursary is worth £12,900 per year plus fees for 3 years - available in the first instance on a competitive basis. The closing date for applications is 11 May 2007.
For more details, please contact:
Dr. Steve Fletcher, Tel: +44 (0)1202 966737
Email: sfletcher@bournemouth.ac.uk
Devon & Cornwall Branch: Young Members’ Network - Marine Science & Technology NSEW ‘07
Over 60 pupils from Falmouth School took part in a special event aimed at promoting careers in the marine industry as part of the UK’s National Science & Engineering Week. The school children converged at the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall and took part in a variety of activities based around Key Stage 3 Science & Technology taking full advantage of the Museum’s lecture theatre, exhibition space and test pool facilities. The day was well planned and ran smoothly ensuring the students gained the most from a day away from the classroom.
Older students from Falmouth Marine School were on hand to help younger pupils as they roamed the exhibits to gain ideas for building their own models for a Scrapheap Boat race across the test pool. Lecturer, Alex Whatley, introduced the students to the variety of materials used in the marine environment encouraging the students to think how they play a role in the design and construction processes whilst James Goodship and Marine School Students took an active role in helping with design, build and testing of the small craft.
The day was invaluable for opening the pupils’ eyes to career possibilities in the marine industry and was only made possible by the hard work of the Museum, School, and Marine School with many thanks extended to Dr Victor Abbott from the University of Plymouth for his interesting and informative presentation on Hydrographic Surveying. The event was highly successful and it is the intention to make it into an annual event open to more young people in the local area.
Consultation on a Marine Bill White Paper; A Sea Change
On March 15th 2007 the UK Government published a Marine Bill White Paper and associated Regulatory Impact Assessment that puts forward proposals for legislative measures that will help to deliver the UK Government’s vision of ‘clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas’.
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/marine/uk/policy/marine-bill/
The White Paper sets out an integrated suite of proposals for a new approach to the management of activities in the UK marine area. They will allow the UK Government and the devolved administrations to take proactive policy decisions and implement them. It will provide the tools to maximise benefits from the seas and coasts whilst preserving their integrity for the future – achieving a holistic approach that has never been achievable before.
The UK Government is proposing to introduce:
- a new UK-wide system of marine planning
- a streamlined, transparent and consistent system for licensing marine developments
- a flexible mechanism to protect natural resources, including marine protected zones with clear objectives
- improvements to the management of marine fisheries in relation to England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the ability to share the costs of management with commercial and recreational sectors
- a new Marine Management Organisation delivering UK, England and Northern Ireland functions
IMarEST Marine Voices- Response to the Marine Bill White Paper
IMarEST members are invited to contribute their views in response to the consultation. You may comment on any or all of the proposals, either in general terms or on points of detail. Comments should be sent to Dr Bev Mackenzie, Manager Technical Affairs at technical@imarest.org.
The closing date for comments is the 25th May 2007.
ICERS 8 - 2nd Call for Papers
The International Conference on Engine Room Simulators is the global forum for the exchange of knowledge, experience, views, research results and the identification of common problems with respect to the specification, design and use of engine room simulators (full mission/full task, part task or desk-top PC based).
Previous conferences were held in Singapore (2001), Wuhan, P.R.China (2004) and recently, in Portoroz, Slovenia (2005).
Click here for more information (PDF, 547KB) >>
Events Highlights
Cruise + Ferry 2007. 24-26 April 2007, ExCeL London, UK
Network at Europe’s largest Passenger Shipping Event
Cruise + Ferry is the UK's only specialist event dedicated to the technical and operations side of the cruise, ferry and fast ferry industries.
A fresh Programme featuring:
- International Exhibitors with Country Pavilions
- Free Opening Address with Dr Stephen Ladyman
- European Cruise and Ferry Industry Interviews and Networking Lunch
- 5 Specialist Conferences including: Interiors, Fire & Evacuation, Maritime Hotel & Leisure, Bunkers & the Environment and Ports & Destinations
- Co-located RINA Conference
- Free Seminar: Industry Roundtable-The Future of Passenger and Crew Telecommunications
- Innovation Zone Seminars – Free for Visitors
Pre-register for FREE entry to the Exhibition and save £20!
For more information: visit: www.cruiseferryex.com or call +44 (0) 20 7017 4406
The IMarEST Stanley Gray Lectures: The UK’s Future Aircraft Carrier, 19 April 2007
The forthcoming Stanley Gray Lecture is to be given by Rear Admiral R T Love OBE on the UK’s Future Aircraft Carrier – from requirement to design to manufacture to acceptance.
It is to be given on Thursday the 19th April at the City Conference Centre, IMarEST HQ, 80 Coleman St. London, EC2R 5BJ and will commence with tea at 17:00hrs
Those interested in attending please see the PDF flyer.
Navy and Shipbuilding Nowadays - NSN 2007, June 26-29, 2007, St Petersburg, Russia
The Kylov Shipbuilding Research Institute and the 1st Naval Research Institute of RF MOD in St Petersburg, Russia are jointly organising this Conference, the theme of which is “Modern Approaches in Creation of Ships in the First Quarter of the 21st Century.
For more information, view PDF (420 KB) >>
PRADS 2007
The preliminary program of PRADS (Practical Design of Ships and other Floating Structures) 2007 is available from the PRADS web site: http://prads2007.com/docs/Program.pdf
This preliminary program has information on the technical program, social program, registration, hotel, transportation, weather. The program will gradually be finalized in the coming months.
The technical sessions will feature 200 paper presentations in four parallel sessions. These papers were selected from more than 300 abstracts submitted from more than 30 countries. We are encouraged by the unprecedented popularity of PRADS 2007. We are very pleased to note the high quality of many of the proposed abstracts, while at the same time we found it very challenging to develop the technical sessions. We have decided to expand the parallel sessions from 3 to 4 and accommodate 50 more papers. This will make PRADS 2007 larger than the very successful PRADS 2004 when about 150 papers were presented.
The next milestone of PRADS will be April 2nd, 2007, the deadline of paper submission. Soon, the PRADS web site will accept manuscript submission.
OCEANS’07 Aberdeen, Scotland 18 – 21 June 2007
First Time in the UK!
Oceans ’07 is the premier forum for all leading international scientists, engineers, technologists, suppliers and end-users in the maritime, ocean and subsea community to meet.
The theme, “Marine Challenges: Coastline to Deep Sea”, highlights the significant challenges; from the shallowest waters around our coastlines to the deepest subsea trenches, which still face oceanic engineers in their drive to explore, utilise and preserve the world’s oceans.
Over 400 plenary, keynote and technical papers covering a comprehensive and diverse range of topics will highlight the advances and innovations being made in all aspects of oceanic technology and how our knowledge and understanding of this unique and precious environment can be enhanced
Don’t miss out – register today at www.oceans07ieeeaberdeen.org
IMarEST Recruitment: Technical Co-ordinator
We are looking for key player in a small team running and developing the IMarEST’s technical affairs. This includes:
- Contributing and collating advice to develop the Institute’s policies on marine matters
- Working with the membership to enhance the Institute’s reputation through its work with international and national bodies
- Helping to developing the Institute’s Learned Society activities and spread knowledge to its members
- Representing the Institute as required in the UK and abroad.
Click here for more info (PDF, 68KB)
Marine Partner News
At the cutting edge of technology and innovation, Converteam has a deserved reputation for excellence in the field of power conversion. We provide customized solutions to convert electrical energy through optimum application of technology in drives, controls, motors and generators. Our customers operate in three main markets: Marine, Energy and Industry as well as in many specialized areas. Our extensive offering —from design-only to turnkey systems, installation and commissioning— is backed by a full range of services. Our 3,500 employees around the world build close ties to customers, enabling them to offer solutions that meet the most demanding standards of quality and performance, as well the follow-up to match individual needs.
Jee is an independent company that carries out high calibre engineering consultancy and professional training on subsea pipeline systems for the oil and gas industry. Our office is based in the historic Roman town of Tonbridge, 30 miles south-east of London. Trevor Jee established the company in 1988 to supply pipeline engineering services around the world. We have grown during this time by recruiting highly experienced pipeline engineers so that our clients come back to us for our expertise and high standards of service. We maintain a high ratio of chartered engineers to graduates, to ensure that we continue to grow as a centre of excellence. Providing a high quality engineering consultancy service is of paramount importance to us, and we are proud to be into our eleventh year of being certified by Lloyds Register QA to ISO9001 for "Provision of pipeline engineering services to the oil and gas industry".
Jobs
IMarEST Employment Service - Technical Superintendent – Dry Cargo - Glasgow
Our client has a vacancy for Technical Superintendents based Glasgow. Your overall responsibility is for the efficient operations of the ships to which you will be assigned and to work as a member of the Ship Management Team operating to the Company procedures and best ship management practices whilst giving absolute regard to safety of life at sea and protection of the environment at all times. All applicants must have a 1st Class CoC, and 1 years shore side experience and knowledge of bulk carries is essential.
Please forward your CV’s to tim.simms@imarest.org or call
++44 207 382 2620
Please quote reference number: TAS03/06
IMarEST Employment Service - Offshore Pipeline Engineers - South West London
One of the world’s leading independent pipeline and subsea engineering organisation require engineers with one year onwards experience. Candidates will need to be graduate engineers with relevant experience in the design phase of projects and must have experience in front end or detailed engineering of offshore pipelines.
Please forward your CV’s to tim.simms@imarest.org or call
++44 207 382 2620
Please quote reference number: TAS 03/05
IMarEST Employment Service - Fleet Manager - Grimsby
A leading short sea operator and logistics provider for cars and RoRo cargo in Europe are seeking a fleet manager based in Grimsby.Our client have contracts with all the major vehicle manufacturers, and with a fleet of 27 purpose-built vessels, they transport some 2 million cars and ro-ro units annually. They also operate several vehicle terminals in major European ports. Their headquarters is based in Oslo / Grimstad, Norway, with subsidiaries across Europe.
The position will include the following responsibilities and work activities:
- Work in close co-operation with the Senior Technical Manager.
- All aspects of operations and technical maintenance.
- Capable of project managing, ship refits and maintenance budgets.
- Be flexible and able to adapt to a variety of situations.
- The post requires an excellent communicator with ability to build a level of respect with ships staff, colleagues ashore, and both customer and clients alike.
Qualifications:
- Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Motor) with experience as Chief Engineer, preferably Ro/Ro.
- General knowledge of IMO class legislations.
- Knowledge, familiarity and a genuine positive attitude to the use and importance of Technical management systems.
- Knowledge of ISM, ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001 and MARPOL would be advantageous.
- Experience in the use of IT systems.
- Clean driving licence.
They are offering competitive terms in an international, multicultural environment. The working language is English.
Please forward your CV’s to tim.simms@imarest.org or call
++44 207 382 2620
Please quote reference number: TAS 03/04
UK Based Surveyor
Due to increased workload, we are looking for an experienced deck or engineer officer to work with us on a freelance basis carrying out pre-purchase surveys in Britain and Europe.
We would anticipate offering two to three appointments per month – at a rate to be agreed. The successful candidate would be required to hold at minimum a second class certificate of competence. Previous survey experience would be an advantage, and the ability work under pressure and write concise reports in good English are essential. If interested, please send your C.V. to sfanow@yahoo.co.uk
National Gas Shipping Company - Career Opportunities
We fully manage in-house six of our eight ships and, as we prepare for the final two, we have employment opportunities in the Spring and Autumn of 2007 for experienced seagoing officers.
IMarEST – Chief Operating Officer
We are seeking a commercially aware leader who has the ability to engage and work with a complex array of audiences and stakeholders. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Chief Operating Officer will be responsible and accountable for the effective management of the operational functions of the Institute and specifically for the development and delivery of the key outputs of the Strategic Plan.
Interested candidates should contact Benjamin Viney of BDO Stoy Hayward attaching a full cv, and including details of current remuneration.
IMarEST Employment Service – Technical Director – South Coast UK
Our client, a leading cruise operator, is seeking a highly experienced Technical Director to oversee the operation of its cruise fleet. Candidates should possess a Class 1 Motor certificate or hold a degree in naval architecture, with extensive experience in the area of diesel electric propulsion and the operation of pods.
A knowledge of cruise vessel refurbishment is essential as well as strong financial and budgetary skills.
Please forward your CV’s to tim.simms@imarest.org or call
++44 207 382 2620
Please quote reference number: TAS03/01
Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory - Research and Technology Opportunities
With the launch of Oceans 2025 in April 2007, the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (POL) is pleased to announce that there are five exciting open ended research and technology posts available. We seek candidates with a first class track record in research or a proven track record in the field of ocean engineering/technology development.
IMarEST News
Download the latest edition of the IMarEST News by visiting www.imarest.org/inews. Here you can also download all editions backdated to December 1998 completely free!
Branches are the lifeblood of the institute so please inundate the editor of IMarEST News with your news - and encourage your membership to do likewise! Branch reports, people news, outings etc together with photographs (with accompanying caption) are always appreciated. Send your stories direct to kevin.tester@imarest.org
Event Listings
02/04/2007
The Rescue of the Crew of the Russian Submarine AS 28
The Trevithick Building at Cardiff University, which is located on The Parade, West Grove, off Newport Road, Cardiff
02/04/2007
The Marine Biological Association Postgraduate Marine Biology Workshop
University of Liverpool, England
10/04/2007
Fourth International Conference on Bio-Acoustics
Hollywell Park, Loughborough University, UK
16/04/2007
Ship disposal at the end of life
University of Bath, Building 3-East, Lecture Theatre 2-1
19/04/2007
The IMarEST Stanley Gray Lectures - Rear Admiral R T Love OBE
IMarEST HQ, 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ
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Further Info
The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology is the International membership body and learned society for all marine professionals For further information on any of the above visit http://www.imarest.org.
To unsubscribe to this newsletter please click here and enter "UNSUBSCRIBE" as the subject.For information on joining The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology please click here.We would appreciate any opinions or views on how we could improve this newsletter for you. Please send all suggestions to emarine@imarest.org
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