AKA, Niigata Team on Hybrid Marine Propulsion Package

Written by David Tran Tuesday, 31 January 2012 04:08

Statoil Moving Forward on Luva Field

Luva may herald start of deep-water development in Norwegian Sea.   Statoil, together with its Luva field partners, has selected a Spar platform to develop the field.

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Torqeedo Powers Eco-Friendly Water Taxi

Written by David Tran Monday, 30 January 2012 13:38

Aquabus, a new water-taxi service in Ottawa, Ontario, promises elegance and silence on an eco-friendly boat.

For a clean, quiet river cruise, Au feel de l'eau (Go with the Flow) is powered by electric motors from Torqeedo. "We were sold on Torqeedo because it's a light, powerful outboard that's waterproof and easy to remove," said Jean-Marc Hénot, who owns Au feel de l'eau with his wife, Sylvie Lyonnais.  "The Twin Cruise 4.0 R makes it easier to maneuver the boat.  We also like the long running time." Torqeedo's innovative propeller design delivers a cruising speed of 6 knots, with a top speed of 12 knots.  Supplying 16 hp on 48V, the motors are the highest efficiency outboards in their power class with propulsive power equivalent to an 8 hp gas outboard.

In addition to having no environmental impact, Hénot wanted Aquabus to be powered by ultra-lightweight batteries. At only 55 lbs.each, the Torqeedos were perfect. Twin throttle displays make it easy for owners to monitor battery charge status, remaining range, speed over ground and input power.  The motor is designed for connection with a standard remote steering system and comes with a tie bar to connect both motors. The 30' x 10' canopied Aquabus operates between May and October on the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers.  Up to 12 passengers travel to the Museum of Civilization and Casino du Lac-Leamy.

  Lyannaise said the service fits well with Ottawa's clean image.  "It took only a hundred years for someone to come up with this idea," she said, repeating a customer's comment.  "Our passengers really like the lack of noise and smell.  And the engine's small size makes them smile."

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Diesel-Electric Propulsion Offers Distinct Advantages

Written by David Tran Monday, 30 January 2012 13:38

Power Management , Fuel Economy , Redundancy and Less Noise Are Key Features.

For valid reasons, in recent years diesel-electric propulsion has gained remarkable interest over traditional propulsion within commercial shipping and yachting. Propulsion with the best possible fuel economy, lowest possible emissions, more flexible redundancy arrangements, considerable lower noise and vibration levels, diesel-electric propulsion offers significant economical, environmental and technical advantages. By eliminating the need for a traditional , mechanical gearbox , operating performances are improved.

Every single diesel-generator set is connected to its own generator inverter. For maximum reliability and safety , main propellers and the on-board electric network can be powered jointly by two controller inverters or each single inverter. There is no chance of drifting powerless in the event either a diesel-generator , electric propeller motor , or any one of the inverters malfunction. A diesel-electric system also offers flexibility of addition and expansion of auxiliary equipment like bow thrusters or winches without adding more prime movers. Power cables can be routed much more easily through ship’s bulkheads and decks than traditional mechanical or hydraulic based systems.

Diesel-electric propulsion system is inherently more efficient that a mechanical drive system and therefore the vessel owners can use lesser horse power engines which equate to lower fuel bills, lower maintenance costs and lower emissions.  

www.mymarinetracker.com was founded in 2004 by Doug Shupe to provide vessel owners and operators a superior access point for heavy marine equipment brokerage. The typical customer is constrained by their lack of time or limited purchasing staff and therefore turn to this firm for their expertise and many resources. Their website offers a wide selection of ship’s equipment like new, used and rebuilt diesel engines and generators, deck machinery, marine cranes, propellers, anchors and much more.  

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Lloyd's Register Statutory Alert

Written by David Tran Monday, 30 January 2012 13:38

Statutory alert: Low-sulphur fuel oils in Turkish ports and waters; Applicabilty: All owners, operators and ships' staff.

Lloyd’s Register has received information from the Turkish Administration regarding the requirement to use low-sulphur fuel oils in Turkish ports and waters. The procedures, actions and record keeping which are currently used to comply with the Sulphur Directive in EU ports and waters are also to be used when in Turkish ports and waters. This requirement was effective as of January 1, 2012. If any specific clarifications are required then the Turkish authorities should be contacted.  

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