In this issue we have offhore in focus. Also inside: Ulstein X-Bow, Rolls-Royce Marine and noise and vibration
Date: 2009-07-01
Future
Welcome to the first issue of Special Ship Update. This issue focuses on offshore support vessels, but future editions will also deal with other ship types, such as tugs and ro-ro and fishing vessels. I hope you find this magazine interesting – any suggestions and comments are of course welcome.
Norwegian Maritime Cluster Breaks Waves
It’s said that necessity is the mother of invention and Norway, with its challenging weather conditions and harsh climate, has, by necessity, been an innovator on the maritime front since viking times. More specifically, the west coast region of Møre, which has the official designation of Norwegian Centre of Expertise – Maritime, with its 12 design companies, 17 shipowners, 13 shipyards and 161 equipment suppliers employing 21,000 dedicated employees is home to one ofthe most dynamic, innovative maritime clusters in the world.
A Story of Innovation – Ulstein’s X-Bow®
With its distinctive and unusual hull design, the Ulstein X-Bow® makes a lasting impression. When you factor in the added stability and crew comfort it affords, along with up to 15% savings in fuel consumption under certainworking conditions, it’s downright innovative.
Samson Goes Ploughing
Far Samson is a powerful new offshore vessel designed and equipped by Rolls-Royce now being put into service by Farstad Shipping of Norway.
Farstad Shipping
Farstad Shipping is one of the major global players in the upper egment of offshore support vessels. They operate 29 AHTS and 24 PSV, plus one OCV. (We also have four large AH new builds UT731CD for delivery from this June until April 2010)They are also one of the leading companies in the Norwegian Maritime Center of Expertise in Møre.
Polar Class rules
The first edition of the Polar Class (PC) Rules, based on the IACS Unified Requirements for Polar Ships, was published in the January 2008 edition of the Ship Rules. The Polar Class notations cover design requirements for hull structure and machinery systems, and are intended for vessels operating Arctic or sub-Arctic waters during independent operation or with assistance from icebreakers.
Arctic Trends – increasing demands on Arctic seafarers
The Arctic has entered an exciting era where climate, politicaland economic changes are facilitating unprecedented access to the region, fuelling great expectations in the shipping sector. Yet navigating safely in ice-infested waters requires not only ice-strengthened and winterized ships, but also people skilled in operating in this challenging environment. Demands on seafarers are increasing due to the changing profile of Arctic shipping. Four key trends are driving today’s focus on the human element of safe and efficient Arctic operations.
“Quieter offshore vessels are safer ships”, says DNV
The classification societies offer various notations covering noise and vibrations onboard, but Det Norske Veritas seems to make something of a speciality in this area with 450 DNV-classed vessels having the additional comfort class notation, plus an extensive noise and vibration consultancy service on offer.
Underwater noise from vessels – an area of increased concern
A low underwater noise level is an essential design feature for operation of certain ship types. This particularly applies to offshore survey vessels, fishery research vessels, ocean research vessels, seismic vessels, fishing vessels and military vessels. Such vessels are extremely sensitive to underwater noise radiation because a high noise level will directly interfere with their operational ability.