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15th Volume, No. 01 1963 – “50 years tugboatman” - 2013 Dated 05 January 2014

BUYING, SALES, NEW BUILDING, RENAMING AND OTHER TUGS TOWING & OFFSHORE INDUSTRY NEWS

TUGS & TOWING NEWS

SASKIA B RECENTLY DELIVERED

MPP workboat “SASKIA B”, the latest

version of Eurocarrier 2611 by

Neptune Shipyards in the

Netherlands, has recently been

delivered to the Basque based

Owners-operators, Zumaia Offshore,

S.L. Now fully owned by the

Bertelink family, Zumaia Offshore has

served many contractors and their

projects worldwide over the last years

with the “Zumaia” workboats,

including a wide range of services

such as dredging support, port

construction assistance, anchor handling, towing-pushing, barge handling, assisting pipe and cable

lay barges, etc.. This shallow drafted workboat, a revised version of a proven highly - efficient

workboat, is certified by Bureau Veritas, bearing the notation “* HULL • MACH, SPECIAL SERVICE / MULTIPURPOSE SHIP, UNRESTRICTED AREA, AUT-UMS ” class notation. The

vessel is powered by two Cummins QSK38-M diesel main engines each rated 1,400 bhp at 1800 rpm,

driving 1850mm diameter fixed pitch propellers in kort nozzles through Twin Disc gearboxes,

delivering a certified maximum bollard pull of 37,3 tons and approximately 10,8 knots free running

speed. Electrical power is supplied by two Caterpillar C9 generator sets, 250kVA each. Twin steering

is provided by 2x45° angle fishtail rudder system. For close quarter increased manoeuvrability, a 360°

pump-jet bowthruster is fitted in the foreship, with a maximum power of 28kW. The “SASKIA B”,

flying Spanish flag, has already reached Brazil after a long mobilisation ocean voyage, where will

operate under long term contract, assisting dredging and construction operations in one of the most

important port constructions in South America. (Press Release Zumaia Offshore, S.L.)

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SVITZER AUSTRALIA AWARDED TUGBOATS CONTRACT FOR

WHEATSTONE LNG TERMINAL

SVITZER Australia is pleased to

announce it will provide tugboats

and a pilot boat to assist export

shipments from the Chevron-

operated Wheatstone LNG Terminal

under a marine services contract

valued at approximately $650

million. Under the agreement,

Svitzer expects to create more than

30 new Australian jobs, including a

number of Aboriginal trainees.

Svitzer, part of the A.P. Moller –

Maersk Group, will supply four 33

metre-long, 80-tonne bollard-pull tugs to assist export vessels during the operational phase of the

project at Ashburton North, 12 kilometres west of Onslow in Western Australia. Crewed by

Australian mariners, the Azimuth Stern Drive vessels will use diesel electric engines to provide

efficient, safe and environmentally friendly towage and escort capabilities for a period of at least 20

years from 2016. Svitzer, a towage, salvage and emergency response specialist with 500 vessels in 40

countries, will also supply a 17.6m self-righting pilot boat that will be built by Hart Marine on

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. “Similar to our existing LNG activities in Western Australia and

the Northern Territory, our No.1 priority while assisting carriers calling at Ashburton North will be

protecting people, local waters and high-value marine assets,” said Svitzer Australia’s Managing

Director, Mark Malone. “As one of the largest maritime employers in Australia, we will draw on a

wealth of knowledge from within our existing business to ensure locally employed crews are

recruited and trained to operate these high-tech tugs. We are also committed to ongoing training

and development and operate an employment and training program for local indigenous people

interested in obtaining marine qualifications.” Diesel electric

propulsion systems will make the Ashburton tugs between 15

and 20 per cent more fuel efficient than conventional tugs and

be complemented by the following eco-friendly features: • Non-

hydraulic deck equipment to ensure no oil or liquid spillage

(the equipment will be electric) • Surfaces finished in a low-

sheen paint to reduce water reflection • Low-spilling sodium

deck lights to reduce water penetration and disturbance during

night operations • Double-walled fuel tanks to prevent leakage •

Solar panels for water heating • Water recycling plant for

onboard usage. The tugs have also been designed by Svitzer’s

global technical team with a range of safety features for LNG

terminal operations: • Double hulls • LNG alarms, remote

closing fire flaps and pressurised accommodation • Dynamic

escort winch with the capability to release the line under full

towing conditions, minimising slack rope events and shock

loads even in extreme weather • Side pocket ladder systems and

wide opening bulwark doors on both sides to assist in MOB

recovery • Capability for pilot transfer through a specially designed pilot-boarding platform.

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Throughout the life of the contract, Svitzer will provide new opportunities for local industries. “We

will expand existing relationships with local suppliers to ensure further benefits flow from the

project,” said Malone. “Our priorities are two-pronged – looking after the environment and

providing opportunities for Australian industries.” Svitzer will soon enter into a construction

partnership and select a shipyard to build the tugs. (Press Release Svitzer; Photo: Svitzer tug for Ashburton North and Svitzer Australia MD Mark Malone)

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HAVE A VERY PLEASANT AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Some news to inform you. I, Hans

Breeman, will have a large exhibition

from Januari 1st till Februari 28 th of

most of my work. About 20

watercolors and 10 oilpaintings are

shown. You are very welkom in the

ARA hotel Locatie: Veerweg10 -

3336LM - Zwijndrecht. Perhaps if you

are in the Netherlands, this might be

the possibility to see my work in real.

(Source: Hans Breeman) www.hansbreeman.nl

KTK BARAKUDA RETURNED IN W ILLEMSTAD

KTK’s tug KTK Barakuda arrived back under tow in the port of Willemstad (Curacao) with one of

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her thrusters stored on deck, information received is that the tug grounded during operations in

Venezuela which caused 27 connecting bolts to snap off and the thruster to drop. (Source & Photos: Kees Bustraan – http://community.webshots.com/user/cornelis224©)

BOSKALIS WANT TO TAKE OVER FAIRMOUNT

Boskalis is for the first time since the

incorporation of Dockwise in 2012 on

an acquisition. The dredging and

maritime services provider has put his

sights on Fairmount tugs from

Rotterdam. Wrote the Financieel

Dagblad last Tuesday December 24,

2013. According the newspaper

Fairmount is the sister company of

Fairstar. Fairstar was acquired by

marine transport company Dockwise,

before that company was owned by

Boskalis. A spokesman confirmed to

the newspaper that it is talking with

Fairmount, but refused to give further details. "If there is agreement, we will announce that,'' said

the spokesman. Fairmount, which is owned by the French Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, recorded in

2011, a net profit of $ 12 million on revenue of $ 77 million. More recent figures are not available.

According to a source talking Boskalis and Fairmount an acquisition of 60 to 80 million dollars.

(Source: Financieel Dagblad; Photo taken from the Fairmount Sherpa)

TRINA DEPARTED WITH SIX TUGS

On the last day of 2013 the m.v. Trina departed from Rotterdam bound for Messina the first port on

her way to the Arabian Gulf. On board are the six Damen built tug loaded in the Rotterdam

Waalhaven last week. The tugs are the 2008 built Multicat 2611 Yogi (Imo 9479785) with yard

number 1593 from Tug and Workboat Company Herman Sr – Zwijndrecht, the 2013 built Damen

Shipyard - Hardinxveld Multicat 2611 with yard number 571688 (Imo 9584639), the Damen built

Shoalbuster 3209 with yard number 571697 Taupo from the TYM Group. The Damen built

Shoalbuster 2609 with yard number 571680 (Imo 9660293), the Damen built Stantug 2208 with yard

number 509657 SL Kiwi, from Smit Lamnalco and the Damen built Shoalbuster 2609 with yard

number 571689. (Photo’s: F&R van der Hoek-Lekko)

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View the youtube film of the Alphabridge for tugboats on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQi6hFDcHW4&feature=plcp

HISTORIC TUG RAISED BY GLOBAL D IVING & SALVAGE

Built in 1945, the 141-foot

steam powered tugboat was

utilized by the Atchison,

Topeka, and Santa Fe

Railroads. Originally named

the Edward J Engel, it moved

railroad car barges from

Oakland to San Francisco until

1969. After which she passed

through several hands and

eventually her name was

changed to TV ‘Respect’. She

remained a steam powered

vessel till 2007, when she sank

at her moorings in the

Oakland Estuary. In 2013, the

United States Environmental Protection Agency embarked on a program to clean up the Oakland

Estuary. Global Diving & Salvage, Inc. performed a dive survey to assess the situation and took

sediment samples throughout the sunken vessel site. Tests determined that the sediment contained a

high level of bunker oils both surrounding and inside the vessel. By October, the United States Coast

Guard was involved due to the presence of the bunker oil, working with the various agencies to

remove the contamination from the Estuary. The vessel, on bottom since 2007, had become fully

silted in; with all the interior spaces filled with contaminated buildup. An in-depth plan was

developed to capture and treat the deposit. Divers operated suction dredges to remove the

accumulated silt and contaminates. A tank farm was built along the shore to decant the spoils

collected, and treat the water before discharge. Flocculent was added to the water to accelerate the

settling of the silt, which was then trucked away for proper disposal. Complicating the salvage

operation was the orientation of the vessel, listed hard over at 110 degrees starboard, and fully

submerged at low tide. Heavy lift rigging and equipment, staged in Global’s California regional

office in Vallejo, CA was brought to the site and used to dead lift the 705 ton vessel to the surface,

where the vessel was patched and pumped out. The vessel was refloated, and delivered to

CalRecycle who will take custody of the vessel. “This project highlights Global Diving’s capacity to

combine our marine salvage expertise along with our environmental capabilities to resolve a

complex problem,” states David DeVilbiss, Vice President of Marine Casualty & Emergency

Response. (Source: MarineLink)

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BARGE SOLUTIONS LAUNCHED NEW WEBSITE

We are pleased to announce the release of our new website, www.bargesolutions.com, we hope that

you will enjoy browsing our new site. If you have any questions or would like more information

about Barge Solutions , please do not hesitate to contact us. Marco Wehrmann

MARKEN & MALLAIG LEAVING IJMOND

Both Svitzer tugs, the Svitzer

Marken and Svitzer Mallaig leaving

from Amsterdam via the Zuidersluis

– Ijmuiden to sea. After a short stop

in the IJmuiden Vissershaven the

two leaving IJmuiden via the

Zuiderdoorsteek bound for

Bremenhaven. (Source & Photo: Jan Plug)

RETIRED OR FOR SALE?

In the Rotterdam Waalhaven was

seen the two sister workhorses from

Heerema Marine Contractors the tugs

Retriever (Imo 8106991) and Husky

(Imo 7708974). The Dutch flag with

call sign PBQN tug Retriever is built

in 1982. The Dutch flag with call sign

PBQM tug Husky is built in 1978.

Both tugs are built by Niestern Sander

Delfzijl Delfzijl, Netherlands has a

length of 61 mtrs a beam of 15 mtrs

and a draft of 6.40 mtrs. The grt is

1,749 tons and dwt 1,754 tons and are

classed Lloyds register of Shipping. (Photo: Arie Boer)

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THE FIRST TUGS WITH PURE GAS PROPULSION

The first tug to use LNG

as its sole fuel source is

undergoing sea trials

prior to its delivery to

Norwegian operator

Buksér og Berging from

the Sanmar shipyard in

Turkey. This vessel,

named Borgøy, is the

first of two tugs ordered

by Buksér for operation

as an escort tug at the Kårstø gas terminal, under contract to Statoil. The second tug, Bokn, is

scheduled for delivery in 2014. The choice of LNG as fuel for gas terminal tugs seems logical, but

there were several obstacles to be overcome before the project could be finalised. Statoil had asked

for high environmental credentials when the contract to provide escort tugs services was put out to

tender, and Buksér had proposed gas fuel in its offer, based on the virtual absence of sulphur, NOx,

visible smoke and particulate emissions and the favourable greenhouse gas (GHG) exhaust gas

figures. But to turn the proposal into reality, the company had to make sense of the economics and

design challenges. Economically, Buksér says that bunkering costs for LNG and MGO are almost

equal at present, and long-term forecasts suggest that LNG will become cheaper in comparison.

Counting against this is the cost factor, with a gas-fuelled tug running at a premium of some 40% to

50% more than a conventional vessel. The gas engines are more expensive, but most of the extra cost

comes from the fuel tanks and fuel system. There is an increased explosion risk, which has to be

considered in the ship design. The liquid gaseous fuel has to be stored under refrigeration (-163° C)

and pressure, and needs heating and processing before it can be burned in the engine. And although

there are plenty of gas-fuelled engines in service, at sea as well as on land, the demands of a tug

operating profile set new challenges. The tugs were designed by Buksér og Berging’s in-house team,

with the assistance of Norwegian company Marine Design and with further input from Sanmar, the

chosen builder. At 35m long, they are of ASD type, with 70t bollard pull and with escort capabilities

of 100t steering force at 10 knots. The design meets the requirements of DNV’s Gas Fuelled Ships

rules and the International Code of Safety for gas fuelled ships, involving such requirements as

automatic shutdown of gas supply and electrical equipment in case a leak is detected, 30 changes of

air per hour in the machinery spaces, ventilated double sheathed piping and excess flow shutdown.

The designers turned to Rolls-Royce for the propulsion and gas systems. Each tug has two Bergen

C26:33L6PG engines, driving the latest design 3,000mm diameter US35 azimuthing thrusters. The

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Rolls-Royce scope of supply included the C-type double-walled Aga Cryro 80m³ gas tank and the

gas supply systems. Rolls-Royce believes that, as well as the obvious emission and fuel cost benefits,

the use of LNG will mean lower maintenance costs, particularly on the fuel system where spark

plugs are used instead of high pressure diesel oil pumps, injectors and filters; superior cleanliness;

reduced lube oil consumption, with no purifier required; and, in Norway in particular, tax benefits

arising from the much-reduced emissions. The question arises of course as to the choice between a

dual-fuel propulsion plant and pure LNG. Rolls-Royce believes that the spark-ignited lean burn pure

gas option is well-suited, as the all-important (for tugs) transient response is equivalent to diesel for

the single-fuel engine, and it can meet IMO Tier II, Tier III, EPA and all ECA emissions limits, plus

make a significant impact on the ship’s EEDI. The single-fuel solution is claimed by Rolls-Royce to

be simpler, less prone to methane slip (and thus higher GHG emissions) and to be able to operate on

gas of 70 methane number without derating, whereas dual fuel engines need at least 80 methane

number. As far as methane emissions are concerned, Rolls-Royce claims advantages for its lean-burn

combustion over dual fuel engines, particularly at lower load levels. According to fibures produced

by Norwegian research institude Marintek, the Bergen C26:33L emits 5g/kWh of methane at 25%

load, dropping gradually to just under 4g/kWh at 100%, whereas the best dual fuel engine is over

40g/kWh at 25% load, fropping to around 8g/kWh at 50% then reducing to around 6g/kWh at full

load. Methane is said to be 21 to 25 times more aggressive as a greenhouse gas than CO2. Safety

remains a concern with all gas engine installations, and measures implemented on the two tugs

include double-walled gas supply pipes between the tank and combustion chamber, with the outer

pipe ventilated 30 times per hour and protected by gas detectors, with a further external gas

detection system above the engine in accordance with class requirements. In the event of a leakage

from any inner pipe, the gas is collected and ventilated to the mast. Depending on the size of the

leak, the engine is either shut down or an alarm sent to the operator. ‘Block and bleed’ valves are

fitted in the fuel system so that in the event of an unexpected engine stop the entire gas supply is

cut. The gas detectors and shut-off valves are all linked through the alarm and control system,

which includes crossover valves to allow both engines to keep running in the event of a problem

with the tank connection space on one side. The relative simplicity of the fuel system is another

benefit cited by Rolls-Royce for its lean-burn single-fuel engine over the dual fuel solution, while

the direct mechanical governing system for the gas offers robustness and simplicity. The design is

claimed to be well proven, with Bergen gas engines of similar design having operated for a number

of years in different environments, the first marine gas engine having achieved well over 45,000

operating hours. The gas system is based on a vertically-mounted C-type double-layer tank – the

double skin provides a degree of redundancy. Because the

pressure in the tank ensures the gas feed to the engines, no

additional pumps are needed. The gas is fed to the engines via

tank connection spaces – which allow LNG to vaporise to

form gaseous fuel, and gas regulatory units, which heat the

gas to the correct temperature (+35° C) for the engines and

regulate the gas pressure. The top support of the tank is

designed to slide, accommodating thermal expansion. The gas

tank provides autonomy of 4-5 days operation at 10 knots.

Obviously the delivery voyage will pose a challenge, but road

LNG tankers will be made available at ports en route between

Turkey and Norway. We understand that road tankers will

be employed for bunkering at the Kårstø terminal until the

necessary shoreside infrastructure is built. The tugs feature

Rolls-Royce’s new design of azimuthing thruster, designed

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for a higher level of efficiency. The US35CP is physically smaller for the equivalent power handling

capacity in comparison with its predecessors, with a shorter stem length and a compact sensor and

pitch box design. The lower gear housing is more streamlined, and the lower leg is redesigned to

produce lower wake, while the units feature energised oil circulation for higher efficiency. The two

tugs are each equipped with two units, featuring direct mechanical drive to ducted CP propellers of

3,000mm diameter. Power handling capability is 1,705kW at 1,000rpm each, which gives each

thruster a 65ton BP capability. Thruster steering is controlled by the company’s Aquapilot system.

For additional capabilities, the tugs feature a Heila deck crane, FiFi and oil recovery equipment,

while a Schottel 333kW bow thruster provides extra manoeuvrability. The onboard accommodation

comprises two single and two twin cabins, mess room and galley, all sound proofed to 65dB noise

levels at 85% engine load. (Source: Motor Ship)

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AFON CADNANT AND AK BURKUT

A nice start in the new year 2014 is the

arrival of the tugs Afon Cadnant (Imo

9411915) and Ak Burkut (Imo 9420875) in

Rotterdam. The 2008 built Kazakhstan flag

Afon Cadnant is built by Sepers

Metaaldraaierij - Heerewaarden,

Netherlands. The tug is owned by Holyhead

Towing Holyhead, U.K. and managed by

Caspiisky Buksir Aktau, Kazakhstan. She has

a grt of 477 tons and a dwt of 315 tons. The

also in 2008 built Kazakhstan flag Ak Burkut

is built by Hepworth Shipyard Kingston Upon Hull, U.K. as the Afon Cymran. This tug is owned

and managed by Caspiisky Buksir Aktau, Kazakhstan. She has a grt of 477 tons and a dwt of 320

tons. And is classed Lloyd Register of Shipping. Both vessels are underway to the Damen Yard –

Hardinxveld possible for her five years special survey.(Photo: R&F van der Hoek-Lekko)

ACCIDENTS – SALVAGE NEWS

ENGINE BREAKDOWN OFF SKAGEN

On Dec 23 the "Bremen Hunter" suffered an engine breakdown in the Skagerrak. The tug "Ems" was

dispatched from Esbjerg to take the vessel in tow. Both ships are owned by the Unterweserreederei

GmbH (URAG) in Bremen. The "Bremen Hunter" was anchoring east of Skagen. In the morning of

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Dec 25 the "Ems" started pulling the

casualty to Kiel where it was

docked at the Voith Quay in the

North Port in the morning of Dec

26. Here it was to be surveyed and

the further proceedings were to be

decided. (Source: Vesseltracker; Photo: FB)

ANOTHER BARGE COLLISION OCCURS IN TEXAS

The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a

collision between two barges early Monday

23 December morning in the vicinity of

Siever’s Cove on Bolivar Peninsula, in the

Intracoastal Waterway. At approximately

12:50 a.m., the captain of the tug pushing

the TTI-150 contacted watchstanders

at Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Texas

City to report the collision between the

barge CBC 7026 and the barge TTI-150.

A 25-foot Response Boat —

Small from Station Galveston was sent with

a team of incident responders, marine

inspectors, and marine casualty

investigators, to conduct a preliminary investigation and mitigate any possible further risk to the

environment or the mariners aboard the vessels. Both barges were damaged, but are currently

secured and in a stable condition. No injuries or pollution have been reported or observed. The CBC 7026 had approximately 945,000 gallons of crude oil and was being pushed by the tug Lake Charles.

The barge TTI-150, loaded with approximately 1,500 tons of calcium chloride, was being pushed by

the tug Alex D. The cause of the incident is under investigation. (Source: Marex)

THREE ASIAN WORKERS DEAD AS SAUDI OFFSHORE PLATFORM SINKS

Saudi coastguards have found the bodies of three Asian workers at sea after they went missing when

an oil company’s offshore platform sank, officials said Saturday. “They were all found. We found

two of them late yesterday and another one this morning,” Eastern Province Coastguard spokesman

Colonel Khaled al-Arqubi told AFP. Aramco confirmed in a statement that the bodies of three

missing crew members -- two Indians and a Bangladeshi -- had been found. The platform belonging

to Saudi oil giant Aramco sunk Friday, December 28, 2013 as it was being used to carry out

maintenance work at an oil well in Safaniya, the world’s largest offshore oilfield about 265

kilometers (165 miles) north of Dhahran. Dhahran is the headquarters for Aramco, the world’s

largest oil company in terms of production and reserves. In a statement emailed to AFP on Friday,

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Aramco had said the remaining 24

crew were saved but that some had

suffered “limited injuries.” On

Saturday, Aramco said it had

“promptly dealt with the incident

seeking support from the company’s

helicopters, boats, special diving teams,

and medical evacuation teams.” The

company said its teams had reacted to

the sinking “effectively, limiting its

effect on workers aboard the platform.”

A thorough investigation had been launched into the accident, the Saudi company said, adding its

operations had not been affected. Discovered in 1951, the Safaniya field is 50 kilometers by 15

kilometers and has a production capability of more than 1.2 million barrels per day. (Source: Al Arabiya News; File photo Reuters)

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TANKER HARD AGROUND

On Dec 23, 2013, the "Silver" ran

aground near the the port of Tan

Tan in southern Morocco with a

cargo of 5000 tons IFO 380 oil on

board which was destined from

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where the

ship had sailed on Dec 20, for a

thermal station 300 km south of

Agadir. Bad weather had

prevented the ship from entering

the port, so it was anchored

nearby. But due to the strong

swell the anchor dragged and the

ship was swept onto the shore.

Spanish aid was requested to

refloat the vessel. The ship was hard aground near the harbor entrance of Tan Tan after hitting

rocks, but no major leaks have so far been reported. All attempts to free the vessel have so far failed

raising fear of an oil spill. Two vessels were expected from the Canary Islands in an attempt to pull

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the ship out to sea, an 11,500-hp-tug was expected on Dec 27 coming from La Luz in Las Palma, as

well as experts of Smit Salvage from the Netherlands and assisted by a helicopter of the police. On

Dec 26 a meeting was held in Tan Tan to discuss salvage methods and to avoid an ecological disaster

including the Moroccan owner Marcab Sarl, insurers and the salvors. (Source: Vesseltracker; Photo: Le360Live)

OFFSHORE VESSEL BROKE DOWN

Taranaki's environmental watchdog was keeping an eye on the "Skandi Emerald" at Port Taranaki

after being alerted to diesel fumes pouring from the vessel. A complaint was received on Dec 24,

2013, in the morning about the "Skandi Emerald", which had broken down because of a mechanical

issue with its engine. The Port Taranaki harbour master John Ireland was not sure how long the ship

would remain in port while repairs were carried out on its engine. The situation was under control

and the fumes did not present a health and safety risk for port staff. (Source: Vesseltracker)

CARGO SHIP IN DISTRESS OFF NEWFOUNDLAND COAST

Container ship MSC Monterey issued a

distress call yesterday, 30 December

2013, while sailing off the coast of

Newfoundland, about 60 kilometers

south of Portugal Cove South saying

that the crew had discovered a crack in

the hull, Joint Rescue Coordination

Centre (JRCC) Halifax reported. The

ship deployed from Antwerp, Belgium

and was headed to Newark, New

Jersey. Search and Rescue team from

Canada has evacuated four non-essential personnel from the ship by helicopters. The other twenty

crewmembers remain onboard the 902-foot, Liberian-flagged containership working to save the

ship. Reportedly, no one was injured. Today 31 December 2013, Transport Canada has taken over

the responsibility for the ship currently anchored south of Newfoundland, near Trepassey Harbour

with a Canadian Coast Guard vessel standing by, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre reports.

(Source: World Maritime News; Photo: JRCC Halifax)

TANKER COLLIDES WITH ON-TRAILS CAR CARRIER

DECEMBER 30, 2013 — A

chemical tanker that collided

with a newbuild car carrier

and caught fire could break

in two, Korea's Arirang

News today quoted officials

as saying. The officials said

that the tanker had been left

with a large hole in its side.

The car carrier, the 55,700 gt

Gravity Highway is under

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construction at Hyundai Mipo for Israel's Ray Shipping. It was on shipbuilder's sea trials some 9

miles off Busan when the collision took place at 2.15 local time, according to media reports. The

chemical tanker, the Maritime Maisie, was carrying 29,337 tons of flammable chemicals and

Yonhap News Agency reports that 4,000 tons of paraxylene and acrylonitrile were burned. There

were a large number of people on board the car carrier for the sea trial, however, all 91 people from

both vessels were rescued in an effort involving 16 rescue boats, Navy ships and helicopters. Some

tanker crew members suffered light burns and abrasions. This morning, the car carrier was

reportedly under tow to Busan. (Source: marineLog; Photo Yonhap)

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MRA RELOCATES ITS OFFICE FROM FLORIDA TO HOUSTON

Marine Response Alliance

(MRA), an association of the

top U.S. emergency responders

providing OPA 90 Salvage

Marine Firefighting (SMFF),

has relocated from Pompano,

Fla., to Houston to be situated

with international salvage

partner TITAN Salvage.

Conveniently located near

George Bush International

airport, the new office boasts a

102,500 square-foot

maintenance and warehousing

facility with 4.61 acres of

outside storage. Built to suit,

the facility includes a state-of-

the-art Emergency Response

Center manned 24/7, the only

one of its kind in the United States. This facility will act as MRA’s incident command center as

needed during a casualty and be utilized for clients’ pro-active needs such as drills, exercises and

training. Although the office has left Florida, the MRA will keep strategically placed assets and

personnel throughout Florida and will continue to have a strong presence in the state through MRA

partners Crowley Maritime Corp. and McAllister Towing & Transportation. (Source: MRA)

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NORWEGIAN DRILLING RIG WENT TO THE BOTTOM

The Norwegian drilling rig Deepsea Aberdeen, which is being built at DSME shipyard in South

Korea, went to the bottom of outfitting quay on Sunday 29 December 2013. The vital parts of the $

3.5 billion expensive rig is still above water. The semi-submersible drilling rig rests on the bottom of

the harbor, but as the water depth at the place is only 21 meters, the damage to the drilling rig

limited. It is not yet known what the cause of the accident, but is certain that suddenly large

amounts of water poured into the one of the rig's pontoons. The rig is owned by the Norwegian

Odfjell Drilling from autumn 2014, rented it out to BP on a seven-year contract. (Source: NRK)

LÉ ROISIN HELPS MERCHANT VESSEL IN DIFFICULTY OFF IRELAND

The Naval Vessel LÉ Roisin has taken up

station at the scene 30

nautical miles off the

Old Head of Kinsale

where the Merchant

Vessel Abuk Lion is in

difficulty. It is not

thought the vessel is any

immediate danger. LE Roisin was sent to the

area following a request

from the Coast Guard

and is standing by to

assist and escort the vessel in difficulty and accompanying tug. Conditions in the area have been

described as challenging. As Irish Defence Forces reported, that the tug has reached the drifted

vessel and the vessel is currently under tow by the Celtic Isle off Kinsale, LÉ Roisin is remaining on

scene to assist as necessary. (Source: Military Ireland)

OFFSHORE NEWS

LATEST DOFD NAVY CONTRACTS

The latest US Department of Defense, Navy, contracts include: to Defense Support Services LLC for

'COLDS' cargo training, and to Hornbeck Offshore Services for the time charter of an offshore

supply vessel for submarine rescue diving support services. Details as follows:

15TH VOLUME, NO. 01 DATED 05 JANUARY 2014

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'COLDS' training Defense

Support Services LLC,

Mount Laurel, N.J., is being

awarded a $24,903,892

indefinite-delivery

requirements contract for

instructional support

services to conduct basic and

advanced courses on the

Navy's Cargo Offload and

Discharge System (COLDS).

The contract includes the

the operation and

maintenance of Navy

Lighterage and Improved

Navy Lighterage System

powered and non-powered

craft, other COLDS subsystems, and continued Contractor Instruction, Maintenance, Operations

and Training Support, which yields qualified COLDS graduates. Offshore Supply Vessel Charter Hornbeck Offshore Services, LLC, Covington, La., is being awarded an $8,080,209 modification

under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00033-11-C-2000) to exercise a one-year

option for the time charter of one offshore supply vessel, HOS Dominator. The ship's primary

mission will be to provide submarine rescue diving and recompression system support service, in

support of Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Work will be performed at sea on the

U.S. East Coast, U.S. West Coast, Hawaii and Alaska, and is expected to be completed by December

2014. (Source: MarineLink; Photo: credit MSC)

Advertisement

EASTERN SHIPBUILDING LAUNCHES NEW PSV FOR BRAVANTE GROUP

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has launched another state-of-the-art vessel for Boldini S.A.,

Bravante Group of Brazil, the M/V Bravante VII. The christening and launching ceremony was held

on December 20, 2013 at Eastern’s Nelson Street Facility with hundreds of employees and guests.

Cristiana Marsillac, Bravante’s Offshore Director, had the honor of christening the vessel. The

Bravante VII is the third of five DPS-2, AC Diesel-Electric powered PSV’s. The first vessel the

15TH VOLUME, NO. 01 DATED 05 JANUARY 2014

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Bravante V was delivered in

November 2013 and the Bravante VI

launched in August of 2013 with final

delivery set for January 2014. STX

Canada Marine provided the STX

SV290 design which is the basis for

the very successful and proven

Eastern Shipbuilding “Tiger Shark

Class” series. Group is currently

under contract constructing a total of

sixteen vessels of similar size and

complexity for customers in the

United States and in Brazil. (Source: Eastern Shipbuilding)

MAERSK RECORDER VISIT IJMOND

The Maersk Recorder (Imo

9207053) brought a visit to

ijmuiden and berthed in the

IJmondhaven on the last day of

2013. She enters after the Toisa

Invincible has departed. The

Danish flag with call sign OZXK2

maersk Recorder has a length of

110 mtrs a beam of 20 mtrs and a

draft of 6.50 mtrs. (Photo; Jan Plug)

VERIPOS TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR TWO AHTS VESSELS IN MEXICO

Veripos has been awarded a three

year contract by Marinsa de Mexico

SA de CV of Cd Del Carmen, for

provision of services onboard two

anchor-handling tug supply (AHTS)

vessels, Amethyst and Turquoise.

Operating in the Bay of Campeche

in Mexico, both vessels are being

provided with VERIPOS Standard2

dual beam service which features

both GPS and Glonass capabilities

while significantly increasing

observational redundancy to ensure

more robust positioning and

accuracies of better than 1m.

15TH VOLUME, NO. 01 DATED 05 JANUARY 2014

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Corrections, which are encoded in standard RTCM format, can be used directly with compatible

GNSS equipment or external processing software. Commenting on the latest agreement with one of

Mexico’s leading independent maritime organisations, Steve Williams, General Manager of Veripos’

Americas region, said it marked a further stage in the company’s growing involvement in regional

offshore activities extending from those in Canada and the US to others in Central and South

America. (Source: Veripos)

Advertisement

PETROBRAS CHARTERS PSV S IEM ATLAS

Siem Offshore and Petrobras

have entered into a charter

agreement for the Platform

Supply Vessel (“PSV”) “Siem

Atlas”. The charter period has

commenced and is for a firm

period of two years. Petrobras

has an option to extend the

charter for two additional

years, upon terms to be

mutually agreed. The gross

contract value for the firm

period is approximately USD

26 million. (Source: Siem Offshore)

TOISA ENVOY SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES FIFI II TRAILS IN

S INGAPORE

On December 16th 2013 the new build VS4616 Toisa Envoy successfully completed DNV sea trials

following an extensive modification and installation of fire monitors at the Keppel Gul shipyard in

Singapore. Toisa Envoy, IMO 9427055, was built by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Co Ltd,

Wuchang, China along with two identical sister ships Toisa Explorer & Toisa Elan. Powered by four

Wartsila in-line W9L32 9- cylinder diesel engines driving two gearboxes she has a maximum bollard

pull of 219 tonnes and is able to work anchors in water depths of up to 1,800 metres. The fire

monitors, model type 3600 both fitted with spray deflectors and the fire pumps are able to

15TH VOLUME, NO. 01 DATED 05 JANUARY 2014

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independently pump 3,600 cubic

metres of water per hour to a

distance of 180 metres at a height

of 110 metres which complies to

the DNV FiFi II regulations. Both

the fire monitors and pumps were

supplied by Fire Fighting Systems

(FFS) A/S Norway. Following the

successful trials, the Toisa Envoy

is now heading to the proposed

spot market in the North Sea to

join her sister ship Toisa Elan

(IMO 9420743) and is expected to reach Port Suez for a crew change around the 8th January 2014.

The sister ship Toisa Explorer, IMO 9427067 arrived at the West Jurong anchorage in Singapore

following her maiden voyage from the Wuchang Shipyard in China during the late evening on the

15th December and proceeded early morning of the 16th to Keppel Gul Shipyard where she will

also undergo the same modernisation and installation of fire fighting monitors and pumps where

works are to be expected to be completed by the end of January 2014. (Source & Photo: Dan Earl ©)

REM OFFSHORE EXTENDS CONTRACT FOR ITS PSV REM MERMAID

Rem Offshore ASA has extended the contract for

the PSV vessel “Rem Mermaid” with Peterson

Den Helder BV for two years. The firm contract

period is now until 1th of July 2016. In addition

there are until 2 years options. The extention is

made at market terms. (Source: Rem Offshore)

STEEL-HULLED CREW BOATS FOR BRUNEI

Australia-based Strategic Marine has built a strong reputation for high performance crew boats.

Primarily built at their Singapore shipyard, the aluminum crewboats are available in a variety of

sizes and power configurations. In recent years, Strategic has delivered a number of their popular

40-meter aluminum crewboats. Currently they are building a set of ten of their 42-meter boats with

steel hulls and aluminum superstructures for Burnei’s PTAS Marine. Based on the 40-meter

aluminum crewboat model they have been designed by Incat Crowther in conjunction with

Strategic Marine. The first two hulls and superstructures were fabricated at Strategic’s Vietnam

shipyard. They were barged to the Singapore yard for completion and fitting out prior to delivery.

The balance of eight vessels are being built to completion at Strategic’s Vietnam yard for delivery

between January and June 2014. Each boat will have three IMO Tier II compliant propulsion

engines. There will be a Cummins KTA50-M2 mounted in the center and delivering 1800 HP at

1900 RPM, on either side of this will be a pair of KTA38-M2 engines delivering 1350 HP at 1900

15TH VOLUME, NO. 01 DATED 05 JANUARY 2014

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RPM. The three engines will

deliver a total of 4500 HP to three

fixed-pitch propellers through

Twin Disc gears to drive the vessels

at 20 knots at 85% MCR at 40

DWT. Accommodations will be

provided for 12 crewmembers, 30

rig workers and, in the event of

emergency, 100 survivors. The 100

cubic meters of clear deck space,

with a 3.5 ton per sq.m., will take

up to ten tons of cargo. Classified

by Lloyd’s Registry, the crewboats

will be fitted with two Cummins 6BT5.9-powered 80 Kw generators. An additional 425 HP

Cummins QSJ11-D(M) engine will power each boat’s two 160 HP bow thruster. The boats will also

be fitted with 1200 cu.m per hour fire pumps with monitors. The more robust steel hulls will add to

the vessels’ weight but will lend additional strength and durability. With Strategic Hull Numbers

from 701 to 710, the crewboats will be named as follows. Vessel Name H701: PTAS MV One; Vessel

Name H702: PTAS MV Eagle; Vessel Name H703: PTAS MV Tiger; Vessel Name H704: PTAS MV

Marine; Vessel Name H705: PTAS MV Water; Vessel Name H706: PTAS MV Ocean; Vessel Name

H707: PTAS MV Rose; Vessel Name H708: PTAS MV Blue Sea; Vessel Name H709: PTAS MV Green

Earth; Vessel Name: H710: PTAS MV Tide. (Source & Photo: Alan Haig-Brown)

Advertisement

SWIRE PACIFIC ‘D’ CLASS SPOTTED IN S INGAPORE

On the morning of the 16th December

the Pacific Dolphin was spotted at the

West Jurong Anchorage off Singapore.

She is a Havyard 844XL design built by

Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd

(ST Marine) shipyard in Singapore

with a bollard pull range of 210 - 230t.

This vessel is one of eight being built

for Swire Pacific Offshore. During the

early afternoon of the 17th December

the Pacific Duchess was towed out

from the ST Marine shipyard to allow

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the Pacific Dove to leave the berth and swing in the river before both vessels were towed back to

the shipyard. (Source & Photo: Dan Earl ©)

WINDFARM NEWS

THREE FINTRY CREW TRANSFER VESSELS TAKEN OVER BY OPUS

MARINE

Three formerly bareboat-chartered crew transfer vessel "Solway", "Deveron" and "Carboclyde" were

taken over from Fintry Marine Ltd. (Isle of Man). For OPUS’ customers nothing changes: OPUS

remains fully in charge as commercial and technical ship manager. The 24-meter CTV "Carboclyde"

was built in Sweden in 2010 out of carbon and has been employed since by wind farm operators in

the North and Baltic Sea. The slightly smaller GRP-built crew transfer vessels "Solway" and

"Deveron" (2005 and 2007) are primarily operated on a 12 hours service regime. All three ships are

registered in the German ship register of Hamburg and fly the flag of Great Britain. In addition, the

OPUS MARINE GmbH manages the seagoing Guard and Survey Vessel "DUO", which is currently

employed in the North Sea for seabed surveying works. OPUS MARINE's managing director

Bernhard Messer: "As the exclusive agent of our British partner turbine transfers we provide

chartering service for a fleet of 45 crew transfer vessels in German waters since many years. Now

with the completed acquisition of three crew transfer vessels we can provide even better availability

of modern tonnage to our customers, thereby improving the fleet mix with turbine transfers and the

other partners from the chartering network of windfarmbase. In this connection we also want to

take the opportunity to inform you that OPUS MARINE GmbH is proud to announce the launch of

our new and improved website, which can be accessed at www.opusmarine.com. The website has

been completely redesigned and contains up-to-date information on all the different scope of

operations of the entire OPUS Group. Do you have any comments or suggestions for the website? If

so, please contact c.gevers@opusmarine.com (Source: Opus Marine)

YARD NEWS

RHI SECURES ORDER FOR TWO PSV ’S

Jiangsu Rainbow Heavy Industries (RHI) from China has entered into a contract for the construction

of two platform supply vessels (PSVs) with a Norwegian provider of offshore support vessels,

15TH VOLUME, NO. 01 DATED 05 JANUARY 2014

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according to SinoShip News. Golden

Energy Offshore Group will pay each

vessel $28.5m. The two PSVs of

Ulstein’s PX 121 design are scheduled

for delivery in November 2015 and

February 2016. This type of PSV

incorporates a revolutionary X-

BOW® hull line design which allows

the vessel higher transit speed in head

and following sea, giving reduced

power consumption and higher fuel

efficiency in waves and still water.

(Source: World Maritime News)

Advertisement

S IEM OFFSHORE ORDERS FOUR DUAL FUELLED PSVS FROM POLAND

Siem Offshore has entered into

shipbuilding-contracts with

Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A.

in Poland for four (4) dual

fuelled Platform Supply Vessels

(“PSVs”). The vessels shall be of

VS 4411 DF design. Siem

Offshore has currently two

vessels of similar design under

construction for delivery in

2014 and 2015, and these

vessels are contracted long-term

with TOTAL E&P NORGE AS

and AS Norske Shell respectively. The vessels shall have dual fuel systems for the use of either LNG

or Marine Diesel Oil. This new series of PSVs for Siem Offshore represents the latest technology

within dual fuelled systems and hull design, to the benefit of lower fuel consumption, lower fuel

cost, lower emissions and a better environment. The vessels shall be built to meet the highest

requirements for operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and are also suited for operations

in other geographical areas. The vessels shall have an overall length of 89 meters, a beam of 19

meters, a deck area of 970 m2 and with a capacity of 5,500 dwt. The vessels are equipped with high

power supply and offer excellent station keeping and the highest redundancy capacity. In addition

15TH VOLUME, NO. 01 DATED 05 JANUARY 2014

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to ordinary class notations for PSVs, the vessels shall be built with equipment and class notations for

Fire Fighting (Fi-Fi II), Oil Spill Recovery in Emergency Situations (Oilrec) and according to NOFO

guidelines, Rescue and Standby Services to Offshore Installations (Standby Vessel) for up to 300

persons, and Safe Hose Operation System (SHOS). The vessels shall be built in accordance with

Clean Design and Comfort Class criteria and shall be prepared for a second fast rescue craft (FRC).

The vessels have scheduled deliveries from third quarter 2015 to second quarter 2016. (Source: Siem Offshore)

VARD TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT DIVING SUPPORT VESSEL FOR

HARKAND

Vard Holdings Limited

(“VARD”), one of the major

global designers and

shipbuilders of offshore and

specialized vessels,

announced that it has

secured a contract with a

new customer, Harkand

Group (Harkand), for the

design and construction of

one Diving Support and

Construction Vessel. The

value of the contract exceeds

NOK 1 billion (approx. USD

162.8 million). The vessel is

of VARD 3 03 design, specially designed and equipped for diving and subsea operation duties with a

high focus on good sea-keeping abilities, excellent station keeping performances and low fuel

consumption. The vessel will be fitted with a 250 ton offshore crane, a ROV hangar, and a Twin Bell

18 Man Saturation Diving System, supporting split level diving operations to a maximum diving

depth of 300 meters. The vessel is scheduled for delivery from Vard Søviknes in Norway in 2Q 2016.

The hull of the vessel will be delivered from Vard Tulcea in Romania. The contract comprises an

option to place an order for a second similar vessel. Headquartered in London, Harkand is a growing

global subsea Inspection, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) group with operations in four regions

across the globe; Africa/Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. Harkand’s expertise

is in subsea inspection, repair and maintenance as well as light construction, construction support

and survey services. Formed in 2013 through the merger of Iremis, Integrated Subsea Services (ISS),

Andrews Survey and Veolia Marine Services, following investment by Oaktree Capital

Management, the group today has sales in excess of USD 400 million and aims to grow to USD 1

billion by 2017. (Source: VARD)

NAM CHEONG SETS NEW RECORD WITH LATEST CONTRACT

Nam Cheong Limited today announced that the company has set a new record high in vessel sales

with its latest contract wins of four vessels. The Group sold three Anchor Handling Towing Supply

Vessels to its jointly controlled entity, PT Bahtera Niaga Indonesia (“BNI”) and one Maintenance /

Work Vessel to a subsidiary of a repeat customer, Icon Offshore Berhad for approximately US$66.0

million. Leong Seng Keat , Nam Cheong’s Chief Executive Officer said, “We are pleased that with

15TH VOLUME, NO. 01 DATED 05 JANUARY 2014

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these latest wins, our vessel sales is now at a record high of 24, surpassing last year’s high of 21 vessels.” “Our cumulative order book now stands at a healthy level of RM1.5 billion. With global E&P spending expected to see another record-setting year in 2014, rising about 6% to hit US$723 billion, led by robust activities in the Middle East, Latin America and Russia3 , we are optimistic of an exciting 2014 ahead.” All four vessels are being

constructed as part of the Group’s

build-to-stock series in its subcontracted yards in China. They are scheduled for delivery in 2014

and are expected to contribute positively to the Group’s earnings for the financial years ending 31

December 2013 and 31 December 2014. (Source: Nam Cheong)

Advertisement

SECOND FPV BUILT BY COCHIN SHIPYARD COMMISSIONED

The second Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS ‘Abheek’, built by Cochin Shipyard for the Indian Coast Guard,

has been commissioned. The contract for the construction of the 20 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) for the

Indian Coast Guard was signed on the 20th October 2010. These vessels can achieve a speed of 33

knots and would be very effective in anti smuggling, anti-piracy operations and also in fisheries

protection and monitoring. The ships can also provide communication link and escort convoys

during hostilities and war times. Due to the high speed of operation the vessel is very weight

sensitive. In order to reduce the ship weight, the yard chose to build the superstructure with

aluminum. Since this is a first time that CSL is using aluminum to build ships, a great amount of

innovation and techniques were required to be mastered to produce extremely high quality of

aluminum welds. The Abheek is propelled by water jets and powered by three Main Engines, each

of capacity – 2720 KW is built to the dual classification requirements of ABS and IRS. Apart from

the 20 Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard, the yard is also constructing the most

prestigious warships of the nation, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier and 2 Offshore Support Vessels

for the International Owners. (Source: Cochin Shipyard)

15TH VOLUME, NO. 01 DATED 05 JANUARY 2014

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1. Several updates on the News page posted last week:

Boskalis subsidiary Dockwise secures USD 275 million Wheatstone contract

Rederi AB Transatlantic appoints new managing director

The state of Finland Acquires majority of shares in Aker Arctic Technology Inc.

Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. Awarded Task for Alternative Fuel (LNG/CNG) Initiative

10th Annual Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards – “Seafarer of the Year” 2013

Be informed that the mobile telephone number of Towingline has changed into: +31 6 3861 3662

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