Control Systems News

Privinvest’s Deliveries to Mozambique: A Model for Africa

Media reports about Mozambique’s failure to launch a fishing and security fleet and its subsequent $2 billion debt default seem destined to torpedo, or at least set back similar efforts to build needed coastal security and national fishing fleets across Africa. That must not happen.The systems and equipment Mozambique bought a few years ago from shipbuilder Privinvest could serve as a template for coastal African nations seeking to rightfully benefit from their natural resources…

Shipbuilding Interview: Ron Baczkowski, VT Halter

VT Halter in Pascagoula, MS has been on a strong run, capped by its winning the high-profile contract to build the U.S. Coast Guard’s next generation of icebreakers. Maritime Reporter recently spoke with Ron Baczkowski, President and CEO, VT Halter Marine, for insights on the shipyard’s recent success and future prospects. Globally, the shipbuilding industry has gone through some ‘interesting’ times of late. How has it looked from your perspective?The shipbuilding market and activity at VT Halter during the past 12 months has been dynamic.

Sea Machines Expands European Sales Force

Sea Machines Robotics, a technology company serving the marine industry, has hired industry veteran Frank Relou to lead its European sales efforts. In his new role as European business development manager, Relou will lead the transformation of Europe’s hard-working commercial fleets with technology that empowers operators with enhanced on-water productivity and job predictability.Sea Machines offers proven commercial-grade, wireless, remote vessel-control systems and autonomous navigation technology.

NTSB Weighs in on McCain Collision

Insufficient Training, Inadequate Bridge Operating Procedures, Lack of Operational Oversight Led to Fatal Ship Collision. The National Transportation Safety Board said Monday that the Aug. 21, 2017, collision between the USS John S McCain and the tanker Alnic MC was caused by insufficient training, inadequate bridge operating procedures and a lack of operational oversight.Ten sailors aboard the John S McCain died in the accident and 48 were injured when the ships collided in the Middle Channel passage of the Singapore Strait Traffic Separation Scheme.

Maritime Cyber Alert

For some years now, the maritime sector has experienced breaches of various computer and information technology (IT) systems. Primarily, these breaches have been collateral damage. The maritime sector has almost never been the intended target. That does not mean that the damage has been minor. In June 2017, A.P. Moller-Maersk suffered a major cyber-attack. The malware had been designed by Russian hackers to disrupt the Ukrainian power sector. Once released, though, it proved to be indiscriminate, infecting IT systems worldwide that had not been kept up to date. In the case of A.P.

Schottel, Ulstein Team on Automation

Ulstein and Schottel  announced that they will start cooperating to take the next step in automation and digitalization within marine operations. The former Ulstein subsidiary, Ulstein Blue CTRL, will continue as an independent company under the name Blue CTRL. Both Ulstein and Schottel will own 50 percent of the shares in the company. X-CONNECT is a universal digital platform for marine automation, control and monitoring. All functionality in the system is predefined and configurable supporting the work philosophy; configure, plug and play.

RVOS Retrofits Fleet for DP Ops

Saudi Arabia’s Rawabi Vallianz Offshore Services  (RVOS) has contracted Netherlands-based Praxis Automation Technology to deliver dynamic positioning systems for its fleet of offshore support vessels (OSVs) operating out of the country. RVOS, joint venture company between Rawabi Holding and Vallianz Holdings Limited of Singapore, said that the contract includes the retrofit of 14 ships with a Praxis Automation Class 2 Dynamic Positioning (DP) system, including the integration to the ship’s power distribution system and control systems.Jerome Lin…

Cyber Risk Management: What Maritime Professionals Need to Know Now

The IMO January 2021 deadline for shipping interests to incorporate cyber risk management into their existing Safety Management Systems is fast approaching. It is critical that stakeholders understand their vulnerabilities. The IMO has issued MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 guidelines on maritime cyber risk management that does a good job of outlining the many vulnerable systems within marine operations, including:1.Bridge systems;2. Cargo handling and management systems;3.Propulsion and machinery management and power control systems;4.

One-on-One with Martin McDonald, SVP, ROV Division, Oceaneering

Martin McDonald, an industry veteran with more than 35 years under his belt, is responsible for Oceaneering’s global ROV business. With a broad based of ROV experience – from operation to repair to maintenance to management – McDonald shares with MTR his insights on the historical development and future prospects of this high-profile subsea sector.How and when did you know that your career would be in the maritime/subsea industry?I grew up in Fraserburgh, Scotland, a small town 40 miles north of the oilfield city of Aberdeen. Fraserburgh is best known for commercial fishing.

Miami-Based Shipyard Adds Electronic Systems Division

Florida shipyard RMK Merrill-Stevens is adding a new Electronic Systems Division to the company.To lead the new business the company hired David Gratton, a new RMK Merrill-Stevens employee with experience in the electronics industry. Gratton’s career in electronics began in 1980 upon entering the U.S. Air Force. Gratton later worked on the environmental testing of NASA components for Teledyne Systems Company. Gratton has specialized in navigation, communications, and audio-visual, IT/networking, and PLC systems for commercial and recreational vessels.

Pacific Green Appoints Iain Lees as CEO

Pacific Green Technologies has announced the  appointment of Iain Lees as Chief Operating Officer to support company growth initiatives around proprietary emission control systems for marine vessels.The owner of the ENVI-Marine and ENVI-Clean Exhaust Gas Scrubbing Systems said in a press note that Lees joins the Company from HannawayCA Corporate Finance Limited (HCACF), a leading financial and business advisory firm in Northern Ireland where he has served as Managing Director…

Change of Command for Cal Maritime's Training Ship

After 10 years at the helm, Harry Bolton handed over command of the Training Ship Golden Bear Wednesday at California State University Maritime Academy.Bolton, a 1978 graduate of the Academy, returned to Cal Maritime on May 1, 2008 after a 30-year career with American Maritime Officers. Twenty of those years were with American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) aboard the original preposition ships based out of Guam, Saipan and Diego Garcia. Bolton began sailing as Master in 1985, only seven years after graduation.Dr.

Special Delivery: Aerial Drones Deliver Shore-to-ship

Wilhelmsen Ships Service lifts off with Airbus, bringing drone delivery to one of the world’s busiest portsPairing Wilhelmsen’s ships agency expertise and safety standards with Airbus’ expertise in aeronautical vertical lift solutions, the Agency by Air project brings shore-to-ship drone delivery to one of the busiest ports in the world, Singapore.Launching at Singapore port’s Marina South Pier in quarter three 2018, Wilhelmsen Ships Service and Airbus will be piloting the delivery of spare parts…

ABS Execs Discuss Key Maritime Topics in Singapore

ABS executives informed the industry conversation at Singapore Maritime Week, with presentations on the growing cyber security threat to maritime, new opportunities to take advantage of data, and the huge potential of LNG shipping for the region. Speaking at the Singapore Maritime Cyber Security Seminar, ABS Chief Digital Officer, Howard Fireman highlighted the opportunities and challenges presented by the ever-increasing connectivity of maritime assets. “The cyber threat is real to maritime safety, making it a relevant issue that ABS must address.

Sonardyne Hires Lynch

Navigation and positioning technology company Sonardyne International Ltd. UK, has appointed Derek Lynch as its new Global Business Manager for Marine Vessel Systems, with immediate effect.Lynch brings with him more than 25 years of experience working within the offshore energy, maritime and naval sectors. A former serviceman in the RAF and licensed avionics engineer, Lynch has held senior management positions with several technology companies involved in positioning, navigation and vessel control systems…

Autonomous Shipping Firm Massterly Appoints Top Brass

The world’s first autonomous shipping company, Massterly, has appointed Tom Eystø as managing director and Per Brinchmann as chair of the Massterly board.Announced on April 3, 2018 as a new joint venture company between Norwegian ship owner Wilhelmsen and systems and solutions provider KONGSBERG, Massterly sets out to offer a complete value chain for autonomous vessels, from design and development, to control systems, logistics services and vessel operations.“Autonomy will revolutionize…

Naval Dome, Stamco Ink Cyber Security Agreement

Maritime cyber security specialist Naval Dome has signed a contract with Piraeus-based Stamco Ship Management to install its maritime cyber defense system aboard 55 Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC).Stamco Ship Management provides technical and commercial ship management services to various companies like NYK, MOL, K-Line, China Shipping, Höegh Autoliners, WWL, Eukor and Glovis.Naval Dome will install the security system onboard the vessels’ bridge, navigation, communication and machinery control systems to deliver maximum…

Ferry Vessel Dagestan Completes Modernization

The vessel "Dagestan" with a length of 154.5 and a width of 18.3 meters was built in 1984 in Pula, the former Yugoslavia (currently Croatia). It was decided to repair and upgrade the ferry "Dagestan", withdrawn from operations 5 years ago. Modernization of the ferry, which is one of the unique vessels of its time, was completely executed by the engineering and technical personnel of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company at the "Zigh" Ship Repair and Construction Yard. It should be noted that the project of modernization…

An Integrated High-tech Approach to Port Security

DP World employs a sophisticated Vidsys technology platform to eliminate stovepipes and integrate myriad security solutions. DP World London Gateway provides deep-sea shipping access to one the largest consumer markets in the U.K. Naturally, the task of keeping all of that safe from outside threats, while also balancing that important task with the need to ensure an efficient intermodal supply chain is no easy task. That’s because this facility routinely intercepts stolen vehicles, narcotics and illegal immigrants while working closely with local and London MET police, the U.K.

Huntington Ingalls Promotes Two Vice Presidents

America’s largest military shipbuilding company announced that Jeanne Callahan has been named corporate vice president, internal audit, and that David “Chip” Wasson has been named corporate vice president, corporate strategy. Both promotions are effective immediately, and both report to Chris Kastner, executive vice president, business management, and chief financial officer. Callahan has served as director, business management, contracts and government compliance, since HII formed in 2011.

Wärtsilä acquires Transas

Wärtsilä announced today that it has acquired Transas, an innovative, digital solutions provider headquartered in the UK. This acquisition is a recognition of Transas’ strong position in the maritime technologies market and its technological leadership. The transaction will allow Transas to work within a global maritime company in delivering its solutions, bringing scale and value to the industry in need of innovation leadership. Transas is a global market leader in marine navigation solutions that include complete bridge systems, digital solutions and electronic charts.

BMT Upgrades Critical Monitoring Systems for Termap

BMT has completed an upgrade of Single Point Mooring (SPM) Telemetry and Control Systems (SPM-TCS) for Terminales Marítimas Patagónicas S.A. (Termap). The systems play an integral role in providing real time operational and environmental data, as well as critical control functions required to manage the integrity of the CALM (Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring) Buoys that currently operate at Termap’s Caleta Córdova and Caleta Olivia terminals. The CALM Buoys are used to offload crude oil from deposits in the San Jorge basin.

Interventek Appoints Stuart as Business Development Director

Interventek Subsea Engineering has announced the appointment of Bruce Stuart to the role of Sales and Business Development Director. Stuart brings with him over 30 years of commercial leadership experience and in-depth operational knowledge of the oil and gas industry. Stuart joins Interventek from Proserv where he was VP Business Development Subsea, having previously held a seven year tenure at FMC Technologies, responsible for U.K. and Canada sales and marketing for their subsea products and systems.

Remotely Operated Fireboat Under Development

Robert Allan Ltd. and Kongsberg Maritime announced a collaboration to develop a new remotely-operated fireboat that will allow first responders to attack dangerous port fires more aggressively and safer than ever before. The un-crewed RALamander fireboat will offer in-close firefighting and ‘eye in the fire’ capability that keeps marine firefighting professionals out of harm's way. Fires involving containers, petrochemicals, shore-side structures or vessels can be attacked more…

Hapag Lloyd Receives Innovation in Safety Award

The TT Club Innovation in Safety Award is now in its second year and the winner was announced at ICHCA’s 65th Anniversary Conference in Las Palmas this week. The Award is aimed at identifying innovative developments that engender greater safety and efficiency in the intermodal supply chain. Following the inauguration of the award last year, TT Club and ICHCA have been delighted with the response of the industry, which resulted this year in some twenty-two high quality entries, each revealing exciting and proven improvements to supply chain practices.

Portland Receives $1.25 Mln Port Security Grant

Port of Portland said it will receive $1.25 million from the federal Port Security Grant Program to upgrade marine terminal security systems. Through the Area Maritime Security Committee, the port successfully applied for and received the funding to rebuild key components of security systems at marine Terminals 4 and 6. Specifically, the funding will go toward renewing antiquated closed circuit television cameras and systems, and overhauling access control systems at terminal gates. Portland is one of 33 U.S. ports to receive grant funds awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.