November

WE Tech said it has received an order to deliver its permanent magnet shaft generator solutions to a series of four fuel efficient ROPAX ferries, with an option for another four.

The vessels are to be built for the Swedish shipping company Stena RoRo at AVIC Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd. in China.

The four initial vessels will be operated by Stena Line within its route network in Northern Europe.  “WE have developed the most energy efficient shaft generator solution to reduce the fuel consumption, operational costs and environmental footprint. Cooperation with one of the pioneers in shipping – Stena RoRo is a very significant step for us,” said Martin Andtfolk, Sales Manager of WE Tech.

 “These ships will be the most fuel-efficient ferries in the world and will set a new industry standard when it comes to operational performance, emissions and cost competitiveness, positioning Stena Line to support its customers in the next decades,” said Carl-Johan Hagman, Head of Shipping, Stena AB.

 “With our solution the shaft generator, driven by the main engine, can produce all the needed electricity on-board without using any fuel to run the auxiliary generators when sailing. Our solution is also based on frequency drive technology which allows the main engine to run at variable speed while producing electricity on-board. This results in tons of fuel savings every day,” said Andtfolk.

The two 2,600 kW shaft generators, together with variable frequency drive – WE Drive, generate power for the ship’s electrical network in power take out (PTO) mode. The solution also utilizes the common DC-link for power distribution in bow thrusters.WE Tech is scheduled to begin equipment delivery for the first vessel starting in January 2018.

“With our proven technology, we take our customers to success in terms of energy efficiency, fuel consumption and green values,” said Mårten Storbacka, Managing Director of WE Tech.

Speaking at the Madrid International Cruise Summit, Pierfrancesco Vago, CLIA Europe Chairman for the past three years and MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, announced a forecast of continued growth for the cruise industry in Europe, in spite of current global economic austerity.

Since 2008, the European cruise industry has grown by a staggering 49 percent, and the industry continues to progress each year. In 2015, 123 cruise ships from 39 cruise lines operated in European waters carrying a total of 6.6 million passengers, an increase of 3% from the previous year.

European ports also saw a 4.5% increase in the number of European passenger embarkations, bringing the total to 6.12 million European passengers. European cruise travellers account for 28.4 percent of the global passengers (23.19 million in 2015).

Germany and UK both provide over 27 percent of European passengers each, followed by Italy with 12.3 percent, France with 9,3 percent and Spain with over 7 percent.

The remaining 19 percent is shared between the rest of Europe. Leading European markets by country of embarkation are Italy with 32.7 percent, followed by Spain 20.9 percent, UK 17.3 percent, Germany, 9.6 percent , France 5.1 percent and Greece  and Denmark over 3 percent. 

As more cruise ships are expected to be delivered to European operators, the cruise vacation market will continue to expand in 2016 and beyond. Europe’s shipyards have 48 orders to be delivered by 2019 to international cruise lines and 75 by 2026.

Looking at the European economic contribution, the cruise industry provides a significant boost to local economies, reaching in 2015 almost 41 billion euros in total economic output, an increase of 2 percent from the previous year.

The direct cruise Industry spending in Europe amounted to 16.89 billion euros. The industry employed more than 360,000 people either directly in the cruise sector or related businesses, 11,000 more than in 2014.

These figures demonstrate that cruising has become a key contributor to the European economy by generating real jobs and wages across the entire supply chain. “Cruising is here to stay as it continues to attract more Europeans and generate economic growth," said Pierfrancesco Vago. “While the cruise industry is ready to continue to expand in Europe, we face a number of common challenges that need to be addressed to make sure the cruise industry is on the right track. We are attentive to that.”

To sustain future growth, CLIA Europe is active with policy-makers to monitor work towards a more business friendly environment and to reform the current EU Visa Code, to encourage more foreign tourists to visit Europe.

The cruise industry also needs a more consistent application of EU environmental legislation and port reform throughout the continent, to avoid creating operational barriers in European waters. CLIA Europe is active with the local authorities to demonstrate the long-term economic benefits that the cruising industry and its partners provide – beyond only tourism.

In 2016, progress is also being made on safety and ever-changing environments.

Cruise lines have the flexibility to alter itineraries and avoid specific ports and destinations to maximize the security and safety of passengers and crew.

Cruise lines work closely with security experts and authorities to constantly re-assess these risks. The ability to continue growing in Europe will also depends on its safety and security. CLIA’s Cruise Line Members and stakeholders are increasing safety measures in all European regions concerned, particularly in the popular Mediterranean region.

View the Report here>>>

Vlissingen, the Netherlands, November 2016
Due to an increased demand for polar cruises, Oceanwide Expeditions, the leading exploratory Polar cruise company since 1996, has commissioned the building of an innovative 180-passenger vessel.
The ship, called the m/v Hondius, will be the strongest ice-strengthened vessel in the Polar regions. It is being built in Croatia by shipbuilder Brodosplit and will be available to customers in 2019. 

“We currently sail with our ice-strengthened 116-passenger vessels Plancius and Ortelius, and the Hondius will give us the opportunity to accommodate more travelers, to grow as a company, and to offer new, innovative products in the Polar regions,” says Oceanwide Expeditions’ CEO, Michel van Gessel.  “The name Hondius follows our custom to name our ships for celebrated Dutch-Flemish cartographers who continue to inspire us as we carry on their passion for exploration and discovery.” 

Hondius was specially designed to support and serve Oceanwide’s exploratory programs and activity-based shore excursions in the Arctic and Antarctica. It will be rated Polar Class 6, similar to the previous Finnish-Swedish ice-class notation 1A-super. A speedy zodiac embarkation is guaranteed, with two separate gangways and an indoor platform that can be used for outdoor activities such as kayaking.

While Hondius is at anchor during passenger excursions, it can drift or remain in position with the support of the bow and stern thrusters.  One deck on board is reserved for an observation lounge, with a separate lecture room in order to offer simultaneous or multilingual lectures and presentations.

The vessel size will be 107 meters (350 feet) long, with a breadth of 17.6 meters (58 feet). It will be equipped with two main engines for a total of 4,200 kW, generating a speed of 15 knots. View Hondius Deckplans here>>>

Opportunities for innovation and quality

Hondius gives Oceanwide Expeditions new opportunities to offer innovative and quality experiences. Oceanwide, a winner of a World Travel Award for Leading Polar Expedition Operator, is known for constant product innovation. Recent examples include shore-based excursion programs and special exploratory voyages, ship-based helicopter trips to the Ross Sea and the Emperor Penguins in the Weddell Sea, ski and sail programs in Spitsbergen and Greenland, and expeditions to the world’s most remote locations, such as Peter I Island and Bouvet Island.

Reducing negative impact on the environment

Hondius will be built according to the latest requirements of the International Maritime Organization, in particular concerning the safety of life at sea (SOLAS) and the prevention of pollution from ships (MARPOL) for passenger vessels.

The propulsion system consists of two medium speed main engines and one adjustable pitch propeller. The flexible power management (in combination with a shaft generator instead of a diesel-driven generator) permits the lowest possible fuel consumption and CO2 emission, and therefore a minimum possible impact on the environment.

Further environmental features include the use of biodegradable lubrication oils; certifiably hazardous-free coating and paint of the vessel; the use of steam for onboard heating; minimal use of electrical heating (for less fuel consumption); LED interior and exterior lighting (reducing power and fuel needs); and waste heat, such as cooling water for the main engines, reused for the production of fresh water.

All further existing requirements and restrictions while at sea and in the Polar regions will be strictly followed.  

Viking Line has struck a letter of intent with a Chinese shipyard to build a new LNG-powered ferry – with the option for an additional vessel.

The letter of intent has been signed with Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co Ltd for a €190 million passenger vessel that will be delivered in 2020. The aim is to sign a final agreement during 2017. The letter of intent also includes an option for an additional vessel.

The North Baltic Sea ferry operator said in a statement that the vessel is intended to be a collaborative project, and the plan is to engage a number of Finnish and European suppliers including Deltamarin, Wärtsilä and ABB Marine. The new vessel will serve the Turku - Åland Islands - Stockholm route.

The vessel will be 218m in length and have a gross registered tonnage of 63,000 tonnes. Passenger capacity will be 2,800, and the length of its cargo lanes will be 1,500m. Viking Line will hire Scandinavian architects for the interior design.

“Our intention is for the vessel to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). We have excellent experience with this from Viking Grace, the first large LNG-powered passenger vessel in the world. Great emphasis has been placed in the planning work on environmentally sound solutions, including new innovative energy-efficient applications. Many years of planning have gone into this newbuilding project in conjunction with the European Union’s Motorways of the Seas project under the scope of the Connecting Europe Facility funding instrument, which has also included the Port of Turku and the Ports of Stockholm,” says Viking Line’s chief executive officer Jan Hanses.

The Yard shows a Deltamarin drawing of the Ferry, which shows what looks like two Flettner Rotors (here). 

Together with a consortium, the leading fuel cell company PowerCell Sweden AB (publ) has applied for EU funding through the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking for the development of a system based on the fuel cell stack PowerCell S3 for integration and testing in marine environments. The application has been positively assessed.

Together with other partners of the MARANDA consortium, PowerCell Sweden AB has applied for EU funding through the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking for developing a system based on the fuel cell stack PowerCell S3 for integration and testing in marine environments. The application has been positively assessed and contract signing is expected late December, 2016.

The MARANDA consortium will develop a complete and competitive fuel cell system based on the PowerCell S3 (100kW) fuel cell stack. The system will be installed on board the arctic research vessel Aranda operated by SYKE Marine Research Centre, and it will be validated in demanding marine application during an 18 month period.

“This is a really exciting project and we look with confidence forward to start the cooperation with the other partners in the consortium, to jointly develop a complete and competitive fuel cell system and adopt it for marine environment. As an important part of the project, there is a business case analysis for hydrogen fuel cells in marine applications, taking into account the needs for development of regulations, codes and standards (RCS)”, said Per Wassén, CEO, PowerCell Sweden AB.

The PowerCell S3 is a scalable prototype in the 20-100kW range and is designed to use pure hydrogen as fuel. The fuel cell system entails high potential for reducing energy consumption and emissions from harbour boats and tugs.

The consortium consists of the following European companies and research institutions: ABB Oy (Finland), OMB Saleri S.p.A. (Italy), PersEE (France), Suomen ympäristökeskus (Finland), Swiss Hydrogen SA (Switzerland), and Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy (Finland).

The EU funding through Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking is strategically important, but has a limited impact on the company’s results.

The Norwegian explorer cruise line, Hurtigruten, is to build two new expedition ships using a new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology from Rolls-Royce making fully electric propulsion on a passenger ship possible.

The Rolls-Royce designed MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, about to be constructed at Kleven Yard in Norway, will be packed with innovative Rolls-Royce technology.

In addition to the hybrid power solution, the vessels will have the latest automation and control systems, including the Rolls-Royce Unified Bridge, the first delivery of two azipull propellers using permanent magnet technology, two large tunnel thrusters, stabilisers, four Bergen B33:45 engines, winches and power electric systems. 

Mikael Makinen, Rolls-Royce, President – Marine, said: “The two new explorer cruise vessels for Hurtigruten represent somewhat of a dream project for us; delivering our latest technology innovations into beautifully designed and fit-for-purpose vessels.” 

This solution is to be installed on the first expeditionary ship ready for delivery in 2018. For phase two, larger batteries will be installed, enabling the possibility of fully electric sailing across longer distances and over longer periods of time. This will be used when sailing into fjords, at port and in vulnerable areas allowing silent and emission free sailing. Rolls-Royce aims to install this new technology in ship number two, which is scheduled for delivery in 2019. The goal of Hurtigruten is also to refurbish ship number one with the same technology. 

The decision to invest in a hybrid solution is an important milestone in Hurtigruten’s goal of sailing fully electric expeditionary ships in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Hybrid technology, in combination with the construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board, will reduce the fuel consumption by approximately 20% and CO2 emissions from the ships by 20%. This amounts to more than 3000 metric tons of CO2 per year.  

Another innovation to be installed on MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen is main propulsion thrusters that use integrated permanent magnet (PM) technology instead of being powered by separate propulsion motors. Over the last two years, Rolls-Royce has launched a range of propulsion and deck machinery driven by PM technology. From 2017 a new azipull model will be on offer, and this is the product specified as the main propeller units on board Hurtigruten. 

Azipull thrusters with pulling propeller and streamlined underwater skeg have proved highly popular propulsion units since they were introduced in 2003. Over four hundred and fifty units have been manufactured by Rolls-Royce (in Ulsteinvik, Norway) to date. With the introduction of electric drive through the use of permanent magnets, a proven Rolls-Royce technology is ensured a prolonged life, according to Knut Eilert Røsvik, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President – Propulsion: “We expect to see a shift from mechanical to electrical propulsion systems, and we are well positioned for this shift. We have invested in PM technology for more than ten years, and already have a lot of experience with it.”

The PM motor provides a very high efficiency over a wide speed range and reduces the space required in the thruster room. The propulsion system is well qualified for ships with ice class demand. Combined with the proven high propulsive and hydrodynamic efficiency of the azipull, this will be a winning combination.

Four Bergen B33:45 engines in combination with the use of batteries, comprise the cornerstones of the innovative hybrid solution onboard these Hurtigruten vessels. Since its launch in 2014, this medium speed engine has been chosen by a variety of owners and yards for a range of ship designs, with 50 engines now delivered or on order.

The engine offers 20% increased power compared to its predecessor, delivering the same output with fewer cylinders. This lowers the costs through the engine’s lifecycle, and also allows for smaller machine rooms on board. The engine meets the international environment requirements for IMO NOx Tier III with support from a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.

The vessels will have the latest automation and control systems, including the Rolls-Royce Unified Bridge. Ship control systems have developed fast over the last decade and the number of screens, wires handlers and equipment needed by onboard operators has increased in parallel. Rolls-Royce has addressed this and developed common control systems and a new Unified Bridge solution to clean up the clutter and design more user-friendly bridge and control stations for the crew. Ultimately, the result is a safer and more efficient working environment. more...

Responding to reports that the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) had reconfirmed its support of a ban on heavy fuel oil (HFO) from Arctic shipping during its annual general meeting, Clean Arctic Alliance advisor Dr Sian Prior said:

“The Clean Arctic Alliance (on Facebook)welcomes AECO’s reconfirmation of its support for an international ban on heavy fuel oil in Arctic waters. AECO’s decision demonstrates the growing conviction within the shipping industry that the Arctic is simply too vulnerable and too fragile to allow the use of this dirtiest of fuels, and that HFO can no longer be considered an option for powering Arctic shipping in the future”. 

“By acknowledging the threats posed by spills and black carbon emissions from heavy fuel oil, the Arctic cruise industry has recognised that while it expands, it must phase out of this dirty fuel in order to protect the environment and human health, and safeguard coastal communities and food security”, continued Prior. “AECO, and other shipping industry leaders must now take us out of the HFO era by urging member countries to bring forward concrete proposals for a ban by the next meeting of the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC71), in May 2017. The Clean Arctic Alliance looks forward to working with industry to achieve a HFO-free Arctic”.

At last month’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC70) meeting in London, the Clean Arctic Alliance welcomed the progress made by member countries towards a phase-out of the use of HFO in the Arctic. Several Arctic countries as well as IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim stated their concerns regarding HFO and on the need for further consideration of the risks involved. In order to implement a ban on HFO, the IMO will need to add new work on the regulation of HFO to its programme, and set a deadline for completion of this work, in order to phase out Arctic HFO by 2020.

Heavy fuel oil (HFO) is a toxic, tar-like sludge that breaks down extremely slowly in cold Arctic waters and is close to impossible to clean up in the event of a spill. While HFO powers 44% of the ships currently operating in the Arctic, it accounts for more than 75% of the fuel onboard those ships, according to ICCT figures.

In September 2016, the United States and Canada formally notified the International Maritime Organization that a “heavy fuel oil spill in the Arctic could cause long-term damage to the environment”. This follows March 2016 commitments made by U.S. President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau to “determine with Arctic partners how best to address the risks posed by heavy fuel oil use and black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping”. Also in September, the Danish political party Venstre, the Danish Shipowner’s Association, and Arctic cruise sector leader Hurtigruten called for regulating or banning the use of HFO in the Arctic. In October, the CEO Finnish of icebreaker operator Arctia expressed support for a ban on HFO.

Heavy fuel oil is already banned throughout Antarctica, and in the national park waters around the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, leaving only a strictly regulated corridor for ships to access the islands.
Press Release

The Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) is pleased to announce that it has launched the phase one identity details of the Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Project at an official ceremony at the Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront in Muscat.
Phase one of the integrated mixed use Waterfront destination is projected to be completed by 2020, and will transform the current commercial Port Sultan Qaboos area into a major tourism-based development, spanning a 64-hectare area. The Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront will include business and residential zones, destination mall, six hotels (including three, four and five star), recreation amenities, tourist attractions, as well as docking facilities for cruise liners and yachts.
The development will take place over four separate phases. The master development plan was conceptualised in 2015, with significant inputs received from private sector investors, who are keen to capitalize on the tourism and hospitality opportunities presented by the grand Waterfront scheme.

“This is a very exciting day for Muscat and for the expansion of Oman’s tourism infrastructure as an integral part of Oman Vision 2020. Today’s launch is all about explaining how phase one will set in place the regeneration of the historic former port area of this great city into a true tourism gateway for the country, providing sustainable economic development and job opportunities for many generations to come,” said Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, minister of transport and communications and a board member of Omran.

On Friday September 9th 2016 the Ocean Warrior departed Antalya, Turkey on its maiden voyage to Australia, via Amsterdam and a short supplies transfer in La Spezia, Italy.

In the latest video update below watch the crew finally get underway, after an 18 month construction period, and find out more about why the Ocean Warrior is a 'game-changer' for Sea Shepherd Global and our mission to defend, conserve and protect fragile marine wildlife.

With an introduction to the bridge from Captain Alex Cornelissen and an EXCLUSIVE look around the engine room with Chief Engineer Erwin Vermeulen you'll get a first look at the ship's high-powered water cannon in action and the arrival of a new small boat (to be officially unveiled in Australia).

“This ship is absolutely amazing, everything about it exceeds our expectations.” – Sea Shepherd Global CEO Captain Alex Cornelissen

The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) reconfirmed its support for an international ban on heavy fuel oil (HFO) for all ship traffic in the Arctic at its annual general meeting this week.

Currently, HFO is only banned in the nature reserves and the large national parks in Svalbard. 

Such a ban would be beneficial to avoid the geographical differences, different national regulations as well as competitive differences between areas and among operators and would also be consistent with AECO’s objectives to support regulations with clear environmental benefits, the organization said.

HFO breaks down extremely slowly in cold Arctic waters. It is currently used by 44 percent of the ships operating in the Arctic, and it accounts for more than 75 percent of the fuel onboard those ships, according to International Council on Clean Transportation figures.

October’s IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC70) meeting left environmental groups optimistic about a potential ban on HFO use in the Arctic.

After three papers on HFO were presented, several Arctic countries along with IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim stated that they shared the view that the risks needed further consideration. The IMO agreed to new work on the regulation of HFO to its program, and set a deadline for completion of this work in order to consider a phase out of Arctic HFO use by 2020.

In September 2016, the U.S. and Canada formally notified the IMO that a heavy fuel oil spill in the Arctic could cause long-term damage to the environment. The nations submitted a statement on the topic to MEPC70 expressing their commitment to work with Arctic partners and follows March 2016 commitments made by U.S. President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau to “determine with Arctic partners how best to address the risks posed by heavy fuel oil use and black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping.”

Also in September, the Danish political party Venstre, the Danish Shipowner’s Association, and Arctic cruise operator Hurtigruten called for regulating or banning the use of HFO in the Arctic.

Heavy fuel oil is already banned throughout Antarctica.
The IMO did not include an Arctic ban in the Polar Code due to take effect in 2017.

DNV GL has launched an online methane number calculator to help ship owners match LNG quality to their engine requirements.

The propane knock index (PKI) methane number calculator is intended to reduce the risk of engine damage caused by knocking, when the fuel-air mix inside a cylinder is self-ignited before the combustion process is meant to start.

The calculator is based on an algorithm developed by the class society that DNV GL says has been shown to give a more accurate reflection of the impact of variations in fuel quality than traditional tools. The algorithm can also be incorporated into engine control systems to help eliminate knocking when using a wide range of gas sources.

Liv Hovem, senior vice president, DNV GL Oil & Gas, said: “As LNG is produced at different locations around the world using an assortment of production technologies, its composition can vary considerably. Knowledge of the knock characteristics of LNG fuels is crucial to provide reliable and efficient products and to break down the perceived barriers of adopting LNG.”

Johan Knijp, head of gas quality and energy transition, DNV GL Oil & Gas, added: “Together with an international industrial consortium, the calculator is currently being extended to cover a full range of engines. Market analyses using the tool can be used by the entire supply chain - by engine manufacturers, ship and truck owners, by traders and by international policy makers on LNG.”

Users can determine the knock number by entering LNG composition information including nitrogen, methane, ethane, propane, and n-butane.

The tool can be accessed here

GE Aviation’s marine gas turbine business announced on Wednesday, that it signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the joint development of LPG-fueled ferry design. The ferry will feature GE’s compact and lightweight Combined Gas Turbine, Electric and Steam (COGES) system for all ship power, including propulsion.

Participating in the MOU signing were Youngsung Global CEO Bumsu Ku, DINTEC Director Hunsoo Ha, Korea LPG Industry Association Chairman Joonseok Hong, GE Aviation MSO Korea Leader Kirby Luke, Far East Ship Design & Engineering Co (FESDEC) CEO Jungkang In, and Cryos CEO Daesung Kim.

As this is the world’s first LPG-fueled COGES ship, the LPG industry is actively taking part in this project. For instance, FESDEC is handling the ferry design, and Cryos brings extensive experience in designing and manufacturing LPG fuel tanks.  The new GE LPG-fueled COGES ferry design is expected to improve safety and efficiency while reducing nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions, meeting regulatory standards of the International Maritime Organization. The ferry’s operational expenses also will decrease by 35%. Therefore, the newly developed ferry is expected to deliver economic value and eco-friendliness that global markets require today.

According to Brien Bolsinger, Vice President of GE Aviation’s Marine Operations, “There is increased attention worldwide on LPG as a viable fuel for the maritime industry, and we are excited to collaborate on this ferry project. The compact COGES arrangement—lighter and smaller than comparable four-stroke diesel engines— will allow for more passengers. Owners, operators, designers and shipyards will see that the COGES system also offers lower life cycle costs.”

In fact, GE gas turbines are no stranger to the seas and no new technology is required to construct GE‘s COGES system. Instead, GE is configuring existing products and integrating them into new applications. GE gas turbines operate on cruise ships, eight of which feature COGES arrangements. Other commercial marine applications include fast cargo ships, high-speed yachts, offshore platforms, and floating production and offloading ships. The same gas turbines are used by 34 navies worldwide for defense; now commercial marine customers can experience the benefits of this propulsion system solution through the efforts including this MOU.

Youngsung Global CEO Bumsu Ku said, “The new eco-friendly LPG-fueled ferry will operate the Incheon-Jeju and other international passenger routes. Also, with the use of LPG, we expect to save on operational costs and contribute to reducing our global environmental footprint.” Korea LPG Industry Association Chairman Joonsuk Hong said, “The LPG-fueled ferry to be developed through collaboration between GE and LPG-related technology companies will contribute to the growth of Korea’s LPG and shipping industries. In addition, it will be a good opportunity to use Korea’s existing LPG bunkering infrastructure.”

FESDEC CEO Jungkang In said, “We are happy to participate in the development of the world’s first LPG-fueled COGES-powered ferry. We will design a ferry that offers stability, efficiency and economic value.” Cryos CEO Daesung Kim also said, “Based on our expertise in manufacturing LPG fuel tanks, we will collaborate with GE to build a world-class LPG-fueled ferry.”
Source: General Electric

RALEIGH, N.C.
EnSolve Biosystems announced today that it completed a successful sea trial of its EnScrub® SOx Scrubber Water Treatment System onboard a vessel operating in the Baltic Region. The EnScrub system was installed in April 2016 and the DNV certification testing that was conducted in August 2016 revealed that during closed-loop operation, the EnScrub system was successful in legally discharging 97 percent of the SOx scrubber water entering the system.

The remaining 3 percent (sludge) was sent to a decanter for further dewatering. “Because of the successful sea trial,” stated Jason Caplan, EnSolve’s CEO, “Our scrubber client achieved DNV certification for their EGC System as well as the EnScrub system for this vessel.”

Per the October 2016 IMO ruling, sulfur emissions will need to be reduced from 3.5 percent of fuel content (current) to 0.5 percent by 2020.

Alternatively, owners can install SOx scrubbers to remove sulfur from the exhaust.
Caplan continued, “The incorporation of an EnScrub device into a SOx scrubber system provides our shipping customers a complete pollution abatement system that addresses regulated contaminants in the engine emissions as well as the scrubber water.”

Caplan added that EnSolve is currently in discussions with several scrubber companies for the possible inclusion of the EnScrub technology in their scrubber product lines.

EnScrub models are now available for closed-loop, open-loop or hybrid applications.About EnSolve Biosystems, Inc. EnSolve Biosystems (www.ensolve.com) is a maritime equipment company based in Raleigh, N.C. EnSolve’s mission is to provide its customers with products that have both economical and ecological benefits.

Cruise ships Passengers arrivals through the ports of call such as Busan, Incheon and Jeju surpassed 1.48 million late last month for the first time. According to data on cruise ship tourists at ports of call released by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on October 5, 1.48 million tourists entered port for a total of 585 voyages – 373 voyages (920,000 passengers) at Jeju Port, 162 voyages (430,000 passengers) at Busan Port, 48 voyages (120,000) at Incheon Port among others. This figure is an increase of 130% from a year before and up 66% from 2014.

From this month to year’s end, foreign cruise ships are planning a total of 236 voyages -- 161 voyages at Jeju Port, 53 voyages at Busan Port and 22 voyages at Incheon Port. Thus it is expected that cruise ship tourists will break through two million beyond the original 
target of 1.5 million.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries explained that if cruise ship tourists top two million this year, it will create over two trillion won in economic effects in port of call areas when taking into account the fact that a foreign cruise ship tourist spent US$886 
in such areas on average. 

The ministry analyzed that the construction of infrastructure will lead to an increase in entries of large cruise ships which weigh more than 100,000 tons and ultimately, a spike in the number of cruise ship tourists.

The two major port State control regimes - Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU - will increase focus on the sulphur limit regulations. The decision has been made on the basis of a Danish/Dutch proposal.

Port State control authorities across 45 countries and 5 continents – South America, North America, Europe, Asia and Australia – have agreed to carry out a so-called Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) in 2018 focusing on air pollution from ships.
Peter Krog-Meyer, Senior Adviser of the Danish Maritime Authority: 

”We have achieved two important results. Firstly, all over the world there will be even more focus on whether ships meet the sulphur limits. Secondly, it is a strong signal that so many important port States now clearly show that we have joined forces in our efforts to enhance the enforcement of the sulphur provisions across the borders."

Cooperation on efficient enforcement has become even more important after United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed last week that a global sulphur limit of 0.5 per cent will enter into force in 2020.

Part of major efforts
The 2018 campaign is the result of efforts made by Denmark to ensure enhanced international focus on enforcement. However, as early as in 2015 especially low limits were introduced in the so-called SECAs (Sulphur Emission Control Areas), and thus the Danish authorities are constantly engaged in work on both the political and the technological side of efficient enforcement.

Peter Krog-Meyer:
"In Denmark, we have been striving to ensure stronger enforcement for years, and the 2018 inspection campaign is merely one element of much greater efforts that are already being made. And this process will be speeded up in 2017 after the IMO decision on a global sulphur limit in 2020."

A Concentrated Inspection Campaign means that all 45 countries covered by the Port State Control schemes carry out an especially thorough examination of a chosen area, such as sulphur, when their Port State Control Officers embark foreign ships. The efforts made will increase compliance with regulations and contribute to ship crews' awareness of the new regulations and the consequences of any violations.
Source: www.dma.dk  

KNUD E. HANSEN (KEH) and Smart Engineering & Design Solutions (India) (SEDS) have recently teamed up to deliver two new vessel designs, each with two vessels to be built, for the Andaman & Nicobar Administration of India. The larger of the two designs will provide a modern link between the Indian mainland and the Andaman & Nicobar Island Group to the east of the subcontinent with a passenger capacity of 1200 and carrying up to 1000t of mixed cargo. The smaller vessels will be employed in the Northern/Southern group of the Islands, or running an interisland service and is designed to carry 500 passengers and 150t of mixed cargo. Both designs will replace existing tonnage with modern vessels meeting the latest standards of comfort and safety. 

The design process has been shared between the two companies, with KEH responsible for forming the initial concept for both vessels. For the smaller vessel SEDS have then taken the reins and further developed the design through the contract and basic design stages. Throughout this process KEH has been responsible for conducting design reviews and providing additional ideas and inspiration. For the larger vessel the roles are reversed for the contract design with KEH producing the design, with critical review and evaluation from SEDS. For the basic design the roles will again be reversed with SEDS taking on the primary design tasks. 

The collaboration between KEH and SEDS has resulted in a unique design, capturing elements of both the local knowledge and experience of SEDS and the extensive passenger vessel design experience of KEH.

All four vessels are to be built at Cochin Shipyard in India and will sail with Indian Flag. 

Principal Particulars:

500Pax cum 150t Cargo Vessel
LOA: approx. 100.0m
B: 17.5m
Tdesign: 4.3m
Service Speed: 16 knots 

1200Pax cum Cargo Vessel

LOA: approx. 157.0m
B: 21.3m
Tdesign: 6.1m
Service Speed: 18 knots

The world of AIS can be both confusing to newcomers and experienced professionals alike. What actually is AIS? What data does it gather? How can it help my business? Do I need AIS if I don’t have a business? Class A or Class B transponders? Do I actually need it? There’s a plethora of questions from those looking to get the most out of their tracking tools, or from those looking into entering the maritime industry.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to AIS that covers a wide range of topics from specific AIS units to getting the most out of the data gathered. We’ve included some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the topic too. If you are ever in doubt, take some time to read through this document, if your question isn’t answered, feel free to contact BigOceanData. 

What is AIS?

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a worldwide automatic positioning system based on fitting small transponders to vessels that continuously transmits a signal. This alerts other vessels and shore stations with AIS receivers to the presence of that vessel. The position information is supplemented with additional information about the vessel. The signals and accompanying information can then be received by any vessel, land station or satellite fitted with an AIS receiver, and is then typically displayed on a screen using interactive chart-plotting software.

Who has AIS?

International maritime law requires AIS transponders to be fitted aboard international voyaging ships with a gross tonnage of 300 tonnes or more, and on all passenger ships regardless of their size. Given its visibility and safety advantages many smaller vessels also voluntarily install AIS units. In many countries no license is required to purchase and operate either transponders or receivers.

The result is that AIS is used almost universally in the worldwide commercial maritime industry and increasingly so in the leisure marine sector. Not all vessels can be tracked by AIS. Naval and security ships generally prefer not to be tracked when on active duty, and cases are regularly reported of commercial vessels underway with their transponders turned off for unspecified reasons.
 Read the entire Report here...

In a first for the maritime industry, world's largest leisure travel company granted approval to screen passenger travel documents against INTERPOL'S I-Checkit global security system Company to follow successful I-Checkit pilot program with rollout of enhanced global standard for security screening to further increase safety for passengers and crew on all 101 ships across its 10 brands

<org value="NYSE:CCL" idsrc="xmltag.org">Carnival Corporation</org> received approval today to integrate its global passenger check-in process with <org>INTERPOL'S</org> I-Checkit system, a secure method for screening travel document information against <org>INTERPOL's</org> Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database, containing over 69 million records from 175 countries.

The approval resulted from a resolution vote held today in <location value="LU/id..bali" idsrc="xmltag.org">Bali, Indonesia</location>, at <org>INTERPOL'S General Assembly</org>, the annual meeting of 190 member countries that comprise the world's largest international police organization.

Today's news follows a three-month I-Checkit pilot program on four of <org value="NYSE:CCL" idsrc="xmltag.org">Carnival Corporation's</org> Princess Cruises brand ships. The trial included 34,000 travel documents that were successfully checked against the SLTD database to demonstrate the system's ability to enhance security for the global cruise industry.

The full results of the pilot program were presented to <org>INTERPOL's</org> <org>General Assembly</org> today prior to its member countries passing an official resolution that enables <org value="NYSE:CCL" idsrc="xmltag.org">Carnival Corporation</org> to expand its I-Checkit deployment among its 10 cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Its brands include <org>Carnival Cruise Line</org>, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, P&O Cruises (<location value="LC/au;LB/anz" idsrc="xmltag.org">Australia</location>) and P&O Cruises (<location value="LC/gb;LB/neur;LC/uk" idsrc="xmltag.org">UK</location>).

<org value="NYSE:CCL" idsrc="xmltag.org">Carnival Corporation</org> and <org>INTERPOL</org> can now work together on an expanded partnership agreement to cover a phased rollout of the I-Checkit system across its brands. By partnering with <org>INTERPOL</org> on a global integration of I-Checkit technology, <org value="NYSE:CCL" idsrc="xmltag.org">Carnival Corporation</org> will further strengthen its leading safety and security protocols by creating a single global standard for security screening used throughout its ports of call.

"One of our top priorities at <org value="NYSE:CCL" idsrc="xmltag.org">Carnival Corporation</org> is the safety and security of our guests, our crew and our ships," said <person>Bill Burke</person>, chief maritime officer for <org value="NYSE:CCL" idsrc="xmltag.org">Carnival Corporation</org> and retired Vice Admiral of the <org>U.S. Navy</org>. "As the world's largest cruise company carrying hundreds of thousands of daily passengers, having a highly effective and efficient security screening process is a crucial part of how we serve our guests every day. Partnering with <org>INTERPOL</org> enables us to seamlessly enhance security across our global fleet while also maintaining our commitment to providing our guests with a great vacation experience. This is another important step for our company and industry as we continue taking proactive measures to enhance the safety and security of our passengers and crew members."

As <org value="NYSE:CCL" idsrc="xmltag.org">Carnival Corporation</org> expands I-Checkit globally, the company's brands will be able to automatically query the SLTD database before and during the boarding process to see if any passenger travel documents have been reported lost or stolen. To ensure privacy and security, no personal data is accessed or transmitted in this process.

"With its real-time secure global alert system, criminal intelligence potential and compliance framework, I-Checkit provides an invaluable preventative and investigative capability for global policing," said <person>Michael O'Connell</person>, director of <org>INTERPOL's</org>operational support and analysis directorate and head of the I-Checkit program. "I-Checkit's initiative with <org value="NYSE:CCL" idsrc="xmltag.org">Carnival Corporation</org> offers an additional layer of safety in the travel sector by creating an international standard for security screening."

Additional information on the Interpol I-Checkit system can be found at www.interpol.int/INTERPOL-expertise/I-Checkit.

One of the main focuses of this issue of Passenger Ship Technology magazine is on the use of alternative fuel. Texelstroom, the brand new CNG-Electric Hybrid ferry from the Dutch island of Texel is one of the flagship features;

The new pure LNG Catamarans currently being built and include commentary from the ship owner (Rederij Doeksen) and shipyard. Over on the cruise side, we interview Peace Boat and Ecoship founder and director Yoshioka Tatsuya about the planned groundbreaking LNG dual fuelled Ecoship.

Red Funnel ferry operator has hit the news recently with its new Red Jet 6: we interview its CEO Kevin George about further fleet plans, while for the shipyard profile, we interview Shemara Refit (now known as Wight Shipyard Co.) owner Peter Morton about its plans to capitalise on its construction of Red Jet 6.

Seabourn Encore takes centre stage as our cruise ship profile and expedition cruise line Australis tells us about its newbuild. Also covered are: scrubber projects, galley and pantry developments and electric drives.

Don't forget to visit the website where you can sign up to receive our monthly newsletter, download whitepapers from the Maritime Technology Knowledge Bank and read the latest news and features online.

The debut date for the new expedition ship built for Patagonian cruise line, Australis, has been announced. The 210-passenger Ventus Australis will make its maiden cruise on January 2, 2018, as part of Australis’ 2017/18 season of ‘bottom of the world’ voyages to Cape Horn and the glaciers and fjords of Tierra del Fuego.   

Tailor-made for cruising on the southern tip of South America, Ventus Australis will replace the smaller, 136-passenger Via Australis, which the cruise line sold earlier this year. Ventus Australis will be a twin sister to the 210-passenger Stella Australis   

From January 2 to March 29, 2018, Ventus Australis will offer 22 four-night cruises between Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile – the two southern-most towns in the world. Meanwhile, fleet mate, Stella Australis, will offer 54 sailings of three, four and seven-night durations from Ushuaia and Punta Arenas from September 30, 2017, to April 4, 2018   

Ventus Australis will feature the latest regulations regarding safety at sea and protecting the marine environment, as all of our fleet does. 

With the help of Deltamarin’s cutting-edge expertise and open-mindedness, the company is constantly creating unique and useful solutions for its customers. Being an acknowledged trendsetter, we think one step ahead and bring something new to the market. One example of our future-minded way of thinking is an internal ship design competition that we organised to challenge our designers.

In the competition, the designers were encouraged to reflect on possible future vessel designs and let even their imaginations run wild. Seven expert teams participated in the competition and created their visions of future ships. The teams presented both insightful passenger and cargo vessels, including alternative ways to utilise the sea as a source of energy. 

The Zero Emission activity cruise vessel concept was chosen as the winner of the competition. The internal panel of judges felt that the concept succeeded in creating a clever and efficient vessel design that responded both to future megatrend demands and challenging energy reduction needs.

The Zero Emission ship is a luxury cruise vessel that future customers can sail without harming the environment, as it is completely environmentally neutral and does not use any fossil fuels. The ship has four fully automatic wing sails and uses solar energy and fuel cells as its power source. A wind energy option is also available. The Zero Emission cruise ship has great manoeuvrability.

In terms of the activity available on board, the vessel is not only a standard cruise ship but much more. It enables new ways of cruising for holiday-makers who like to keep busy. Passengers can live the same active life on board as onshore, and even more. The multiple possibilities for pastimes enable a cruise experience of a lifetime. This cruise vessel has a tower that can be lifted up when the vessel is anchored. In addition to the spectacular views from the top, this observation tower has provision for special activities like zip-lining and bungee-jumping. Other pastimes offered include wall climbing, surfing and floating bungalows. Passengers can also admire the miracles of the underwater world from windows beneath the waterline. more...

The main lines of action include using LNG as an alternative fuel and an ambitious environmental policy The Port of Barcelona has presented its Air Quality Improvement Plan, a pioneering initiative that aims to effectively reduce emissions from port activities. The document, approved by the Port's Management Board and put to the Table on Air Quality in the Barcelona Conurbation, involves 25 actions rolled out in 53 operations. Port of Barcelona president Sixte Cambra, General Manager José Alberto Carbonell and the organisation's environment chief Jordi Vila presented the Plan at a press conference.

The most representative actions are promoting LNG as an alternative fuel for vessels and for road freight transport, an ambitious policy of discounts for cleaner ships and replacing the Port's internal fleet with electric vehicles. “Over the last two decades our Port has led the way on environmental issues and we are firmly committed to continuing in this leading role. We are aware that our responsibility as a public company is to lead the change towards a more sustainable model" said Sixte Cambra.

According to modelling done by Barcelona Regional, port activity is responsible for 7.6% of average annual concentrations of NOx in the city of Barcelona and of 1.5% of particulate matter. Port General Manager José Alberto Carbonell specified how this contribution is split between the main segments of the Port's activity. Container ships are responsible for 1.7% of the annual average concentration of NOx in the Catalan capital, with other cargo ships representing 2%, ferries 1.4% and cruise ships 1.2%. As regards particulate matter, the contribution port activity makes to total concentration in the city (estimated at 1.5%) is split into 0.38% for container ships, 0.48% other cargo ships, 0.23% cruise ships and 0.28% ferries, among others. 

A port that leads the way in environmental issues Since 1996, the Port of Barcelona has played a pioneering role in promoting actions to reduce the environmental impact of the activities it performs in the precinct, promoting the use of rail and Short Sea Shipping (SSS), environmental checks on all of the works developed by the Port, creating an air quality monitoring network in the port environment (the first and most complete in the Spanish port system), regulating handling of solid bulk and monitoring the emissions of the various concessions.

The Port of Barcelona's Air Quality Improvement Plan is part of two more far-reaching plans by the Catalan Government, the Generalitat (2015-2020 Air Quality Improvement Plan for the Metropolitan Region) and Barcelona City Council (2015-2018 Air Quality Improvement Plan for Barcelona). The document proposes a wide range of areas for improvement: reducing emissions from ships, road traffic, terminal machinery, port works and solid bulk; promoting rail transport and Short Sea Shipping; new accesses, sustainable mobility and air quality network.

LNG as a fuel for mobility

Promoting liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative fuel for ships, terminal machinery and trucks is one of the highlights of the plan, as LNG use cuts NOx emissions by 80% and stops particulate and sulphur oxide emissions. In addition, new legislation on greenhouse gas emissions is increasingly restrictive and the maritime industry is turning to LNG as a fuel for powering an increasing number of vessels that will enter into service in the coming years.

Discounts for cleaner ships

The policy of environmental discounts on ships' fees is one of the most innovative aspects of the plan. “The discount applied to port fees is a very important tool, since it is a fundamental instrument for bringing about change in the vessels," said General Manager José Alberto Carbonell. The problem is that at present the law allows a maximum discount of 5% for environmental reasons on ships' fees, which is a very small margin for building an ambitious environmental strategy. more...

Carnival Corporation announced Wednesday that it will expand its Fathom brand's social impact excursions in the Dominican Republic to six other cruise lines this fall.

Beginning this month, guests sailing AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises UK voyages with scheduled calls in Amber Cove will be able to purchase a social impact excursion as they would a traditional shore excursion.

The expansion will include the launch of two new excursion offerings, including the Hands-On Chocolate Experience at a Women's Cooperative and the Volunteer Experience at Recycled Paper & Crafts Entrepreneurship.  The former will allow guests to work hands-on in the Puerto Plata community through a chocolate cooperative founded by local women. Travelers will explore an organic-chocolate factory in Altamira and work alongside the women to produce chocolate bars. Meanwhile, the latter experience will transport guests to the village of El Javillar, where they'll work alongside local women recycling paper into products for sale.

"The feedback from our travelers and our local Dominican partners who have participated in Fathom's social impact experiences in the Dominican Republic has been overwhelmingly positive and mutually beneficial," said Fathom president and Carnival Corporation global impact lead Tara Russell in a statement.  more...

According to Carnival, since Fathom began every-other-week cruises to Amber Cove this past May, guests participating in the experiences have contributed to the installation of 730 water filters for local families and have helped construct concrete flooring in as many as 40 homes, in addition to providing other services

The world of AIS can be both confusing to newcomers and experienced professionals alike. What actually is AIS? What data does it gather? How can it help my business? Do I need AIS if I don’t have a business? Class A or Class B transponders? Do I actually need it? There’s a plethora of questions from those looking to get the most out of their tracking tools, or from those looking into entering the maritime industry.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to AIS that covers a wide range of topics from specific AIS units to getting the most out of the data gathered. We’ve included some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the topic too. If you are ever in doubt, take some time to read through this document, if your question isn’t answered, feel free to contact BigOceanData. 

What is AIS?

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a worldwide automatic positioning system based on fitting small transponders to vessels that continuously transmits a signal. This alerts other vessels and shore stations with AIS receivers to the presence of that vessel. The position information is supplemented with additional information about the vessel. The signals and accompanying information can then be received by any vessel, land station or satellite fitted with an AIS receiver, and is then typically displayed on a screen using interactive chart-plotting software.

Who has AIS?

International maritime law requires AIS transponders to be fitted aboard international voyaging ships with a gross tonnage of 300 tonnes or more, and on all passenger ships regardless of their size. Given its visibility and safety advantages many smaller vessels also voluntarily install AIS units. In many countries no license is required to purchase and operate either transponders or receivers.

The result is that AIS is used almost universally in the worldwide commercial maritime industry and increasingly so in the leisure marine sector. Not all vessels can be tracked by AIS. Naval and security ships generally prefer not to be tracked when on active duty, and cases are regularly reported of commercial vessels underway with their transponders turned off for unspecified reasons. Read the entire Report here...

LOS ANGELES
 Crystal, The World’s Most Luxurious Hospitality and Lifestyle Brand Portfolio™, announced today its current outlook for the continued expansion of its fleet and holdings. Over the past 18 months Crystal has undertaken unprecedented steps in what has been the most significant brand expansion in the luxury travel industry, beginning with the launch of the ultra-luxury yacht Crystal Esprit, and Crystal Mozart, the first of a series of sleek river yachts to comprise of Crystal River Cruises, the only true luxury river cruise brand in Europe. In addition to water-faring travel ventures, the 26-year-old company launched Crystal Luxury Air in April, a private jet charter service with a Global Express Jet that accommodates just 12 guests, and announced last Thursday (Oct. 27) the inaugural journey for Crystal AirCruises in partnership with The Peninsula Hotels, which will take guests on lavish global adventures in the extreme comfort of Crystal’s privately owned Boeing 777-200LR.

“The breadth of development we’ve achieved since our expansion announcement in July 2015 has been astonishing and thrilling, and we’ve only just begun,” says Crystal CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez. “We are completely redefining the luxury travel segment and what it means for discerning travelers to truly customize their ideal experiences. As the market and industry evolves, it remains our priority to offer unparalleled luxury experiences that evolve with it, while maintaining our commitment to the utmost attention to detail and service levels that has earned us the loyalty of the savviest world travelers for decades.”

Crystal’s recently launched experiences have already broadened the company’s reach to wider audiences. With Crystal Esprit’s voyages and extreme water toys - including the first ever submarine in the cruise industry - appealing to intrepid and adventurous travelers, the 62-guest capacity yacht has attracted nearly 50 percent “new to Crystal” guests in its first year of deployment.

With the successful completion of Crystal Serenity’s Northwest Passage voyage this summer, the volume of guests seeking luxury adventure travel, and the extensive survey research over the past three years – revealing that close to 70 percent of current Crystal guests have a strong interest in expedition cruising – has prompted Crystal to rebrand its current Crystal Yacht Cruises as Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises. The new banner will encompass three new build expedition mega-yachts, including the previously announced Crystal Endeavor. The purpose-built polar class mega-yachts will navigate “first year ice” and be outfitted with submarines, helicopters, and remote operated vehicles, feature spacious Penthouses and Villas, and other luxurious amenities. Crystal’s expedition ships will cruise in the Arctic; then follow the route of migrating whales along the coast of the Americas and Europe to Antarctica during winter. Crystal is scheduled to take delivery of Crystal Endeavor in mid-2019, with the additional two expedition vessels debuting in succession the following years.

In the ocean-going experience category, Crystal’s award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity continue to captivate travelers with guests thoroughly enjoying their experiences and making their high levels of satisfaction publicly known. Crystal remains a leader in the luxury industry earning “World’s Best” recognition from the readers of Condé Nast Traveler for a record 23rd year, receiving the highest score in its 23 years of winning the award and by the widest margin ever to the runner up. Additionally, the luxury line won “Best Luxury Cruise Line” from travel professional organizations Virtuoso Travel, Vacation.com and Ensemble Travel. In maintaining continued guest satisfaction, Crystal will heavily invest in massive enhancements for both ships in 2017 and 2018, similar to past refurbishments, such as the $52-million “extreme makeover” to Crystal Serenity in 2013 and the $20-million redesign to Crystal Symphony in 2014. The most significant outcome of these investments will feature full open seating dining for guests on both ships and more suites.

In all, Crystal will introduce at least one new brand experience per year through 2022, with a newly developed timeline as follows:

2017: Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler launch; Crystal AirCruises takes flight; Crystal Symphony enhancements and Crystal Luxury Air debuts second Global Express Jet.

2018: Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel launch; Crystal Serenity enhancements.

2019: Crystal Endeavor expedition mega-yacht launch.

2020: Second Crystal expedition mega-yacht to launch.

2021: Third Crystal expedition mega-yacht to launch.

2022: Crystal Exclusive Class™ with Crystal Residences debuts. 

The Trident Alliance believes that effective enforcement of the Global Sulphur Cap promises to be even more challenging than enforcing the ECA zones currently in effect. For effective implementation, the signatories to Marpol Annex VI must adopt clear legal frameworks, together with a plan to ensure consistent implementation internationally, guidelines for robust enforcement and sanction schemes that are a real deterrent to non-compliance.

“Strong engagement by the IMO member nations on effective implementation of the Global Sulphur Cap is as important as the committee’s decision this week,” said Anna Larsson, Chair of the Trident Alliance. more...

Eco Marine Power (EMP), which develops fuel and emission reduction solutions for ships, has won a patent from Japan Patent Office (JPO) for the core elements of EnergySail technology.

Specially designed for shipping industry, EnergySail is an advanced rigid sail device that can be incorporated into various renewable energy technologies including solar panels or wind power devices.

EnergySail can also be installed in a variety of vessels ranging from cargo ships and RoRo vessels to passenger ferries and coastguard ships.

With the newly granted patent, EMP will be able to licence the technology to start commercial production of EnergySail device and related technologies by 2018.

The main design elements covered by the patent include EnergySail’s grid structure, functional panels and device for reducing sudden wind loads. According to EMP, these elements can be used in a sail type device or as a platform for wind power and solar power devices.

Eco Marine Power chief technology officer Greg Atkinson said: "This is another important milestone for Eco Marine Power and the granting of this patent illustrates the innovative nature of the fuel and emission reduction solutions we are developing for shipping  

“The technologies associated with this patent have applications across shipping and could also be incorporated into coastal or offshore renewable energy projects."  Earlier this year, EMP won a patent in Japan and the US for another concept related to the use of wind and solar power from ships. The company is additionally involved in developing sustainable ship concepts that incorporate new renewable energy technologies