A study published by Norbert Bulten, Product Performance Manager at Wärtsilä, has demonstrated that “there is more in life than the straight-sailing, calm water condition.”

The research was carried out within the EU-funded CHEK project and involved full-scale CFD simulations that focused on the impact of rudder steering and vessel motion.

The study compared a gate rudder concept to a conventional semi-spade rudder for a Kamsarmax bulker.

Typically, a rudder is placed behind the propeller, where the movable part can be a part (semi-spade) or the complete rudder section (full-spade). The rudder profile sections can be pre-aligned with the incoming flow (twisted leading edge) or straight.

In contrast, the concept of a gate rudder has two symmetrical rudder parts located on either side of the propeller where the downstream, accelerated flow does not directly interact with the rudder. The rudder sections instead target a stagnation point of the flow close to the outer-side of the rudder leading edge. This creates a low-pressure region on the inner side of the gate rudder, which creates a net-thrust force. While both rudder parts are positioned at the same steering angle, their effect is…

RSC Bio Solutions launched FUTERRA Compressor Oils, synthetic lubricants designed to meet the performance demands of industrial and marine sectors while addressing sustainability needs.

FUTERRA Compressor Oil is formulated with a synthetic, sustainable base oil, offering outstanding thermal stability, long service intervals, and inherent biodegradability. This product is tailored to rotary screw, reciprocating, and other high-performance air compressors in applications where reliability and environmental compliance are critical.

FUTERRA Compressor Oil provides a solution for industries that operate in environmentally sensitive areas, such as offshore energy, marine vessels, and heavy-duty industrial sites. This lubricant helps companies meet environmental regulations while optimizing equipment performance, extending service life, and reducing operational costs. By using renewable base oils, it contributes to decarbonization efforts in high-demand sectors.

“FUTERRA sets a new standard for compressor oils,” said Mike Guggenheimer, President & CEO at RSC Bio Solutions. “Customers no longer need to compromise between performance and sustainability. With FUTERRA, we are empowering marine and industrial businesses to enhance operational efficiency and…

Conrad Shipyard announced it has delivered the first Yard, Repair, Berthing, Messing (YRBM) vessel to the U.S. Navy. The delivery took place at Conrad’s shipyard in Amelia, La., where the final inspection by key Navy officials took place.

This YRBM vessel, the first in its class, was designed and constructed by Conrad Shipyard, featuring a new and innovative design tailored to meet the U.S. Navy’s operational needs. The vessel recently completed its acceptance trials during the challenging conditions of Hurricane Francine.

The delivered YRBM is part of a larger contract with seven more vessels currently under construction. On Wednesday, Navy officials visited Conrad’s shipyard in Amelia where construction is taking place and participated in a ceremonial hull plate signing to commemorate the construction of YRBM 61 and YRBM 62.

RADM Kevin Smith expressed that the Navy is “really excited to recognize Conrad as a new member of the navy shipbuilding team and their outstanding performance on YRBM 57; a much-needed berthing barge which will greatly improve Sailor Quality of Service.”

The vessel will be stationed at its initial homeport in Japan, where it will serve to enhance naval operations in the region.

Johnny Conrad, CEO of Conrad Shipyard,…

Nebo Global is launching its NeboFleet tracking solution for workboat fleets at the International Workboat Show, November 12, 2024.

Already in operation with selected businesses in the United States and Australia, NeboFleet provides fleet managers and operational staff with a clear view of fleet and vessel status and an accurate track of where each vessel has been.

Nebo Fleet is accessed via a secure online portal and app, with a self-contained, waterproof GPS tracker installed on each vessel. Nebos provide a managed service, including secure data transmission from each vessel and rapid support.

Stephen Winter, Nebo Global’s founder and Technical Director said: “Nebo Fleet has been live with a number of our key clients for over 18 months, and all report significant improvements across their operations. With both wired and battery-powered devices, installation on old and new vessels is easy, and results are instantaneous.

“We’re super-keen to demonstrate how quickly NeboFleet adds value, particularly by integrating with client’s existing systems. Inserting arrival and departure times and passing mile markers on river systems are simple examples of automation and integration that save time and improve the accuracy of vessel logs.”

…

French engineering company GTT has received an order from Korean shipyard HD Hyundai Samho for the tank design of two new Ultra Large Ethane Carriers (ULEC).

The order has been placed on behalf of shipowner Eastern Pacific Shipping.

GTT will design the tanks of these two vessels, which will each offer total capacity of 150,000 m3. The tanks will be fitted with the Mark III membrane containment system developed by GTT.

The containment system has been designed to carry a wide range of liquefied gases from the petrochemical industry, in addition to LNG, allowing broad operational flexibility over the vessel’s lifetime.

The delivery of the vessels is scheduled between the second and third quarters of 2027.

Ports can’t afford to slow down, and stricter environmental regulations and emissions standards are pushing port authorities to balance operational efficiency with reducing their carbon footprint. By replacing traditional gas and diesel as an energy source, propane can help ports reduce emissions and air pollution without sacrificing power or efficiency. Let’s explore how.

Reduced Emissions
Propane is non-toxic and won’t contaminate soil or water. A byproduct of natural gas processing and sometimes crude oil refining, propane is recognized for its lower emissions profile compared to fuels like gas and diesel. In fact, propane is listed as an approved alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act. When used in engines to power port tractors, forklifts, light- and medium-duty vehicles, and more around port terminals, propane emits significantly fewer greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter than diesel and gas.

Here are some examples:

Propane Port Tractors

• In terminal tractors and light-duty vehicles, propane produces 12 percent fewer greenhouse emissions than gasoline.
• Terminal tractors produce 99 percent less particulate matter than diesel tractors.

(Photo: Propane Education & Research Council)

Propane Forklifts

• Propane forklifts…

UK-based offshore vessel owner North Star has secured its first contract for a commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) from EnBW, which will be deployed at 960 MW He Dreiht offshore wind farm in Germany.

This award for the newbuild Grampian Kestrel CSOV of VARD 4 22 design, will precede the decade-long minimum charter contract the firm signed in February to provide a service operation vessel (SOV) for the German energy utility firm’s He Dreiht wind farm in the North Sea.

Tailored for the commissioning phase, the Grampian Kestrel CSOV will offer essential accommodation and logistics to support the construction and commissioning works in 2025.

Following this period, it will lead EnBW’s operations and maintenance activities until the newbuild SOV is delivered in the third quarter of 2026.

The Grampian Kestrel is the first of two CSOVs under construction for North Star. The VARD 4 22 design has been developed especially for North Star, with new methanol ready hybrid-propulsion solutions and an increased number of single cabins, providing hotel quality accommodation for the technicians working in field.

“The CSOV, part of North Star’s growing fleet as we aim to add 40 SOVs by 2040, will be equipped with market leading accessibility to…

Cash buyer GMS reports an eerie calm has descended across tense global economies, including the destitute ship recycling sector.

It’s been some time since a regular supply of a decent variety of vessels has been regularly available (likely the worst in a decade), says GMS. 

Levels have declined by over USD 100/LDT since the peaks of early 2024 and offerings continually retreat, firmly relegating all vessels below the commensurate USD 500/LDT mark.

Geopolitical events have been to blame for much of the trauma across the ship recycling markets this year. “Such has been the unpredictable nature of global instability at present that sentiments are yoyoing wildly from one week to the next.”

Bangladesh has remained virtually out of the picture for over a couple of weeks, given that most infrastructure projects remain on hold under the current interim government.

India has managed to haul in a massive tranche of tonnage, but ship recycling yards across Bangladesh and (especially) Pakistan lie empty due to comparatively weak sentiments that have left demand stifled.

As cheaper Chinese steel continues to flood the markets and has been a key source of frustration for Indian and Pakistani recyclers in recent times, meaningful tariffs have done little to…