ABS launched a suite of products that are desgiend to improve information transfer between the classification society and its clients around the world. ABS Connect looks to streamline communications, placing more in-depth information in the hands of industry. The launch of
ABS Connect is the most recent evidence of the organization’s continued efforts to develop service delivery products and practices to meet the expanding needs of the marine and offshore industry.
“As the class society of the future, ABS will continue to raise the bar in providing comprehensive services that help the marine and offshore industries meet the wide spectrum of operational and regulatory challenges,” says ABS President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. “In
today’s global environment, timely access to information is critical to managing the operations. ABS Connect will allow our clients to access key classification information at the time and place of their choosing.”
During a press conference in London on 14 May, ABS Chief Technology Officer Todd Grove introduced the company’s new mobile interface for its website at www.eagle.org along with the ABS Bookshelf application. Currently available for download (at no charge) from Apple’s App Store™, ABS Bookshelf is a
mobile library of ABS’ extensive publications, including the more than 100 Rules and Guides available electronically and used in the design, construction and maintenance of vessels and offshore structures to ABS classification.
“The ABS Bookshelf app provides designers, builders, owners, managers and operators the ability to take ABS’ Rules and Guides anywhere in the world on their iPad or iPhone,” Grove explains. “The functionality of the app allows users to easily search and annotate key pieces of information that
previously required internet access or large volumes of printed documents – all within a dedicated app designed to organize a user’s ABS documents.”
The mobile version of the ABS website is user-friendly and also allows for the downloading of ABS publications, including the Rules and Guides, onto any mobile device including Blackberries and Androids. The mobile website streamlines clients’ access to key areas of the website including the hub
of ABS classification services – My Eagle.
Posts Tagged ‘Launches’
ABS Launches ‘ABS Connect’ Mobile Apps
Monday, May 14th, 2012DNV Launches new Jack-up Rule Book
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012New dedicated rule book from DNV for self-elevating offshore units guides jack-up rig designers & yards
The new rule book clearly explains the DNV and international regulations and standards. Adaptations from the traditional Offshore Standards include additional class notations and alignment of material and jacking systems requirements based on feedback from industry experts and adapted survey procedures.
This dedicated rule book for self-elevating units clearly provides the specific considerations required for Jack-Ups to prevent interpretations that may lead to imposing additional requirements without any safety benefits. These considerations are especially relevant for Jack-ups, taking into account their dual fixed/ floating nature.
DNV’s Offshore Class Product Manager, Michiel van der Geest, explains that “We have focused on making a user friendly rule book with clear guidance. I believe that the designers and yards will now find it much easier to interpret Jack Up requirements. Additionally, the entire classification concept is described in a concise manner, so that full compliance can be achieved. Besides the new format the rule book, most importantly, is based on a deep understanding of the Jack-up segments needs and standards.
Further, the book introduces the new voluntary notation Enhanced Systems (ES). This notation covers industry’s needs to demonstrate safety and reliability beyond compliance. “It is based on our accumulated knowledge and experience and contains requirements for acceptable design solutions,” he concludes.
Cummins Launches SmartPhone App for Job Seekers
Wednesday, April 25th, 2012Autonomous Underwater Vessel Launched by Hydroid
Hydroid launches next-generation AUV designed for survey applications
Hydroid, Inc., a subsidiary of Kongsberg Maritime and manufacturer of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs),
US DP Training Lab Launches NI Accredited Course
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012US Nautical training school – ‘Maritime Professional Training’ – announce commencement of its first DP course accredited by Nautical Institute
Fort Lauderdale based Maritime Professional Training (MPT) has announced accreditation from The Nautical Institute as a Dynamic Positioning (DP) Training facility, joining authorized organizations both in the U.S. and worldwide to offer training in this specialized maitime skill. The inaugral course began recently.
MPT has completed installation of a state-of-the-art DP training lab utilizing Marine Technologies (MT) system software with multiple models to provide training on a full range of dynamic postioning system equipped vessels.The facility combines the latest simulation software from the Transas Group, with an integrated Electronic Chart Display & Information System.
The new Lab, with six individual training stations is designed to be one of the most comprehensive currently available anywhere in the world. MPT’s design will allow one student per station for maximum hands-on experience during training. Students will gain a real-world experience with the bridge radar, the Transas and ECDIS systems, the ship’s conning display and the vessel’s visual channel, all incorporated into each
MPT will offer both the [Basic DP course as well as the Advanced DP course and will issue certificates of course completion which are necessary for students to qualify for application to the Nautical Institute for certification. The Nautical Institute is the international accreditation organization for certification of DP training centers and DP professionals.
ISS Launches Operations in Saudi Arabia
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012Joint venture with Al Bakri Group set to create leading maritime and cargo services business in the region.
Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), the world’s leading maritime services provider, today announced the launch of new operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The move provides ISS with a significant presence in one of the largest industrial and project-orientated economies within the Middle East.
In creating the new entity, ISS has signed a joint venture agreement (JV) with Al Bakri Group, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading and most respected organisations. The JV, known as ISS Saudi Arabia will provide customers with marine, cargo and government services as well as survey and liner agency; all specifically tailored to meet the precise needs of each customer’s business. ISS Saudi Arabia will also operate launch services off Rastanura. All services are available to customers 24/7, and are supported by ISS’s global network, systems, infrastructure and standard operating procedures.
Headquartered in Jeddah, where the country management team is based, ISS Saudi Arabia also has offices in Yanbu, Rabigh, Jubail, Rastanura, Ras Al Khafji and Dammam. Mr. Rohan D’Souza, who has over 15 year’s port agency experience, has been appointed as ISS Saudi Arabia Port Manager. D’Souza has been transferred from ISS Qatar, where he was the Marine and Government Services Operations Manager for several years. During this time he developed strong partnerships with ISS customers providing cutting-edge solutions to drive efficiencies within their operations. Based in Jeddah, D’Souza will be responsible for operational delivery and ensuring a consistently high level of service for customers within the region.
Commenting on the launch, Flemming Jensen, Senior Regional Vice President for Middle East and India said: “The launch of our new operations in Saudi Arabia represents the commitment we have to our customers in providing them with state-of-the-art services in a vitally important region for global trade.
Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Middle East and has significantly boosted its foreign reserves over the past years, which were projected to reach 1.65 trillion riyals ($440bn) by the end of 2011 according to the Central Bank. Under its budget unveiled in 2011, Saudi Arabia plans to spend $160bn on domestic projects by the end of 2012. The country has also pledged to spend $400bn by the end of 2013 to upgrade its infrastructure, including the establishment of five major economic and industrial cities.
Seaspan Launches Supplier Self-Registration Portal
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012Seaspan Marine Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of its Supplier Self-Registration Portal. The multi-year shipbuilding program that Seaspan is undertaking requires a large number of varied suppliers. This new portal will establish a single database of all potential suppliers to match procurement operations with profiles. It will also establish more rigor in supplier qualification and development. “We are in the early stages of developing a procurement strategy to support the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) program, and this is the first step in building key partnerships with our established and future suppliers,” said Brian Carter, Seaspan Shipyards president.
USS Coronado Launches with Thrustmaster
Friday, January 27th, 2012Thrustmaster of Texas is awarded contract for LCS 6 and LCS 8.
In a time-honored ceremony, amid much pomp and tradition, the majestic 418-foot trimaran built by Austal in Mobile, Alabama officially became the future USS CORONADO (LCS 4). With a Thrustmaster hydraulic retractable azimuthing thruster under her bow, the U.S. Navy’s newest ship was christened today before hundreds of distinguished guests and navy brass. The CORONADO is the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) that Thrustmaster of Texas has provided with secondary propulsion equipment. The first, USS INDEPENDENCE (LCS 2), was commissioned in January of 2010 and is now fully operational.
On the heels of this momentous event, Thrustmaster of Texas is also announcing the receipt of an additional order from Austal for two retractable hydraulic thrusters for LCS 6 and LCS 8. LCS 6 will be named USS JACKSON, and LCS 8 will be named USS MONTGOMERY. The retractable azimuthing thruster gives the ship’s captain more maneuverability at low speeds and provides a second-chance propulsion system during combat.
“The U.S. Navy’s vote of confidence for Thrustmaster’s advanced marine propulsion systems is something we are very proud of here in Houston,” said Kendall Baudoin, Sales Manager of Military and Government Accounts at Thrustmaster of Texas. “Not only is Thrustmaster of Texas a world leader in design and manufacture of retractable thrusters, but we are also the only U.S.-based manufacturer of such equipment. Our partnership with the U.S. Navy seems only natural.”
Austal Launches Second LCS
Friday, January 13th, 2012Austal Launches 2nd Littoral Combat Ship CORONADO (LCS 4)
Mobile, Alabama-based Austal USA successfully launched the second 127-meter Independence-Variant Littoral Combat Ship, Coronado (LCS 4). In reference to the success of the Coronado launch, Joe Rella, Austal USA President and Chief Operating Officer, had this to say, “The success of this major milestone in the life of not only this vessel but of the entire Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program is a testament to Austal’s highly skilled craftsmen and women. Launch occurs when a ship is complete enough to safely be waterborne. At almost 90 percent complete the Coronado will rapidly be approaching sea trials later this year speeding it along its way to completion and final delivery to the Navy.”
The roll-out involved the use of an innovative self-propelled modular transporter system to transfer the ship from the yard’s final assembly bay to a barge and then onto a floating dry dock for launch. A similar system was first used a few months ago, in September 2011, to successfully launch USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1). Austal USA designed a new set of keel stands to support the ship during construction and facilitate the transition from the assembly bay. Austal’s own self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) supplemented those of Berard Transportation of New Iberia, LA, to provide a total of 3,800 tons lift capacity, on some 104 axle lines.
The launch of Coronado was conducted in a multi-step process as follows:
1) On Monday, January 9, SPMTs lifted the entire ship, and keel stands almost three feet and moved the LCS onto a moored deck barge adjacent to the assembly bay.
2) Then the deck barge with Coronado onboard was towed a half mile down river to BAE Systems’ Southeast Shipyard, Mobile.
3) Coronado was transferred on the keel stands using the SPMTs to BAE’s floating dry dock.
4) Today, the floating dry dock was submerged and Coronado floated off.
5) Coronado floated clear of the keel stands, and was maneuvered from the drydock.
6) The vessel was then towed back up river to Austal USA’s facility, where it will undergo final outfitting and activation before sea trials and delivery to the Navy.
A major improvement in safety and efficiency, the new roll-out method has shaved hours off the transfer process, and serves as a capstone in Austal’s effort to reduce cost and time required in future LCS deliveries. The 127-meter Austal trimaran seaframe is the platform for the LCS mission and weapon systems. This seaframe provides superior seakeeping and aviation as a result of its long, slender central hull and smaller side hulls (“amahs”). The trimaran hullform provides a large internal mission deck with a high payload carrying capacity. Located above the mission bay is the flight deck capable of conducting H-60 helicopter operations. The vertical location of the flight deck on the trimaran hull form provides the highest flight deck elevation above the water on a combatant ship other than large deck amphibious warfare vessels or aircraft carriers.
The christening of Coronado is scheduled for January 14, 2012. The launch of Coronado (LCS 4) closely follows the christening of the 103-meter USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) and the celebration of the keel laying ceremony for Choctaw County (JHSV 2). Modular construction has also begun on JHSV 3 and Jackson (LCS 6) – the first of the 10-ship Navy contract awarded to Austal, as the prime contractor, a year ago – in Austal’s 700,000-sf Module Manufacturing Facility (MMF). Austal also has Montgomery (LCS 
and JHSV 3 through JHSV 7 under contract.
For the LCS and JHSV programs, Austal is working in a partnership with General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics. As the ship systems integrator, General Dynamics is responsible for the design, integration and testing of the ship’s electronic systems including the combat system, networks, and seaframe control. General Dynamics’ proven open architecture approach provides affordable capabilities to the fleet quickly and efficiently. Austal USA employs over 2,100 highly qualified shipbuilders, engineers and support staff and is steadily growing towards 4,000 employees. Information on employment opportunities at Austal USA can be found at www.austaljobs.com.
Wells Marine Launches Battery Management System
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011The Boat Builders Labor Saving Device – Custom Designs Available.
Battery management system manufacturer Wells Marine Technology has launched a space-saving flat panel model of its Total Automatic Battery Management System (T.A.B.S.) that can be configured easily for any single, twin or triple engine application and can also be custom-designed to builder model specifications. Wells T.A.B.S. connects battery chargers, DC electric panels and equipment to save boat builders time, money and storage space while eliminating confusing battery selector switches for boat owners. The new flat panel T.A.B.S. features heavy duty stainless steel hardware and can accommodate any size cable. Wells Total Automatic Battery Management Systems feature:
• Automatic charging and isolation of batteries
• Hands free operation – no diodes or selector switches
• Emergency start parallel
• On-Off manual battery disconnect switches
• Indicator lights for battery switches
• Indicator light for automatic charging system
• Heavy duty ½” stainless or bronze hardware for large gauge cables
Honda Marine Launches All-New BF250 Outboard
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011Company Setting Industry Standards of Quality, Reliability and Performance with More Powerful Engine.
Honda Marine introduces the all-new BF250 horsepower (hp) four-stroke engine, the most powerful outboard to join the Honda Marine lineup – and now the company’s flagship model. The Honda BF250 marine outboard engine incorporates a host of Honda-exclusive technologies that provide increased value and benefit to consumers. The styling concept of the new Honda BF250, a departure from previously introduced Honda Marine outboards, incorporates a sleeker and slimmer aesthetic design. The cowling of the new engine exhibits a sharper, more angular profile – with chrome lines conveying power and speed – contributing to an overall streamlined, aerodynamic appearance. Included in this innovative and durable configuration are technologically advanced features that contribute to the engine’s best-in-class fuel economy and excellent power and charging performance.
“The all-new Honda BF250 marine engine demonstrates the Honda commitment to engineering a product line with unparalleled performance, power and fuel economy,” said Alan Simmons, national manager, Honda Marine. “The introduction of this flagship engine also further strengthens our relationship with both consumers and boat-builder partners.”
- Improved Power, Performance and Fuel Economy
With a full-throttle RPM range of 5300-6300, the Honda BF250 is a high-performance 3.6 L engine that incorporates an all-new gear case and advancements from Honda’s automotive and marine outboard engine lines. For example, integrated into the BF250 design is Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control® (VTEC®). First debuted in the high-performance Acura NSX sports car, VTEC® technology works to vary the lift and duration of the intake valve opening to deliver optimal performance at both low and high rpm, resulting in peak performance at all speeds. The technology provides a broad, flat torque curve and smooth power delivery throughout the engine’s entire operating range, allowing the operator to enjoy outstanding performance and impressive fuel economy.
The Honda BF250 engine incorporates the Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST™) System which dramatically improves holeshot acceleration by advancing ignition spark timing to within one degree of the knock limit during ‘hammer down’ acceleration. The Engine Control Module (ECM) then steps in to increase injector timing, creating a more potent air/fuel mixture. The resulting boost in available torque at low rpm contributes to a strong holeshot (off the line acceleration) to get the boat up on plane quickly. The ignition spark timing is appropriately adjusted under slower throttle advancement, ensuring a leaner air/fuel mix and improved fuel efficiency. The ECM in the Honda BF250 also can predict the operator’s shifting operation based on changes in engine speed and throttle position.
Further, when the electric load on the new Honda BF250 increases, an adjustable idling-charge system enhances the charging performance of the engine. The BF250 has an industry-first, AMP Plus (Amp+) feature which, at idle speeds, senses a need for more amperage and automatically raises the engine rpms by 100 to produce an additional nine amps. This is perfect for simultaneously running accessories such as SONAR, GPS, stereo, live wells and trolling motors. The all-new Honda BF250 is designed with Lean Burn Control, a feature that automatically adjusts the air/fuel mix according to speed and load while maximizing power throughout the acceleration range – providing as much as 20 percent greater fuel economy in cruise mode (2,000 to 4,500 rpm). Lean Burn Control has been enhanced on the BF250 to improve fuel efficiency even further in specific cruising ranges, resulting in best-in-class fuel economy: 16 -30 percent better than competitive models, depending on specific running conditions.
The increased durability and reliability of the Honda BF250 stems from a redesigned gear case and a low gear ratio; an optional large diameter (16”) propeller also can further enhance performance. The gear case of the BF250 engine incorporates an advanced design that minimizes water resistance, and by extension, reduces the overall drag coefficient by five percent (even without the use of the larger, optional propeller).
- World’s First Marine Direct Air Dual Circuit Induction System
The all-new Honda BF250 engine incorporates the world’s first marine direct air dual circuit induction system of its type on a production outboard. The first circuit draws air into the front and around critical engine components, and a top-mounted cooling fan draws cooling air over the alternator. The second circuit routes cool air from the upper intake vents, removes moisture, and then inducts it into the throttle body. This system provides for cooler, denser air for better combustion than conventional under-cowl induction systems. The design of the variable air intake system on the Honda BF250 also includes a large air-intake silencer that reduces noise. The silencing effect results from a chamber being added to the intake passage – causing sound waves to interfere with one another – creating a side branch effect that quiets noise.
- Additional Features and Benefits, Ease-of-Use
The design of the Honda BF250 incorporates a spark plug maintenance cover that assists in ease-of-maintenance of the spark plug. This window provides access to the spark plugs without removing the entire engine cover. The engine also includes a high-quality, cost-effective nickel spark plug that seals the combustion chamber. Because the BF250 engine mounts on industry-standard 26” centers, repowering twin BF250s is convenient. Having a 26″ industry-standard engine mount is an advantage in several ways. In terms of repowering, older boats traditionally utilized the standard 26″ distance, making it an easy fit to repower with Honda engines that utilize the same standard. By extension, having to modify a transom to accommodate a different distance is costly. Having ample room between the two outboards allows for easier access for maintenance, and this distance provides tighter turning capability.
In addition, the new Honda BF250 engine is NMEA 2000® certified (parameters of this certification are defined and controlled by the U.S.-based National Marine Electronics Association). This accreditation means that the product has been tested to meet specific critical safety criteria and to correctly implement network management and messaging. NMEA developed this open architecture electronic protocol to allow engine data to be interfaced with a wide variety of name brand marine electronics. In meeting this certification, the BF250 does not require the added expense of proprietary gateway devices.
Beginning in 2012, the all-new Honda BF250 outboard engine will be available at Honda Marine dealers nationwide. All new Honda outboard engines sold for recreational use, including the new BF250, offer an industry-best True 5-year, non-declining limited factory warranty that is the same on the last day as it is on the first. Honda Marine exclusively features four-stroke outboard engine technology for high fuel efficiency, quiet operation, and low emissions. Honda’s outboards share the same unparalleled durability, quality, and reliability of its legendary automobiles. With models ranging from 2 to 250 horsepower, the Honda Marine full line of current production models certify to California Air Resources Board (CARB) 3-Star standards, ensuring their availability and regulatory compliance in all 50 states.