COMMERCIAL MARINE 408
Naiad appoints new Australian builder
New Zealand-based RIB design specialist, Naiad, has entered into a licensed builder partnership with Yamba Welding and Engineering for NSW, Qld and NT.
Yamba Welding
has more than 36 years experience in aluminium boatbuilding for both commercial and recreational operators and is a Quality Assured company with Bureau Veritas certification. Yamba Welding specialise in aluminium boats, with builds from 4.5m to 22m.
Announcing the appointment, Naiad stated: “With a well-trained workforce of 20 staff they have the skills, capability and structure to professionally service the Naiad business in NSW and Qld.
“The operation at Yamba Welding is impressive in its organisation, focus, and quality of product,” said Naiad director John Cowan. “Bill Collingburn has built a strong team — we've run up against them competitively in the market many times and we are very excited to now have them onboard with us.”
The move comes after the recent changes at Brisbane-based Woody Marine and brings to an end the seven-year relationship between Naiad and that company.
Naiad is now represented by two builders in Australia: Kirby Marine in Perth, and Yamba Welding in NSW, who both have a strong commitment to meeting customer requirements and growing the Naiad brand in the Australian market.
Wave-piercers enter crewboat market
Incat Crowther has announced that it has been contracted to design an innovative 28m wave-piercing catamaran crewboat to support offshore oil and gas operations.
Developed in conjunction with Topaz Shipbuilding of the United Arab Emirates for a large petroleum firm, the vessel features a new and cleverly developed layout.
As the original inventors of the wave-piercing catamaran, Incat Crowther proposed the platform in response to a challenging combination of operational requirements.
The first challenge was to balance a restriction on beam with the requirement to locate an oil-spill recovery container transversely on the aft deck. The solution was to have upright topsides aft, like a traditional catamaran.
The operators also required a monohull-shaped bow that interfaced cleanly with the rig structure, while being well clear in all other areas to avoid risk of collisions and injuries. The wave-piercer’s centre bow provides a solution to this requirement.
To eliminate the risk of damage to the forepeaks or having them hang up on the rig structure, the vessel’s hull bows have been configured so that they do not extend beyond the outline of the foredeck.
The resultant platform offers functionality, while retaining the wave-piercer’s offshore capabilities.
The vessel features a large aft-deck with container mounts, Effer 155M deck crane and more than 50m² of usable deck space.
Passenger access is via side gates at the forward end of the cargo deck. This transverse passenger thoroughfare is protected from the cargo space by large cargo barriers, allowing passengers and cargo to be loaded concurrently in a safe and efficient manner.
The vessel will be powered by a pair of Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines, each producing 1193kW at 2100rpm. These engines will drive Hamilton HM651 waterjets. The vessel’s service speed will be 28kts, with a maximum speed of 32kts.
The port main engine will turn a FFS 250x350HD FiFi pump that feeds a foredeck-mounted fire monitor.
Incat Crowther believes that its commitment to continual evolution and improvement in its products has allowed the company to develop this unique design to meet its client’s specific requirements. A second vessel with higher passenger capacity is also under construction at Topaz Shipbuilding.
Swift Marine flood-boat for SES
The Roma State Emergency Service (SES) in Queensland has received a new and improved flood-boat from Swift Marine.
The vessel, along with its trailer and other equipment, is part of a package provided by the Queensland Government worth more than $76,000. It is one of eight vessels purchased by Queensland in the 2009-2010 financial year as part of the fleet renewal process.
In town for the Roma Community Cabinet meeting, Premier Anna Bligh and Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts commissioned the new 5.25m Swift Marine flood-boat.
"This new flood-boat is larger and has a more powerful outboard than the vessel it replaces and should serve the SES volunteers well,” said Bligh.
"I'm delighted to be handing over this new vessel today, which strengthens community safety resources in the region and will assist the SES in storm, flood and general rescue operations," she said.
Roberts said the new boat will also be used for training exercises, to help police with search operations, and to support other nearby SES units and communities in the region.
"The State Government is committed to working proactively with our emergency services organisations to deliver safe and secure Queensland communities," said Roberts.
"We provided nearly $98 million in the 2010 State Budget to Emergency Management Queensland for a whole range of emergency services equipment and infrastructure, and the flood-boat fleet replacement and upgrade is an important part of that," he said.
In addition to the RIBs, for which it is well known, Swift Marine specialises in light barge design and construction. Building either monohulls or catamarans, in a variety of configurations, they aim to meet customer’s specific work requirements.
This is reflected in the SES’s renewal of its contract for the supply of flood barges to service the Queensland countryside.
Typical of the vessels already provided are what are known as the 5.3m SES barge. Actually 5.9m long, the monohull is built to carry up to a tonne and is typically fitted with a 75hp outboard. Built to survey, and also having positive floatation, the boat has been rigged with hydraulic steering to make the handling and control of the vessel easier for the helmsperson. It is available with a variety of options including opening bow and side doors that greatly enhance access to the boat.
The Brisbane City Council commissioned Swift Marine to construct its 6m catamaran barge. Used by the SES in flood conditions in the metropolitan area, it has twin 70hp motors, and can travel up to a maximum speed of 30kts. The barge has a forward opening bow, enabling a quad bike to be driven onboard and a maximum payload of 1.2 tonnes.
Swift Marine has also delivered a 5.9m SES Barge powered by a 75hp Honda outboard for operation in the Brisbane area. Its features include two side-opening doors, bimini, and an overall cover for storage while not in use.
New project to strengthen WA rock lobster research
A new Department of Fisheries WA project will add to existing studies into why rock lobster recruitment has, in recent years, been the lowest since research sampling began in 1968.
It is one of a number of projects, funded by the Fisheries Research Development Corporation (FRDC), which are looking at the record low puerulus settlement in WA’s West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery.
Computer modelling experts from the USA and Tasmania will work with local WA modellers on the project, to establish additional assessment techniques for the fishery that will provide robust measures of residual biomass, harvest rates and increases in fishing efficiency. Rock lobster research scientist, Dr Simon de Lestang said it was important that all possible impacts on recruitment were examined to provide more certainty in proving future forecasts for this fishery.
“FRDC has provided $130,000 for this project to enhance our existing collaborative links with international and interstate computer modellers, who will help us develop more accurate measures of harvest rates of western rock lobster in the fishery,” said Dr de Lestang.
Examining harvest rates, in addition to breeding stock levels he said, represented best-practice fisheries science and having additional techniques independent of the stock-assessment model would improve confidence in the management advice.
“The concern surrounding the recent low levels of puerulus settlement and the possible link to breeding stock levels has heightened the need for additional estimates of the harvest rate and fishing efficiency,” said Dr de Lestang.
“Computer modelling has a significant benefit in this type of research, allowing exploration of the variables that may affect the stock levels and therefore providing more clues to help resolve the puzzle of the recent low puerulus settlement,” he said.
The project is due to be completed by December 2011.
James Grant
Victorian operator, Inter Island Ferries, has put a new aluminium catamaran into service on Western Port Bay.
Operating from Stony Point, Inter Island Ferries was previously known as French Island ferry service. The service has been operating in Western Port Bay since 1994 and has grown from two 25-passenger vessels operating to French Island only, to three high-speed passenger catamarans running to Phillip Island and out to Seal Rocks.
James Grant, its new 18m catamaran is in USL/NSCV 1C/1D survey for up to 100 passengers, and can carry them at a service speed of 25kts.
Passengers board and disembark via side gates aft. Across the aft bulwark is a large luggage rack. The aft deck also features two toilet compartments and stairs to the upper deck.
The main passenger cabin features 64 Beurteaux seats. Windows in the forward bulkhead give passengers a view over the foredeck, while a large TV screen is fitted on centreline behind the half-height wheelhouse. Open seating is provided on the upper deck.
Built in Queensland by Reefmaster/Aluminium Marine, James Grant is the second delivery from the yard to Inter Island Ferries, and the fourth vessel Incat Crowther has designed for the operator. It was delivered under its own power from Brisbane.
It is also the first passenger ferry to feature the Sydney-based designer’s latest hullform, implemented on recent successful workboats. The company says this enables the catamaran to achieve excellent performance with minimal power.
In this case it is 746kW delivered by a pair of Yanmar 6HY-ETE diesels. The 13.73lt commercial propulsion engines are close coupled to Yanmar YXH160 parallel marine gearboxes with 1.97:1 ratio. The propellers are 30in diameter by 38.25in pitch five-blade units. The end result is a fully loaded top speed of 27kts.
The vessel can carry 4000lt of fuel, and comes with a freshwater capacity of 400lt and sullage of 400lt.
MIO secures Barrow Island work
Miclyn Express Offshore (MIO) has confirmed a deal with DB Schenker Australia in relation to the charter of tugs and barges for transportation services from Indonesia to Barrow Island, Australia as part of services Schenker is providing to the Gorgon project.
The work commenced in September 2010 and is expected to take 10 months, with potential for scope-change dictated by overall project scheduling considerations. The award of this contract followed extensive feasibility and operational reviews. Barge preparation works to meet the unique Barrow Island environmental and quarantine requirements were undertaken at MIO's Batam Shipyard.
The contract utilises a range of tug and barge sizes, with staggered start and completion dates for each unit. No more than three tugs and four barges are used at any one time. The Australian tug component is operated through MIO’s Samson joint venture.
“Whilst our tug and barge fleet underperformed in financial year 2010, this contract win greatly assists in meeting forecast performance in calendar year 2010 providing the fleet with utilisation uplift at attractive margins,” said Mr Diederik De Boer, CEO of MIO.
“This contract confirms the strength of our recent Samson acquisition, combining the strengths of both organisations to provide a superior service offering. It also represents a positive step towards increasing our Australian content in line with our geographical growth strategy,” he said.
Yamaha cleans up with NSW Maritime
NSW Maritime has the responsibility to remove rubbish from the water in Sydney Harbour — a surface area of some 15nm². To help it do this, NSW Waterways has repowered its key Environmental Services work barge.
As the only effective means of handling storm water pollution and other forms of floating debris, the Environmental Services team takes to the water in a variety of clean-up vessels every day. They collect more than 3500m³ of rubbish each year.
A pair of Yamaha F200 outboard engines has been fitted to one of the four vessels dedicated to cleaning Sydney Harbour as part of the corporation’s engine evaluation program.
According to Leslie Brix-Nielsen, manager of Environmental Services at NSW Maritime, the authority has enjoyed a good track record with Yamaha F115 four-stroke outboard engines on other workboats.
“We have used Yamaha four-stroke engines and they were very good,” says Brix-Nielsen. “For this application, we removed a pair of 150hp four-stroke engines (non-Yamaha) and decided to go up in power to the Yamaha F200s.”
Built in 2000, the barge has an overall length of 11.5m, has a lightship displacement of around seven tonnes and features a drop-down ramp at the bow with lifting arm mounted amidships. With so much rubbish to be collected from beaches and rocky shoreline, the barge skipper is constantly in and out of gear, placing a huge load on the gearbox and props.
With almost 400 hours logged on the Yamaha F200s, everything is looking rosy. NSW Maritime is happy with the fuel consumption and general operation of the Yamaha outboards.
Yamaha’s NSW sales manager, Alex Panagakis is enthusiastic. “We are delighted to have our Yamaha F200 four-stroke outboard engines in work with NSW Maritime,” he says.
“While the application is one of the toughest and most demanding on Sydney Harbour, we have absolute confidence that the Yamaha F200 will excel and deliver great operational support to our customer.
“The feedback so far from the guys who work on the barges has been very positive,” Panagakis said.
Darwin marine-supply base a step closer
Darwin is a step closer to being a major supply hub for offshore gas and oil companies in the Top End and South East Asian region.
The Territory Government has called for Expressions of Interest from national and international companies to build and operate a world-class marine supply base adjacent to Darwin’s East Arm Wharf.
Chief Minister, Paul Henderson said Darwin had already attracted offshore projects including ConocoPhillips’ Bayu-Undan and ENI’s Blacktip developments — all who use Darwin as a service hub.
“The offshore gas industry is expected to be the main driver of the Territory’s economy over the next 40 years,” said Henderson.
“As well as existing projects, potential offshore opportunities emerging with the upcoming development by INPEX of the Ichthys field and the Prelude field by Shell — both located in the Browse Basin off the WA coast.
“With a final investment decision expected in 2011 for INPEX’s proposed $US20 billion-plus gas plant in Darwin Harbour, the Territory needs world-class marine infrastructure to remain competitive and deliver direct and indirect jobs from the oil and gas industry,” he said.
Henderson said the marine supply base would be located next to Darwin’s East Arm Wharf and would complement existing operations operating from the East Arm, Winnellie and Berrimah industrial areas.
“This is a unique opportunity for an experienced marine supply operator or operator-led consortia to establish a purpose-built marine-supply facility on the doorstep of Asia.
“The new marine facility will also help established Territory businesses expand services they already provide to the offshore oil and gas industry,” he said.
The Territory Government is undertaking a three-stage tender process to attract private sector investment with Expressions of Interest closing on October 27. The preferred bidder will be announced late next year with construction expected to start in 2012.
First Kongsberg surveillance system for JHSV
Kongsberg Maritime has delivered the first Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) Helicopter Operations Surveillance System (HOSS) to General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. Camera hardware and logistical support have been provided to successfully complete the first-in-class system, following the contract award in November 2009.
Austal USA, the US subsidiary of the Australian shipbuilder, is the prime contractor for the 103m military catamaran. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is the platform mission system’s engineering agent responsible for the design, integration and test of the ship's electronic systems, including an open architecture computing infrastructure, internal and external communications, electronic navigation, aviation and armament systems.
Installation of the JHSV HOSS system will provide comprehensive flight-deck coverage of critical helicopter operations, even in very low-light conditions, from the control room compartment. The system has been enhanced for the JHSV configuration by inclusion of a 19in SXGA liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor that is shock qualified to US Military Standards. The monitor is suitable for Night Vision Device (NVD) operations in ship compartments directly overlooking the flight deck, by virtue of its NVD optical filter.
Smoothing the smooth hull process
With increasing fuel costs and a focus on emissions, vessel operators are increasingly seeking quick, simple and cost-effective solutions to improve operating efficiency. Over the last 10 years, Intersleek biocide free-foul release systems has delivered the benefits of an ultra-smooth hull surface on thousands of ships and different ship types, resulting in reduced fuel consumption, cost and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Access to these benefits for vessels coated with non-SPC (self polishing copolymer) antifouling coatings has usually meant full blast cleaning of the underwater hull to remove the existing coatings prior to installation of the Intersleek system. Continued research and development, particularly in the area of adhesion mechanics, has resulted in an Intersleek 7180 Linkcoat innovation to complement the range.
Intersleek 7180 Linkcoat now allows access to International Paint’s fluoropolymer-based Intersleek 900 and silicone-based Intersleek 700 foul-release technology, without the need and expense of full underwater hull-blast cleaning.
Specially designed for direct application over existing traditional antifouling technologies, controlled depletion polymers and hybrid schemes in addition to SPC antifoulings, the application of Intersleek 7180 Linkcoat followed by the full Intersleek scheme, can significantly reduce the surface roughness of an existing antifouling system by more than 70 per cent, resulting in a smoother hull.
Adhesion to and performance over a wide range of existing antifouling surfaces is provided by the specialised dual-cure technology (DCT) utilised in Intersleek 7180 Linkcoat. An initial fast cure provides excellent drying and barrier properties, while a secondary cure employing flexible polymer chemistry enhances system adhesion. Intersleek 7180 Linkcoat also fills in and levels out the rough surface of an existing antifouling to provide the basis for a smooth finish that is almost as good as the Intersleek system being applied to a fully blast-cleaned surface. The smooth surface produced, reduces drag, improves vessel efficiency and reduces fuel consumption and associated emissions.
Captions: Bill Collingburn (left) and John Cowan; Yamba Welding's facility in northern NSW; The 28m wave-piercing catamaran workboat designed by Incat Crowther for offshore oil and gas fields; Swift Marine has delivered numerous boats to the SES; The SES has both monohulls and front-loading catamarans like this one in Brisbane; Inter Island Ferries’ new 18m catamaran ferry servicing Victoria’s Western Port Bay Islands and mainland; Sydney Harbour's clean-up barge has a sexy new pair of Yamaha legs; The JHSV HOSS system from Kongsberg Maritime will provide flight-deck coverage of helicopter operations on the Austal USA-built 103m military cat.