Watertaxi Rotterdam finds a workable hull coating in Ecospeed

Watertaxi Rotterdam (WTR) recently found the right fit in terms of hull coating: Ecospeed. Over the years, WTR has tried in vain to find a hull coating that would be long-lasting, and environmentally friendly. Finally, Ecospeed was applied to one of the company’s newbuild electric ferries. The coating, combined with regular cleaning, has proved to be what they had been looking for. Many of the WTR taxis travel at considerable speeds, and tend to receive their fair share of bumps and scrapes as one would expect for vessels that are continually being docked and undocked at jetties. The new hull coating choice had to take this into account along with fuel efficiency. Another important consideration in choice of hull coatings is the environmental effects. WTR applied Ecospeed to the aluminum hull of their sixth newbuild electric vessel in November 2023. The hull was conditioned by Hydrex with in-water cleaning in Rotterdam in mid-January of 2024. The in-water cleaning and conditioning helps buff the coating and improves its hydrodynamic properties.

Noble Gas wins DNV AiP for Conformable Hydrogen Storage Vessel

Noble Gas Systems (Noble Gas) has received an Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate for its conformable hydrogen storage vessel from DNV. The Noble Gas high-pressure, lightweight storage and delivery system can accommodate the most common compressed gases, including natural gas, air, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. It features a tank comprised of a polymer liner, woven reinforcement and protective outer shell. A safer alternative to other options, the Noble Gas system has passed regulatory design qualification tests for storing high-pressure compressed hydrogen gas and has a leak-before-burst failure mode to eliminate the opportunity for a catastrophic, instantaneous release of high-pressure gas. The tanks are lightweight and are being developed for working pressures between 350 and 700 bar.

Work Smarter, Warmer with Brass Knuckle SmartFlex 360 Gloves

Working in extreme cold environments can slow workers down—or worse. Brass Knuckle SmartFlex BK360 gloves are designed to keep hands warm and protected all day, no matter how low the temperature drops. These gloves are the trifecta: full insulation to provide long-wearing protection from excessive cold, a soft and comfortable fit, and compliance inspiring black-on-black styling. BK360 compliance-inspiring gloves are quite simply one of the most comfortable cold-weather work gloves on the market, rivalling gloves costing dozens of dollars a pair at a fraction of the cost. Sample requests welcomed. It starts with a layered 13-gauge nylon shell augmented with a 7-gauge napped acrylic lower liner, which comes highly recommended for protection from the cold. Next, a seamless and stretchable full knit wrist helps prevent dirt, debris, and cold air from getting inside the glove. Foam latex coating on full fingers, palm, and 3/4 deep on the back remains soft in cold conditions. Its high elasticity and durability also improve puncture resistance to keep out moisture.

Warren Controls’ Type 436 Naval and Marine Pressure Regulators

Warren Controls’ Type 436 Naval and Marine Pressure Regulators are designed for shipboard seawater service. These regulators are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of naval and marine environments, offering unparalleled performance in various shipboard systems. The Type 436 regulators are available in sizes ranging from 1/4 to 8 inches, making them suitable for a wide array of applications, from small-scale setups to larger shipboard systems. With pressure classes of 150, 250, and 700, these regulators can handle diverse pressure requirements encountered in marine operations.

SCHOTTEL Transverse Thrusters for Naval Frigates

High quality, flexible options for adaptation to special requirements and high availability during operation are key factors for the propulsion systems of naval vessels. The SCHOTTEL Transverse Thruster meets these requirements with improved maneuvering performance. Each of the MIECZNIK-class multi-role frigates being built by PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, Poland, will be fitted with a shock-enhanced STT 4 with an input power of 925 kW and a propeller diameter of 2.0 meters. The entire scope of supply of the STTs comprises a combined system with motor and frequency-driven soft starter, which represents a complete functional unit from a single source for the customer. Each STT will be equipped with SCHOTTEL LeaCon, a seal monitoring system certified by a classification society. It offers safe and reliable protection against seawater contamination caused by operating materials.

Inland Users Embrace Fueltrax Fuel Management System

Fuel management systems from Fueltrax are typically installed by oceangoing vessels looking to cut costs, better manage their fuels, and reduce emissions. Now, vessels that primarily operate on inland and near-coastal waterways are reaping the benefits as well. A major U.S. charterer and vessel owner has outfitted half a dozen of its vessels and is realizing the advantages. The operator uses the Fueltrax EFMS, the most widely deployed and effective system available. The Fueltrax EFMS is a state-of-the-art system designed and supported by former NASA engineers. With it, global vessel owners and charterers can reduce fuel use and carbon emissions. The system is closed-loop, tamper-proof, alarm-protected and incorruptible as it measures direct fuel consumption via an array of sensors connected to highly accurate mass flow meters.

Teledyne ADCP Selected by AAAM or 63-Foot Hybrid Vessel

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) from Teledyne RD Instruments (RDI) has been chosen for a 63-foot hybrid catamaran built by All American Marine (AAM). The ADCP will help inform OC San’s Ocean Monitoring team on current movements during complex oceanographic research and sample collections. The ADCP data will be used to augment OC San’s water quality program and support the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance determination.

Hornblower selects Corvus ESS for NY Harbor Ferries

Corvus Energy has been selected as the supplier of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for Statue City Cruises’ ferries servicing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island routes in New York Harbor. Corvus Energy ESS will be integrated aboard Statue City Cruises’ current fleet of nine ferries and will reduce fuel consumption and emissions along the NY/NJ waterfront. The ferries will be equipped with Corvus Orca ESS, a marine energy storage system used onboard over 700 maritime vessels globally.

Superior’s Telestacker Conveyor Automation Updated

Superior Industries has made significant upgrades to its TeleStacker Conveyor PilePro Automation, designed to enhance productivity, usability, and durability in the most demanding environments.

These include, among other enhancements, higher resolution displays, operations monitoring from anywhere and reduced trips to the conveyor with remote viewing and optimized housing to withstand extreme temperatures for year-round performance.

Improved USACE Ops with Gatehouse Maritime's AIS Monitoring

Gatehouse Maritime has been awarded a USACE contract to provide Gatehouse Maritime's AIS Network Monitoring system to enhance U.S. national waterways management. The system provides real-time data and comprehensive monitoring, ensuring AIS data is accurate and secure. Gatehouse Maritime's AIS Network Monitoring system leverages cloud-native network monitoring in real-time, analysis of inbound AIS signals, anomaly detection, and robust data analytics. The system is designed to support both governmental and commercial stakeholders.

Propspeed Enables Fuel Savings for Crew Support Vessel

Propspeed’s underwater foul-release coatings have helped to produce a significant 13.5% reduction in fuel consumption, considerable cost savings and reduced carbon emissions on board. Key insights into operational efficiency improvements on board a VREMAR SRL crew support vessel showed that diesel consumption decreased from 629 kg/hour to 544 kg/hour, reflecting an 85 kg/hour reduction. Beyond this, and despite an increase in operational time, total diesel consumption fell, showcasing Propspeed's effectiveness in reducing drag and improving vessel speed.

StairMaster Safety Treads Upgrade On Board Safety

Wooster Products StairMaster safety renovation treads quickly and economically enhance safety on board workboat and passenger vessel stairways. Heat treated corrosion resistant aluminum substrate and a nearly diamond-hard aluminum oxide filler provides for sure footing, even when wet. Cut to the exact length desired, to speed and simplify installation, the treads are available in coordinating or contrasting colors, including glow-in-the-dark NITEGLOW technology. A proprietary bonding process ensures a long-lasting fix for exit path markings, safety egress systems, steps, and landings.

Linamar’s McLaren Engineering in alliance with Honda Marine

McLaren Engineering, the R&D division of Linamar Corporation, announced a new alliance with Honda Marine. The Official Licensed Product agreement means that Honda Marine and McLaren Engineering will collaborate on the production of the all-new McLaren Performance M300, a marine outboard that delivers enhanced top-end power, premium quality, outstanding reliability and durability. The new agreement provides boat builders with greater flexibility in serving recreational marine customers in the 24 ft.+ boat segment. The new McLaren Performance M300 engines also will enhance options in the high-power segment of the Honda Marine lineup.

Raymarine Collaborates With WATCHIT Collision Prevention System

Raymarine is collaborating with WATCHIT in a move to revolutionize boating safety. As part of the collaboration, WATCHIT's advanced anti-collision technology will be combined with Raymarine's state-of-the-art chartplotters and LightHouse Charts. WATCHIT's integration with Raymarine's Axiom chartplotters offers boaters an unprecedented level of situational awareness and safety on the water, enhancing the capabilities of Raymarine's already robust display systems.