Fit for Refit: Castoldi Launches 400HCT Turbodrive Waterjet
Castoldi launched the latest in a new range of hydrodynamically optimized waterjets; the Turbodrive 400 HCT.With a 400 mm jet housing, hydraulic gearbox/clutch and high thrust efficiency, the Turbodrive 400 HCT was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software.The development of the new family of Castoldi HCT waterjets started 12 years ago and according to Giacomo Castoldi, owner at Castoldi S.r.l. “Thanks to the very latest developments in fluid dynamics, the new Turbodrive 400 HCT is around 12% more efficient than the outgoing model and is perfectly interchangeable with it.
Researchers Develop New Path-Following Model for Autonomous Ships
Researchers from the Korea Maritime & Ocean University have developed a new path-tracking technique for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS).A multi-national team of researchers, led by Assistant Professor Daejeong Kim, has studied the path-following performance of MASS using a free-running computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model combined with the line-of-sight (LOS) guidance system, at low speeds under adverse weather conditions.MASS need to follow a pre-determined path at sea, considering factors such as obstacles, water depth and ship maneuverability.
Improving Propulsion Efficiency: Wärtsilä to Retrofit Ten Hafnia Tankers
Finland-based marine technology group Wärtsilä will supply its EnergoFlow and EnergoProFin solutions for ten Bird Class oil and chemical tankers owned by the Singapore-based global tanker operator Hafnia."The combination of the two Wärtsilä systems ensures an optimized waterflow over and after the propeller, thereby improving propulsion efficiency considerably. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in October 2023," Wärtsilä said.According to Wärtsilä, EnergoFlow is an innovative pre-swirl stator that creates an optimal inflow for the propeller…
FMD, ORNL Collaborate on Alternative Fuels Tech for DoD
As alternative fuel engines start pushing into commercial sectors, the U.S. Department of Defense has taken notice, rationalizing that eventually, as alternative fuel grow in popularity, the diesel availability could drop while prices rise.To that end, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development and integration of alternative fuel technologies aimed at reducing the marine engine’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Singapore Completes First Methanol Bunkering
Maersk and Hong Lam Marine have conducted the world’s first ship-to-container ship methanol bunkering operation of a Maersk’s container vessel at the Raffles Reserved Anchorage in Singapore.This was also Singapore’s first methanol bunkering and it was conducted with the support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), government agencies and research institutes.Maersk’s container vessel – the world’s first container vessel sailing on green methanol – was successfully refuelled with approximately 300 metric tonnes of bio-methanol via Hong Lam Marine’s Singapore-registered tanker…
bound4blue Appoints Boletis External Advisor
bound4blue announced the appointment of Elias Boletis as an external advisor to the company.Boletis has a Doctorate in Applied Sciences from the University of Brussels and holds a MSc in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Athens (Greece) and a MSc in Turbomachinery and Fluid Dynamics from the Von Karman Institute (Brussels, Belgium). He has also been recognized with several industry awards and accolades for his contributions to the field such as integration of new technologies…
New System Reduces Underwater Radiated Noise from Ship Propellers
Oscar Propulsion Limited and the University of Strathclyde have come up with a way to reduce underwater radiated noise from ship propellers.According to Oscar Propulsion, its patented PressurePores system reduces propeller tip vortex cavitation by applying a small number of strategically placed holes in the propeller blades. The addition of these pressure-relieving holes allows ships to operate with a more silent propeller.Lars Eikeland, Marine Director, Oscar Propulsion, said…
Kongsberg Inks Deal for 32 Thrusters to Med Marine in Turkey
Kongsberg Maritime’s US Series thrusters will be installed on 16 new ASD tugboats to be built in Turkey by Med Marine ShipyardKongsberg Maritime (KM) reports that it has signed "a sizeable contract" with Med Marine in Turkey to deliver 32 US series thrusters for installation on new Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugboats.KM’s US series thrusters now offer project-specific Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling capabilities, while the range of achievable propeller and nozzle combinations ensures the highest possible standards of operational efficiency.
KM to Supply Azimuth Thrusters to Sanmar Shipyards
Kongsberg Maritime announced it has signed a contract with Sanmar Shipyards in to deliver US205SFP and US255SFP thrusters for installation on new Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugboats the Turkish shipyard is building for Svitzer.One of the tugs, a 60-ton bollard pull (BP) vessel, is the first of a game-changing, next-generation design by the renowned towage company Svitzer and the internationally recognized naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. The new TRAnsverse 2600 tug can generate higher steering forces than other tugs of a similar size…
Tech File: X-Series Waterjets
Launched in 2018 to cater to the propulsion demands of high-speed vessel applications, Marine Jet Power’s (MJP) X-Series waterjets are engineered to deliver more power in a lighter unit that burns less fuel and extends range.“With the X Series we have taken our proven highly efficient mixed flow pump technology from our DRB and CSU Series, and adopted it into a fully integrated, quick to install waterjet which is mostly constructed from duplex stainless steel,” said Jonas Tegström, CEO of Sweden-based MJP.
Marine Jet Power Expands Its X-Series Waterjets Lineup
Marine Jet Power (MJP) revealed three new sizes in its X-Series range of waterjets. Expanding upon the proven 280, 310 and 350 X sizes, the new 400, 450 and 500 X feature MJP’s duplex stainless-steel, mixed-flow pump design and welded aluminum intake.The new additions to the range will service vessels ranging in size from 26m – 40m / 85-ft – 131-ft and up to 2070 kW / 2775 bhp. Well suited for high-speed applications the X-Series is built for fast patrol craft, military applications…
Damen, Hydromaster Develop New Ferry Thruster
In 2020, Damen signed a contract with Blue Amigo for the delivery of nine passenger vessels to operate between Rotterdam and the Drecht cities in the Netherlands in a service known as the Waterbus. Damen identified that six of the vessels – hybrid carbon fiber water buses that will operate fast, inter-city routes – would require a unique thruster solution, a fully azimuthing, 360-degree thruster to make docking easy and propulsion fast.“It’s actually the kind of thruster you would expect to see on a pleasure craft,” says Damen design and proposal engineer Ferries Jan van Ooijen.
Next-gen Patrol Boat Designed to Help Protect the Great Barrier Reef
Australian shipbuilder Norman R. Wright & Sons recently launched Reef Resilience, an Incat Crowther 24 patrol boat that will join Reef Ranger in protecting the Great Barrier Reef.Reef Resilience will service the southern region of the Reef from her home port in Gladstone, while Reef Ranger will continue to service the northern region from Cairns, meaning the entire reef will now benefit from the capability and operability this class of vessel offers. The vessel’s remit includes compliance monitoring, marine park and island national park management, diving and research operations.
Nakashima Propeller Takes Majority Stake in Becker Marine Systems
Japan's Nakashima Propeller Co. has taken a majority stake in the German shipbuilding supplier Becker Marine Systems GmbH.“We have gotten to know Nakashima Propeller as a much respected and reliable partner through decades of cooperation,” said Dirk Lehmann and Henning Kuhlmann, the two managing directors at Becker Marine Systems, “and because we are expert suppliers in the area in front of and behind the propeller with well-known products such as the Becker Mewis Duct and the Becker Rudder family…
Elakha: Repowering a Valued Research Vessel
Ocean science is in high demand by scientists studying ocean acidification, wave energy, seabed composition, changing water temperatures, fish populations and dozens of other research projects. The Oregon State University (OSU) has a proud history in the field. The wide variety of research project require a variety of vessels.One boat that has made large contributions to research is the 54- by 16.5-foot Elakha which was built in 2001 at Rozema Boat Works of Mount Vernon, Wash.
Five Zero Emissions Ferries Delivered in Copenhagen
Damen Shipyards Group reports it has delivered five zero emissions propulsion ferries to Arriva Denmark in Copenhagen. Arriva is operating the vessels on behalf of Danish public transport agency Movia. When Movia issued the public tender for waterborne public transport in Copenhagen, its aim was to upgrade the service, making it cleaner and more sustainable.The new Damen Ferries 2306 E3 make significant strides towards a zero emission service, reducing Copenhagen’s public transport NOX emissions by 2.5%…
SCHOTTEL Launches Retractable Rim Thruster
German propulsion specialist SCHOTTEL launched a newly developed variant of its rim thruster (SRT). Covering the power range up to 500 kW, the new retractable rim thruster (SRT-R) offers low noise emissions and tailor-made solutions for a wide range of applications. Optimized by computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the internal propeller blades are hydrodynamically designed to be highly resistant to cavitation.The SRT-R is able to cover a thrust radius of 360 degrees. This not only makes it more versatile…
Wärtsilä to Equip LNG-fueled RoLo Newbuilds
Wärtsilä announced on Friday that it will supply the main equipment for three liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled short-sea Ro-Lo (roll-on, lift-off) vessels to be operated by Finland based Bore Ltd., an affiliate of the Dutch Spliethoff Group.The ships have been ordered and are being built at the WuHu Shipyard in China. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in December.Wärtsilä said it has worked in close collaboration with both the owner and the naval architect to develop a vessel optimized integrated LNG system.