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Survitec launches cruise MES technology for small passenger vessels

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 01 September 2022 01 September 2022

Survival technology specialist Survitec has launched a new Marine Evacuation System (MES) designed to the meet the emergency evacuation requirements of small to medium size passenger vessels.

Targeted at vessels with passenger capacities ranging from 300 to 1,500 persons, such as ferries and expedition cruise ships, the new MES solution will be officially introduced to ship operators during the SMM Trade Fair before being rolled out for full market availability from early 2023.

The new MES solution builds on Survitec’s success and growing market share in the larger cruise ship market, where the company has installed some of the largest dry-shod MES systems on the most advanced cruise ships in the world.

Customers can expect to see operational and cost efficiencies with an extended service MES option of up to 30 months, although the standard 12-month service offering remains available to those customers that choose it. Survitec also provides training programmes for crew, to improve their emergency evacuation skills and how to deploy MES correctly.

“We were aware that there was demand for an extended service MES solution with high functionality to serve the ferry and small passenger cruise market. We went back to the drawing board and took a fresh look at how we could drive innovation to meet this need,” says Richard McCormick, AES and MES Product Manager, Survitec.

“The 30-month service interval this technology affords, brings convenience to the customer. This is because all of the complex logistics around servicing only have to be undertaken roughly every two and a half years. The cost savings for vessel owners are obvious,” says McCormick.

Using the fully enclosed, dry-shod helical (spiral) slide design of the company’s popular Marin Ark 2, the new MES solution ensures safe, rapid and intuitive descent for people of all ages and abilities. There is no restriction on the size of individual users, and crew can ascend the slide to assist passengers if necessary.

“The revolutionary helical slide technology from our Marin Ark 2 MES, trusted by major cruise operators for unrestricted, improved passenger experience and enhanced safety, is now available for ferries and small expedition-type passenger ships,” says McCormick.

Fully enclosed single and double helical slide options are available in an asymmetric arrangement, the new MES solution comprises self-righting approved liferafts for 50, 100, 150 persons, with SOLAS A, B and HSC emergency packs.

For use on vessels with up to 23m of freeboard, the new MES solution will be type approved later this year by classification society Bureau Veritas according to SOLAS and MED requirements.

With a choice of robustly tested SOLAS-approved liferaft options to meet customer needs, the flexible design allows for installation in a wide range of configurations. Inflation takes place automatically within 60 seconds and minimal crew interaction is needed during this phase. Multiple buoyancy compartments provide stability and safety in the toughest sea conditions.

Global service coverage is provided by a total of 59 service stations around the world, ensuring rapid turnarounds for all customers.

VIKING spearheads shift to maritime safety as a service

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 01 September 2022 01 September 2022

When SMM kicks off in early September, maritime professionals from all over the world are set to rejoice at the return of this long-awaited industry event - not only to get the complete overview of innovations, solutions and technologies - but also to enjoy this unique opportunity to reunite with the people at the heart of the industry.

According to VIKING SVP Benny Carlsen, “VIKING Life-Saving Equipment returns to SMM in Hamburg this year to further reinforce its position as the industry’s full scope partner for safety, whose recent investments have also anticipated changing supply and service needs across the world of maritime.”

In the period since SMM 2018, VIKING has fully integrated lifeboat OEM and service leader Norsafe, become a force to be reckoned with in marine fire services, launched next generation ranges of PPE and established the unique HydroPen™ system as the market’s leading container firefighting technology. But the company has also invested in digital asset management, further strengthened its service organization, grown its ‘VIKING Academy’ training services, and enhanced and digitalized its supply and service agreements.

“It feels like forever since the last SMM, but now we can’t wait to welcome all existing and potential customers, partners and industry peers to our stand, where visitors can experience our full scope maritime safety solution” - says Benny Carlsen. “Covid-19 surely accelerated digitalization, but there have been other major developments in safety equipment supply and servicing since we last gathered at SMM, and we’ve been responding to, and driving, change. Safety comes first, but to stay competitive in challenging markets, successful operators maintain performance while also finding ways to maximize efficiencies and reduce cost.”

Most of the owners of 20000+ vessels having safety compliance managed under a VIKING Shipowner Agreement have included the concept’s subscription-based approach to liferaft supply and servicing; increasingly, customers are adding lifeboat service, marine fire equipment service, PPE exchange, and LSA on Demand to their agreements, Carlsen says.

“More and more, the VIKING Shipowner Agreement is the favored framework for customers for ensuring onboard safety and compliance. It replaces complexity with flexibility and reduces administration and operational risk, streamlining and simplifying their equipment management.”

OEM competence and product innovation remain critical, Carlsen emphasizes, pointing to VIKING’s development of new lifeboats and ranges of PPE for service engineers, seafarers and air crews. Another eye-catching solution is the unique LifeCraft™ - the world’s first flag and type approved advanced evacuation and survival craft system, capable of replacing lifeboats on cruise ships. VIKING also arrives at SMM buoyed by the success of landmark orders to equip the entire fleets of some of the world’s largest container carriers with its HydroPen™ container firefighting system. Most recently, A.P. Moller - Maersk adopted the solution for its entire owned vessel fleet.

“In a way, HydroPen™ is an embodiment of what we’ve been achieving: it improves safety for the crew, the cargo and the ship, and helps the owner avoid fire related risks to crews and assets – along with significant related financial costs.”

However, operators also increasingly looked to VIKING to cover safety needs “as a service”, says Carlsen. SMM therefore offered a key opportunity to showcase its new capabilities in marine fire services (MFS), following its acquisition of the Drew Marine Fire Safety division in 2019.

VIKING has consolidated the business with its own MFS, invested in a firefighting foam laboratory, opened an MFS training center and reached distribution agreements with foam supplier Dr. Sthamer. “The MFS team is now supported by a network of 150+ port locations and served by VIKING’s dedicated workshops and authorized service providers,” Carlsen adds.

In business growth terms, VIKING’s multi-brand lifeboat, rescue boat, launching and release gear maintenance, testing, retrofit and overhaul services was providing another relevant example. “We ensure quality and flexibility by controlling the entire service value chain including booking, administration, spares, execution, documentation, training and support,” he says.

TECO 2030 receives BWTS order from CMI Ship Management

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 19 August 2022 19 August 2022

TECO 2030 ASA has received an order for one TECO 2030 Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) powered by BIO-SEA from CMI Ship Management, for the ship Ocean Diamond, worth approximately NOK 910 000.

This is sixth BWTS system CMI orders from TECO2030’s team in Miami, USA. This confirms TECO2030's position in the market as a preferred BWTS partner and proves our capabilities to cooperate with clients around the world.

"Ballasts are reservoirs used to stabilize ships according to their load. In order to prevent invasive species from travelling from one region to another, and possible health issues, a ship's ballast water needs to be treated before being discharged back to sea. Our system complies with the new G8 rules which were put in force in October 2020. TECO2030 Ballast Water Treatment System complies with International Maritime Organization and United States Coast Guard rules," the company said in a statement.

"The sale of existing and proven technology to reduce emissions and pollution from ships, means TECO2030 will have meaningful revenue streams while we work on our most ambitious project, the development of the TECO2030 Marine Fuel Cell, a hydrogen-based PEM fuel cell specifically developed for maritime use," says Tore Enger, Group CEO of TECO 2030.

"This order from CMI Ship Management, perfectly illustrates this combination of short-term sales and long-term development. By 2024, all ships will need a ballast water treatment system," Enger added.

De Wave targets 104 million euros orders in the cruise and refitting market

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 12 August 2022 12 August 2022

The Genoa based group, De Wave, leader in cruise vessels and yachting outfitting is willing to balance the 2022 first half book with an overall 104 million euro orderbook, including new orders just awarded and operations just completed.

Within the Cantieri Mariotti yard in Genova, after delivering the Seabourn Venture, the De Wave group is now engaged on board a sister ship (scheduled for delivery in 2023) with ultra-luxury suites that will characterize these units within the Carnival group top luxury brand.

In last June, De Wave completed a 40 million Euros intervention on board the Resilient Lady (Virgin group) built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, and is now involved in the construction of the fourth ship of this series, the Scarlett Lady. The Genoese company also completed a 10 million euros order on board the Norwegian Prima vessel built by Fincantieri in Marghera.

In terms of new orders, the first contract signed with Oceania Cruises provides for the refurbishment of over 600 cabins and other public areas of the Marina and Riviera vassels, at Chantier Naval de Marseille.

De Wave has also acquired orders worth over 6 million euros each, for the new Norwegian Cruise Line ships under construction in the Fincantieri yard in Marghera-Venice. De Wave will outfit the main public areas.

The group, led by Riccardo Pompili, signed an important contract for interior outfitting of the top suites of a the Royal Caribbean ship under construction at the French Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard.

During the 2022 first five months, De Wave delivered over 15 million euros orders for the Discovery Princess within the Monfalcone yard.

In fact the relationship between De Wave and Princess Cruises is strong and the Genoa based company undertook interventions on bord of all Princess different brands vessels. In April last De Wave also completed a 9.3 million Euros order on board of Celebrity Beyond, built at the Saint Nazaire shipyards,

"De Wave is taking profit from a robust market – explains Riccardo Pompili, CEO of the group – but also from diversification of outfitting interventions. New orders and the positive balance of work already delivered, allow us to confirm that 2022 is set to sail before the wind. In addition to newbuildings, an increasingly consistent market share is growing thanks to refitting of ships in operation for more than 10 years. Shipowners are asking for renewal of the fleet and we are ready to satisfy them: Italy is a leader in the sector and De Wave is able to provide skills and workers to accelerate the energy transition too ".

Significantly, De Wave, which is today a system-company, at the CSI (Cruise Ship Interiors Expo) fair recently held in Miami "presented itself for the first time - emphasizes Pompili - with two new companies that have joined the group, namely Tecnavi and FCR Finland. These companies allowed us to implement our skills and offer a full service to the market ". With this in mind, the Genoese group is already preparing its participation in the SMM fair, which will be held from 6 to 9 September in Hamburg.

ABB to spin off its Accelleron turbocharging business

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 21 July 2022 21 July 2022

ABB to spin off Accelleron and list the company on SIX Swiss Exchange
The transaction will allow both ABB and Accelleron to focus on their respective core strategies and long-term value creation for their stakeholders
ABB’s shareholders can realize the full value of Accelleron while allowing ABB to focus on its core portfolio in the areas of electrification and automation
Accelleron as the market-leader in heavy-duty turbocharging can focus on reaching its full potential in the large engine industry
Accelleron is a profitable and cash generative business targeting an attractive dividend policy
ABB shareholders to receive 1 Accelleron share for every 20 ABB shares they hold
The spin-off is subject to approval by ABB’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled for September 7, 2022, and subsequent listing planned for October 3, 2022

Following a decision by its Board of Directors, ABB today announces its intention to spin off Accelleron (formerly ABB Turbocharging), its market-leading turbocharging division, by way of a dividend in kind of Accelleron Industries Ltd’s shares to ABB’s shareholders. Accelleron’s listing on SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich is planned for October 3, 2022, and is subject to, among others, approval by ABB’s shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for September 7, 2022.

The proposed spin-off of Accelleron represents a unique opportunity for both companies, allowing them to focus on their respective core strategies and create long-term value for their stakeholders. ABB’s shareholders will be able to realize the full value of Accelleron, while ABB continues to simplify its portfolio and focus on the megatrends of electrification and automation. Accelleron will be able to concentrate exclusively on reaching its full potential in the large engine industry where the company is known as the market leader in heavy-duty turbocharging, with a compelling growth profile, high cash generation and an attractive expected dividend policy.

Björn Rosengren, Chief Executive Officer of ABB, commented: “After careful consideration involving a dual-track process, we have concluded that spinning off Accelleron is the best way forward – for Accelleron itself and for ABB’s shareholders. This decision also forms a key part of ABB’s active portfolio management, while allowing our shareholders to actively participate in the future growth of this Swiss champion.”

Global market leader in the turbocharging sector
Accelleron’s potential is driven by its position, built on its very long track record, as a global market leader in heavy-duty turbocharging for mission-critical applications.

Accelleron develops, produces and services turbochargers and large turbocharging components for engines, which enhance propulsion and increase fuel efficiency while reducing emissions. Its leading products support clients in sectors including marine, energy and rail, helping to provide sustainable and reliable power and highest efficiencies. Accelleron has an installed base of over 180,000 turbochargers globally and delivers around 10,000 turbochargers every year.

The turbochargers are produced, sold and serviced by Accelleron’s ∼2,200 employees across its network of 100 service stations in approximately 50 countries. The business has a significant and increasing presence in key established and growth markets in Asia.

Accelleron is considered best-in-class when it comes to reducing fuel consumption and improving the emissions and green profile of its clients’ applications. The company’s outstanding technological competence is increasingly important as pressure grows on its clients to decarbonize, and will remain so, as its turbochargers can also be implemented in alternative and low-carbon fuel applications and drive systems.

Strong financial profile to invest for growth and reward shareholders
Accelleron’s technological pre-eminence is underpinned by market leading investments in research and development, representing approximately 7 percent of its 2021 revenues. Following the spin-off, the company expects that its strong financial profile will allow it to remain at the forefront of innovation by continuing investing in R&D and strengthening partnerships with OEM’s and end users as well as to offer attractive returns to its shareholders.

In 2021, Accelleron generated revenues of $756 million with an operating margin of 25 percent. These results are comprised of resilient service revenues accounting for about 75 percent of 2021 revenues. Accelleron has a profitability above sector average with robust cashflow generation with Cash Flows from Operating Activities of $163 million in 2021. This will allow Accelleron to adopt an attractive dividend policy.

Daniel Bischofberger, CEO of Accelleron, commented: “Through the spin-off, we will have an even greater focus on our own operations, meeting the critical high-power propulsion needs of our customers while enabling them to achieve their environmental targets. Our strong track record and financial profile position the business to be a leader in the energy transition, developing cutting-edge products and services – both now and far into the future; all while remunerating our shareholders.”

Transaction structure
Provided that the spin-off is approved at the EGM and the conditions precedent for it are met, ABB will distribute to its shareholders, on a pro rata basis, as a dividend in kind, 1 Accelleron share for 20 ABB shares held. Further information on the transaction structure and other important dates in connection with the spin-off will follow in the invitation to the EGM and in the Shareholder Information Brochure prepared by ABB in relation to this process.

On August 31, 2022, ABB has scheduled a Capital Markets Day focusing on Accelleron in order to provide further information on the company and the transaction.

ABB has retained Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs International as exclusive financial advisors on the transaction. Credit Suisse will be acting as listing agent.

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