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Wärtsilä to supply largest battery pack to Stena RoRo hybrid newbuildings

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

The technology group Wärtsilä will supply its hybrid propulsion system for three new RoPax vessel currently built for Stena RoRo, Europe´s largest ferry company. Two of the ferries will have a battery capacity of 11.5 MWh, making them the marine industry’s largest hybrid vessels to date. This battery power is approximately double that typically being used currently for hybrid propulsion. The order was placed in May 2022.

The ships have been designed and developed by Stena RoRo and Brittany Ferries and they will be long term chartered to Brittany Ferries for operation between Portsmouth in the UK and French ports of St Malo and Caen. Wärtsilä had already earlier been contracted to supply a broad range of solutions for the vessels, including the main and auxiliary engines, gearboxes, controllable pitch propellers (CPPs), thrusters, the fuel gas supply system, Nacos navigation and automation as well as integrated control alarm and monitoring system. The ships will be capable of operating with either LNG fuel or batteries.

The vessels will be equipped with the latest generation Leclanché energy storage system – the Navius MRS-3 – which has both a size and weight advantage versus comparable marine batteries.

“Stena wants to be a frontrunner in decarbonising our fleet and, together with our partners, pushing developments towards zero emission operations,” says Per Westling, Managing Director, Stena RoRo. “Hybridisation allows our vessels to be highly flexible as we adapt to future technology developments, including green fuels, fuel cells, bigger batteries, and solar or wind supported propulsion.”

“Brittany Ferries is proud to be taking a lead in sustainable shipping, working with our partners to bring cleaner vessels to the regions in which we operate,” added Christophe Mathieu Brittany Ferries CEO. “Hybrid technology continues to move our fleet renewal programme forward and will follow the introduction of two LNG-powered ships. From day one of operation, ports like St Malo in France and Portsmouth in the UK will benefit from these cleaner hybrid vessels. Shore-side power capability means further benefits will be realised, as investment by ports in plug-in infrastructure allows.”

“Hybridisation is one way of shaping decarbonisation of the marine industry. This order further strengthens Wärtsilä’s leadership in the hybrid segment. The extensive battery size will allow the vessels to operate with full power, using both propellers and all thrusters to manoeuvre emissions-free in and out of ports, even in bad weather. The built-in shore power solution will charge the batteries while berthed,” comments Håkan Agnevall, President & CEO, Wärtsilä. “Wärtsilä’s unique Energy Management System will optimise the total hybrid propulsion system.”

Important elements of hybrid vessels include the ability to integrate multiple vessel systems and real-time optimisation of the on-board energy system. Wärtsilä combines a wide range of system expertise across a broad range of ship power and propulsion machinery. Combining the benefits of the hybrid propulsion system and shore power leads up to 15% GHG emission reduction.

Viken Group acquires Italian yacht designer HotLab

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 20 June 2022 20 June 2022

Viken Group announces the acquisition of the Italian Yacht Design and Architecture firm HotLab. The acquisition is the latest in a series of strategic partnerships and acquisitions strengthening Viken Group’s global offering of comprehensive design, naval architecture and project management services to both the cruise line and yachting industries.

Established in early 2022, Viken Group was formed by world-renown design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) in an effort to provide global expertise in multiple targeted areas of yacht and cruise line design and build.

HotLab’s “Architecture for Voyagers” approach to the design of its forward-leaning superyacht projects has garnered the firm dozens of prestigious international awards and accolades since its founding in Milan in 2004. Its intelligent yet simple approach to design relies heavily on calculated research and a purposeful balance between functional style and luxury.

HotLab joins TDoS and the Italian design and naval architecture firm Thalia Marine under the Viken Group umbrella, in a collaboration that will facilitate cost-efficient, customized service with stream- lined production process for each client. HotLab will maintain its office and employees in Milan, Italy, with company founders Enrico Lumini and Antonio Romano remaining at the helm.

“We have always focused on the quality of our design and on the professionalism of the entire HotLab team. As a proud extension of the Viken Group family, we can only increase both,” says Enrico Lumini, Design Manager HotLab.

“Becoming part of the Viken Group is something that makes us extremely proud. It is but more demonstration of our accomplishments to date and the promise of the development of even greater projects in the future,” adds Antonio Romano, Marketing Manager HotLab.“We are thrilled to welcome HotLab and its employees to Viken Group. HotLab’s Architecture for Voyagers approach is a welcome addition to our Group’s global offerings, which also comprise TDoS’s expertise in comprehensive cruise ship and large yacht design, and Thalia Marine’s technical brilliance. We are well on our way to realizing our vision to be better together for our employees and our clients, while striving for our overall goal of a better tomorrow,” says Stefan Nilsson, CEO Viken Group.

The acquisition allows TDoS to maintain its focus on cruise ships and large yachts while continuing to hone its unrivalled expertise in large ship back-of-house operations, meeting SOLAS regulations and cost-effective design solutions. We are well versed in the design and management of large projects and routinely coordinate with a variety of experts in multiple areas, from lighting to naval architecture, to ensure the best possible product for the end users. Viken Group’s strategic coordination allows TDoS to continue our exploration and expansion of sustainable design within the simplistic and natural approach that is inherent to our Scandinavian design heritage,” says Daniel Nerhagen, Yacht Director TDoS.

The acquisition of HotLab will both enrich and strength our cruise business Hall. “Collaborations between TDoS and HotLab will infuse the DNA of private luxury yacht design into cruise ships, thereby facilitating the design of super luxurious and efficient cruise ships. At the same time, our yacht brand will benefit from the commercial knowledge that we have from decades of experience in the cruise ship segment,” says Madelene Hall, CEO TDoS.

ABOUT VIKEN GROUP

Established in 2022, Viken Group is a conglomerate aimed at providing a full range of comprehensive design, naval architecture and project management services to both the cruise line and yachting industries. Comprised of multiple brands and strategic partnerships, Viken Group provides complementary and comprehensive services and expertise to each facet of the yacht and cruise business.

www.vikengroup.se

ABOUT HOTLAB

Established in Milan, Italy by Antonio Romano and Enrico Lumini, HotLab is a yacht design and naval architecture firm that has distinguished itself globally with forward-leaning, award-winning yacht designs that display the firm’s “Architecture for Voyagers” approach to balanced and purposeful luxury.

www.hotlab.it

Chantiers de l’Atlantique contracts ALMACO to provide catering solutions for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 17 June 2022 17 June 2022

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s new LNG-powered luxury superyachts, Ilma and Luminara, will be equipped with state-of-the-art galleys, provision stores, and refrigeration machinery solutions by ALMACO. The work will take place at the shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique and the deliveries of the superyachts are scheduled for 2024 and 2025. ALMACO will also provide the superyachts with support and lifecycle services during operation.

Each of the newbuild superyachts will have a variety of culinary venues. The superior dining and service level of the superyachts calls for state-of-the-art catering solutions with the latest technology and highest sustainability requirements.

ALMACO’s scope of work in these projects consists of a Visual Turnkey delivery of all galleys onboard, as well as all equipment supply and installation of the galley areas consisting of 1,200 m2. ALMACO will also supply and install all equipment for the provision store areas of 525 m2 and deliver the refrigeration machinery system. Besides delivering the catering areas, systems, and equipment, ALMACO has also included a lifecycle service agreement with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, consisting of pre-planned maintenance and supply of a spare parts package.

The newbuild vessels will be constructed at Chantiers de l’Atlantique and the delivery of the vessels will take place in 2024 and 2025. Frédéric Vasseur, President of Catering Systems at ALMACO, says, “As always, it’s an honor and pleasure to be invited to join a project by our long-term partner Chantiers de l’Atlantique. We have a long track record of mutual successful projects, and I am confident this project will be a success too.” He continues, “We share the same process-driven and innovative mindset and commitment to research and development. That makes working together extra inspiring.”

Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam converts former Princess ship into Azamara Onward

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

The fourth ship was added to the fleet of the cruise line operator Azamara following extensive refitting at the yard of Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam. Benefiting from equipment overhaul and conversion to cleaner fuel, Azamara Onward sailed to Monte Carlo for its naming festivity on 2 May.

The 180 meter passenger vessel was berthed alongside at the Amsterdam yard from August 2021 to get an upgrade to the standards of cruise operator Azamara, refurbishing all cabins and suites and adding spa suites and terrace rooms. Passenger shared spaces like restaurants were upgraded and a new bar was created. As a relatively small vessel in today’s cruise market, this vessel aims to offer an intimate luxury cruise experience.

From mid-March through April 2022, the vessel was in the largest dry dock of Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam where technical and maritime conversion was performed. Lots of steel work for the reconstruction of deck arrangements, balcony structures allowed for the creation of the newly planned luxury suites, some of them with their own Jacuzzi baths. This steel work was on deck 8 and 9, where also the onboard spa is located. Steel reinforcements were placed to support the spa pools and installations.

Tanks for ballast water and fuel oil were restructured, to accommodate for bunkering larger volumes of Marine Grade Diesel. The work included a lot of piping throughout the vessel and the engine room. The grey water tanks as well as the tanktop were replaced. Stabilisers both on starboard and port were overhauled and the shaft seals were replaced. Thrusters were upgraded to allow for the use of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants. The tailshaft and the propeller seal were replaced.

The hull was completely cleaned and painted to fit in the appearance of the Azamara fleet. The steel logo on the top side was taken off and replaced with the new sign Azamara Onward. Performing all of these interior, exterior and technical upgrades in limited time, required complicated logistical planning and strict schedules. “It was challenging to organise all the operations to be performed in time and in a manner that steel work does not interfere with decorative jobs,” says project manager Colin Husslage from Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam. “We managed to deliver the ship to its proud new owner at the date agreed, so Azamara can have it in full service during the 2022 season.”

“Azamara selected Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam to complete the revitalization of the Azamara Onward following an extensive comparative analysis of shipyards in Europe,” says Head of Marine Operations Nico Corbijn of Azamara. “With an estimated investment of approximately 55 million dollars, it was very important for us to identify a yard that could provide not only the technical expertise and know-how for this large project, but also offer logistical support for the outfitting companies and their teams that would be attending the ship daily. Despite the supply chain and labour challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Damen delivered beyond our expectations. The yard team’s collaborative spirit and “can-do” attitude made this refit a technical success, and a reason for us to return to Amsterdam for future engagements.”

WinGD launches software-based solution for EEXI compliance

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 09 June 2022 09 June 2022

Swiss marine power company WinGD has launched a software-based Engine Power Limitation (EPL) system to enable rapid and cost-effective compliance with the IMO’s EEXI regulations, which enter into force next year.

The solution uses the engine control system to limit engine power to meet EEXI design efficiency baselines and includes a required emergency override capability. It is applicable to all WinGD, Wärtsilä and Sulzer X, X-DF, and RT-flex two-stroke engines operating with UNIC or WECS-9520 engine control systems.

Amid concerns over yard space as operators rush to install EEXI compliance solutions, WinGD’s EPL can be installed in a single port stay with no engine downtime. WinGD has established a strong global installation network of engine experts, and authorised agents to ensure vessels can secure EEXI compliance without disrupting their planned voyage schedule.

Dr. Rudolf Holtbecker, WinGD Operations Director said: “Some EEXI solutions could involve high retrofitting costs or have a knock-on impact on operations or engine performance. A software-based EPL from the engine designer is the most economical way to meet the new requirements while safeguarding reliability and minimizing disruption to the fleet.”

The EPL offering complements WinGD’s solutions ecosystem of future fuel capability, hybrid power, and digital optimisation to help ship owners and operators choose the most flexible, practical, and cost-effective route towards decarbonisation.

“This solution leverages our deep understanding of engine design and operating experience. It represents an important step in greenhouse gas emissions compliance for WinGD engine users, providing a compliant baseline engine output from which operational emissions can be further reduced in line with evolving regulations.” said Holtbecker.

The product is being presented to customers at the Posidonia conference and exhibition in Athens, Greece on June 6 to 10.