Blakeley BoatWorks Delivers Pushboat to Cooper Marine
Mobile, AL-based Blakeley BoatWorks has announced the completion and delivery of Hull 107, formally named M/V Claire Ellen, to Cooper Marine’s Louisiana operations.Designed by Farrell and Norton and built by Blakeley BoatWorks, the 70-foot long, 28-foot wide, 1,600 horsepower vessel is fully compliant with the latest United States Coast Guard Subchapter M regulatory requirements. The new pushboat is the sixth 70 foot workboat delivered by Blakeley to to Cooper Marine-Louisiana.
ZF’s New Tech Meets Evolving Demands
ZF has long offered propulsion products for hybrid and electric marine applications. Now, as the demand for green technology grows across many vessel segments, the company has recently rolled out a pair of new transmissions optimized for hybrid and electric propulsion systems in high-speed vessels like pilot boats, ferries and water taxis.ZF’s 3000 NRD PTI has been unveiled as a space- and weight-saving solution for hybrid propulsion in waterjet vessels, while the 3200 A/V PTI is a new down-angle transmission for hybrid drive systems.Based on the popular ZF 3000 series…
Twin Disc Finalizes Katsa Acquisition
Power transmission technology company Twin Disc on Friday announced it has finalized its acquisition of Katsa Oy, a Finland-based, designer and manufacturer of gearboxes and power transmission components, completing a €21 million (approximately $23 million) all-cash deal that was first announced in March.“We are excited to welcome Katsa to the Twin Disc family of brands,” stated John H. Batten, President and CEO of Twin Disc. “Acquiring a well-established company with longstanding…
Twin Disc Inks Deal to Acquire Katsa for $23 Million
U.S. based power transmission equipment manufacturer Twin Disc announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Katsa, a Finnish-headquartered manufacturer of power transmission components and gearboxes for industrial and marine markets, in an all-cash transaction valued at €21 million (approximately $23 million).The transaction is expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2024, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, Twin…
ZF and Gator Tail Introduce New Air-Cooled Outboard
ZF and Gator Tail Outboards introduce a new air-cooled, heavy-duty, outboard with a rugged, customized ZF transmission. The new Gator Tail GT-Z incorporates a unique transmission with custom gear ratio and U-drive shaft arrangement from ZF. This innovative product allows specialized aluminum boats to traverse harsh swamp and marsh-type environments with unmatched power and reliability. Field-tested and proven, GT-Z is available now for pre-sale, with deliveries beginning in Q1…
ZF Marine Hires Lewis as Head of NA Commercial-Fast Craft Product Line
ZF Marine announced it has hired George Lewis as its new head of product line commercial-fast craft, North/Central America and the Caribbean, reporting to Wolfgang Schmid, ZF’s Industrial Division Head for North America.“ZF Marine welcomes George aboard and looks forward to the positive impact he will have upon the company’s sales across the Americas and Caribbean,” Schmid said. “With his deep industry knowledge and technical skill as a trained naval architect and proven sales leader…
Klein Appointed Chairman, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen
Dr. Holger Klein, Member of the Board of Management responsible for the Asia-Pacific region, Car Chassis Technology Division, Aftermarket and Production, will succeed Wolf-Henning Scheider as Chairman and CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG at the end of 2022.At the same time, Dr. Peter Laier will join the Board of Management to lead the Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) and Industrial Technology divisions succeeding Wilhelm Rehm. ZF Chief Financial Officer Dr. Konstantin Sauer will leave the company by the end of 2022 after many years of service.
Tech File: ABB Launches New Permanent Magnetic Shaft Generator
The latest in-line shaft generator from ABB is designed to enable ship operators to benefit from the multiple advantages of permanent magnet technology. The new generator brings flexibility and ease of installation to a wide range of vessels including bulk carriers, container carriers, liquid natural gas tankers and ferries transporting passengers and cars.The AMZ 1400 permanent magnet shaft generator is optimized for converter control and enables better efficiency than either induction or electrically excited synchronous machines at both full and partial loading.
Stena RoRo's Ro-Pax Vessel Trio to Sport Broad Range of Wärtsilä Solutions
Finland-based marine technology and equipment specialist Wärtsilä will provide a broad scope of its solutions for three new LNG-fuelled Ro-Pax vessels being built in China for Swedish ferry operator Stena RoRo.China Merchants Jinling (Weihai) Shipyard is building the vessels. They will operate with Wärtsilä engines and propulsion machinery when delivered in 2024 and 2025. The vessels, each around 200 meters long, are part of a series of E-Flexer class ferries ordered by Stena RoRo for European line service.
STADT AS, SH-Defence in Collab to 'Future-proof' Marine Propulsion Solutions
STADT AS and SH-Defence have signed a cooperation agreement and integrated their technologies to increase the modularisation of power generation and electric propulsion technologies.With its patented and innovative propulsion technology, STADT meets environmental requirements and can supply Zero-emission electric propulsion to Commercial and Naval vessels now, STADT said."To make sure that existing and new low and zero-emission power-sources like battery, fuel-cells and alternative fuels can be installed…
Kongsberg to Equip Two New Ferries in Tasmania
Kongsberg Maritime (KM) announced it has been awarded a contract with Finnish shipyard Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) to deliver propulsion and steering equipment for two new car and passenger ferries. The vessels will be operated by the Australian company TT-Line for the regular Spirit of Tasmania ferry service – a 10.5-hour journey across the Bass Strait between Melbourne, Victoria and Devonport, Tasmania.Each vessel will be fitted with two of KM’s Promas combined propulsion and steering systems…
Starnav Opts for SCHOTTEL Propulsion
With a milestone project for South America, the Brazilian towage group Starnav is setting sails to reach the IMO 2030 goals: Starnav has contracted Detroit shipyard in Itajaí, Brazil, for equipping four newly built tugs with SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers. One of the 32 meter long and 11.6 meter wide escort tugs will feature the SCHOTTEL patented SYDRIVE-M technology right from start; the other three will be configured to be SYDRIVE-ready. As a mechanical hybrid solution without the costly complexity of common hybrid technology…
HNLMS De Ruyter Gets New Gearbox Mountings
Since the beginning of May, Royal IHC has been busy replacing the propulsion gearbox mountings on the HNLMS De Ruyter. This work is part of a maintenance program for the Air Defense and Command Frigates (LCF). Royal IHC will replace the mountings on all four LCF-frigates for the Royal Netherlands Navy.Annemieke Selbach, Head of Purchasing at the Royal Netherlands Navy, said, “Royal IHC has taken on an enormously challenging project in the replacement of the mountings on the frigates.
Interview: John Batten, CEO, Twin Disc
How have major events such as the U.S./China trade war, oil price fall and COVID-19 impacted Twin Disc’s commercial marine business to date, and what adjustments have you made in response?These are the three things that I’ve been highlighting in employee communications and with investors over the last few months. For us, COVID was just the third punch after the other two. China is typically our second largest market after the U.S., and we lost lots of orders to our competitors as the trade war started to affect us. It’s rebounding a little, but it definitely impacted our sales into China.
Online Tool Guides Boaters to Proper Lubricants
LIQUI MOLY USA has announced it has expanded its Oil Guide—both in app and online formats—to include its recently launched marine line of oils, fluids and additives in the US and Canada. This will allow consumers and marine professionals to identify and learn about the correct products for their inboard, outboard and sterndrive engines.
ZF Unveils 5200 A/V PTI Hybrid Transmission
With the ZF 5200 A/V PTI, ZF Marine is introducing the brand’s first hybrid transmission that can be installed in the ship in both V (V drive) and A (down angle) positions. Thanks to the wide range of transmission ratios and space-saving design, the ZF 5200 A/V PTI is suited for many different types of marine vessels.Ship designers currently face a wide array of challenges: In the leisure yacht segment, customers want as much living space as possible, while the boom in logistics and tourism requires ferries to make ever more space available for cargo.
Ferry Stena Estrid Completes Sea Trials
Stena Line’s "next-generation" ferry Stena Estrid has arrived in Holyhead after completing sea trials and a five-week, 10,000 mile journey from China to the Irish Sea where she will begin service early next year on her inaugural route from Dublin to Holyhead.Designed by Deltamarin and constructed at the China Merchants Jinling Shipbuilding Weihai Shipyard in China, Stena Estrid is the first of Stena RoRo’s nine next-generation E-Flexer Ro-Pax vessels in a series which include five for Stena Line and several additional vessels that will be on long-term charter for other ferry operators.
Voith Plans Takeover of ELIN Motoren
Technology Group Voith plans to acquire 70% of the shares in the Austrian electric motor manufacturer ELIN Motoren GmbH. A corresponding purchase contract was signed on December 20, 2019. ELIN Motoren GmbH is a global high-tech company in the area of electric motors and generators and provides customized solutions for industrial applications.“Voith is a technology leader in drive technology in many industries. The portfolio of ELIN Motoren is an excellent addition to our industrial drive solutions and supports our position as a technology-independent supplier of drive systems.
Chevron Launches New Gear Oils
Chevron Marine Lubricants introduced a new range of gear oils designed for use in industrial and marine clutched gear systems.In developing Meropa MG gear oils, Chevron Marine Lubricants responded to customer and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) demand for gear box oils designed to ensure optimal performance in Renk and Flender/Siemens, Reintjes and Brunvoll clutched gear boxes, each extensively used in marine vessels. Meropa MG gear oils carry approvals from those gearbox manufacturers…
Klüber Lubrication Improves Gearbox Performance
Klüber Lubrication, a manufacturer of specialty lubricants, introduces industrial gear oils to their maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) portfolio.There is a current demand for the transmission of ever-growing power and torque in gears of all performance grades. This demand, combined with reduced gear size and weight, requires the application of mineral and synthetic high-performance lubricants.The MRO gear oils from Klüber Lubrication are designed to optimize gearbox performance across many industries…
PROPULSION: ‘Power’ to the People
Interstate-McBee brings affordable aftermarket replacement parts to a marine sector thirsting for new ways to bolster the bottom line. As freight rates, subchapter M and the advent of EPA Tier IV requirements all impact the market, an affordable overhaul of an existing engine is one way to find real relief. A recent report, entitled “Impact of Updated Service Life Estimates on Harbor Craft and Switcher Locomotive Emission Forecasts and Cost-Effectiveness,” found the average Category 2 workboat remains in service for 50 years…
SCHOTTEL Secures NC Ferries Contract
SCHOTTEL said it has secured a contract to provide propulsion units for two new vehicle ferries ordered by North Carolina’s Department of Transportation, which operates the second largest state-run ferry system in the United States. The US-flag vessels designed by Elliott Bay Design Group are under construction at Gulf Island Shipyards in Houma, La., and will be equipped with a total of nine SCHOTTEL Twin Propellers type STP 150 L. The ferries are scheduled for delivery in 2020.Each…
MN100: The Best 100 firms in the Brown Water Sector
Is your company a Top 100 performer? The application period for this year’s MN100 edition is officially open and underway! Only those who apply can be considered for inclusion.The MN100, always our August print edition, is our annual look at the best 100 firms in the MarineNews, brown water, workboat space. There will never be a better time for you to tell MarineNews just why your firm is one of the best in the business. All of that – the selected 100 companies – will be featured in the August edition of the largest BPA-audited b-to-b publication in this genre.
SeaCrest Builds for Domestic & Foreign Buyers
Seacrest’s Managing Director Tavipol Hemangkorn receives guest in a board room decorated with models of large crew boats, ASD tugs and a range of other vessels that his firm has built. Located just outside the mouth of the Chaophraya River at Samutprakarn, Thailand the yard’s three marine ways can launch vessels directly into the deeper waters of the Gulf of Thailand. They can accommodate vessels up to a 22-meter beam and up to 2500 metric tons. Outside the company offices an…
Concierge Yacht Repair, Service and Maintenance for Engine Rooms
As vessels increase in size, engine rooms increase in complexity. With superyachts approaching the size of small ships, qualified engineers with commercial and military experience operating larger vessels effectively prevent and troubleshoot problems.FHG Marine Engineering (FHGME) is a niche contractor with a business model providing concierge mobile preventative and routine yacht maintenance with emergency repair to luxury yachts in South Florida, minimizing downtime for vessels with 24-7 operations.
TMC to Provide Smart Air Compressors to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard
TMC Compressors of the Seas (TMC) has signed a contract to supply an environmentally friendly Smart Air marine compressed air system to the world’s first HFO-fuelled (heavy fuel oil) TIR III compliant ethylene carriers.TMC will provide the Smart Air compressors to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, which is responsible for building the two new 21,000 cbm ethylene carriers to Norwegian LPG and petrochemical shipping company Solvang ASA (Solvang).In a separate contract, TMC will provide 2 x N2 (nitrogen) feed air compressors to each of the two vessels’ on-board N2 system.
ZF to Launch New Marine Transmission Series
The ZF 8000 model range is a new marine transmission family for outputs up to a maximum of 3,000 kW. The ZF 8000 range is available in multiple transmission ratios, housing sizes and variants giving manufacturers a high degree of flexibility for new build projects and retrofits.To this end the ZF 8000 covers a wide-ranging field of applications, from coast guard vessels and yachts to ferries, supply ships and small tankers. An additional power take-in makes it possible to integrate an electric motor for hybrid functions.
First RENK AED Drive Passes Sea Tests
Noted German gear-maker Renk reports that its new propulsion system Advanced Electric Drive (AED) was successful in its recent sea test onboard a 110-m megayacht built in the Netherlands. The megayacht was the first to feature the AED, a innovative propulsion system that is designed to be light, compact with a very low noise signature.The RENK AED was chosen when the owner eschewed traditional diesel units for the 3500-ton displacement vessel. Renk is long-experienced in the area of the electrification of propulsion systems…
Volvo Penta Names Interstate PowerSystems as Authorized Power Center
Volvo Penta of the Americas has announced the appointment of Interstate PowerSystems as a new Authorized Power Center for the marine industry.Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., Interstate PowerSystems is a division of Interstate Companies, Inc., which has been in business since 1957 with more than 20 locations in the upper Midwest. As a Volvo Penta Authorized Power Center, Interstate PowerSystems will be responsible for sales and service of Volvo Penta marine commercial and leisure propulsion solutions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and upper Michigan.
Twin Disc Equips Seacor's New Crewboats
When cargo and crew need to get to an offshore platform fast, Seacor Marine delivers with its new Seacor Panther and Seacor Puma. Part of its CrewZer Class of state-of-the-art transport vessels, the 187' x 41' high-speed aluminum catamarans reach 40 kts—a dramatic speed improvement over traditional FSVs (fast support vessel). This blazing-fast speed is due to an innovative hull design, and high-performance Twin Disc QuickShift marine transmissions coupled with HamiltonJet waterjets.Built by Astilleros Armon shipyards in Burela…
D-Day Ship Turned Ferry Repowered
As part of the June 6, 1944 Normandy landings, the USS LST-510 (landing ship for tanks) delivered 200 GIs, and 70 tanks and jeeps to Omaha Beach. She then anchored offshore to serve as an impromptu hospital ship for the over 150,000 Allied wounded. For three months following the invasion, she ferried injured soldiers back to England and supplies back to the front, evading German U-boats and dive bombers. She was awarded a Battle Star for her meritorious participation. Thought to be the last D-Day ship still in active service…