TIDELAND MARITIME WARNING SYSTEMS FOR OFFSHORE WIND FARMS

Tideland Signal, the international specialist in aids to marine navigation, is offering  consultancy services and a comprehensive range of equipment for the safe marking of offshore wind farms to protect against collisions and accidental damage caused by shipping.

The Tideland range includes lanterns, fog signals, fog detectors and monitoring systems, all compliant with the requirements of the International Association of Lighthouse Authority's new recommendations O.139 edition 1 of December 2008 covering the marking of man-made offshore structures.  IALA recommendations have the force of a 'standard' in intergovernmental terms and are designed to "avoid confusion from a proliferation of aids to navigation in high density wind farms."  The document recommends that "consideration should be given to the use of synchronised lighting, different light characters and varied light ranges" and draws attention to the danger of interfering with ship borne and shore-based radar installations.

All Tideland systems can be solar-powered and may be conformed as highly sophisticated, remotely-monitored systems or simpler installation which can also be controlled from a remote, on-shore location.  The company has many years' experience protecting offshore installations of every type around the globe, including the UK's largest offshore wind farm to date at Lynn and Inner Dowsing in the Greater Wash, off the Lincolnshire coast.

Tideland supplies a wide range of compact, high-performance LED lanterns for offshore installations, including self-contained, solar-powered units such as the SolaMAX-155, which has a range of 5 NM.  The integral solar panel charges an internally housed battery types, either of the lead acid type or, for extreme low temperatures, nickel metal hydride.  Maintenance requirements are minimal and the unit is designed for a service life of seven years on station in the most demanding environments.  Long-life LEDs and high-integrity electronics housed in a tough UV-resistant polycarbonate enclosure ensure that the lantern will not need to be opened during its service life and will even withstand being submerged in salt water.

There is a choice of three programming modes.  SolaMAX-215 can be factory-programmed to the required setting or, alternatively, the user can programme it either by radio remote controller or from a laptop using Tideland's SignalView program.  In addition to code setting, the SignalView program allows the user to set preferred levels for power/intensity, photo cell switching and low voltage disconnect/activation.

The fog signals supplied by Tideland for the Lynn and Dowsing wind farm were its proven AB-560 units, which give a warning audible at up to two miles.  The Tideland AB-560 fog signal incorporates five drivers/emitters producing 133.2 dB at 1 metre equivalent and with a usual range of 2NM.  It broadcasts a 360º sound beam, with a pre-selected code and can be operated either from mains power or a solar power system.  The drivers/emitters are housed in robust GRP casings and are mounted in a galvanized steel structure designed to withstand severe storms.  They operate at less than 25% of rated capacity, which results in exceptional efficiency and life expectancy.

Approved to ISO 9001:2008, Tideland Signal Limited is a British-based member of the Tideland group of companies, which specializes in the design and manufacture of aids to marine navigation.  The Tideland group is independently owned and has its headquarters in Houston, Texas.

YSI SONDES GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

International oceanographic marine instrument and systems provider, OSIL (Ocean Scientific International Limited), are seeing increased demand for YSI 6 Series Sondes, both for real time environmental monitoring and extended deployment. 

 This demand is a result of the Sondes durability in harsh conditions, enabling long term deployment. The 6 Series is the perfect instrument for dredging studies, long term unattended monitoring and integration into data buoys/seabed systems. All versions of the V2 6 Series Sonde accept a range of wiped optical sensors including Dissolved Oxygen, Turbidity, Chlorophyll, Blue Green Algae and Rhodamine, which are all designed to be virtually maintenance free.

The YSI 6 Series can be deployed for between 3 months and a year, dependant on the data rate and application, making it ideal for a wide range of long term applications.
As the 6 Series only require servicing annually, maintenance costs are vastly reduced, a welcome benefit. 

 
For more information about YSI Sondes and also about OSIL's extensive range of products and services, please visit the OSIL website at www.osil.co.uk or call 02392 688240.

SLOVENIAN NAVY CHOOSES SONARDYNE SENTINET DIVER DETECTION SONAR

The Slovenian Navy has taken delivery of a Sonardyne Sentinel Intruder Detection Sonar (IDS) for the underwater protection of key installations in the northern Adriatic Sea. The contract also includes the provision of the new Sonardyne underwater loudhailer called 'Scylla'. This option for a Sentinel system allows users to broadcast underwater warning messages to deter submerged intruders once they have been detected.   
 

With support from NATO, the Slovenian Navy evaluated numerous diver detection technologies last summer (2008). During the trials, Slovenian Navy divers attempted to evade or deceive the 'invisible' underwater protective zone created by the Sentinel system which demonstrated that despite its relatively small size, weight and cost, its performance was superior to other systems. 
 
Following its introduction, Sentinel has shown a 100 per cent success rate in detecting targets at long ranges and in differentiating between divers, surface swimmers and non-threats such as pleasure craft, large fish and cetaceans. This high level of performance is attributed to the fact that unlike other commercially available diver detection systems, Sentinel is a not a hybrid of an existing sonar. It has been specifically designed by Sonardyne to meet the challenge of tracking underwater targets reliably and cost-effectively. 
 

The Sentinel sonar head is only 30cm in diameter, 40cm high and weighs just 35kg (77lbs) which makes it compact and easily deployed from a vessel or harbour environment. Capable of providing 360 degrees of sonar coverage, it can operate as a stand-alone portable system or configured with multiple sonar heads to be networked together so that very wide areas, such as ports and water-front locations can be monitored. The new system features advanced software for target detection, classification and tracking that removes the need for continuous manual operation. Threat warnings received by the system's control facility can be automatically forwarded by text message, internet or pre-recorded voice message to key personnel anywhere in the world.
 

Sonardyne International Ltd is recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of subsea acoustic navigation, communication and telemetry systems for use by the military, offshore oil and gas industries and the international scientific community. The company has headquarters in Yateley, England, with additional facilities in the Far East, USA and South America.  Visit: www.sonardyne.com.

SIMRAD RECEIVES HISTORIC ORDER FOR TRAWL SYSTEMS

The Simrad office in Spain, Simrad Spain SL, received a record order for 118 ITI systems on 25th March 2009. The ITI systems shall be used by the trawler fleet operating around a new gas pipeline, which is currently under construction between Denia, on the east coast of Spain, and Mallorca, passing through Ibiza. The ITI trawl systems are part of a complete package developed by Simrad Spain SL on request of the pipeline owner, the Spanish gas giant Enagas.

The extensive package is Simrad's largest ever single trawl systems order. In addition to the 118 ITI trawl systems, the order includes the same quantity of Olex seabed mapping systems, Black Box recorders, JRC GPS gyros and Thyboron trawl door pairs. The Black Box recorders will log and transmit vessel and trawl data on a daily basis through the GSM network to a server based at Simrad. The total value of the package is close to Euro 8,5 million. A 30 year service contract has also been agreed as part of the package.

The route of the new Enagas pipeline takes it through valuable fishing grounds to the south of Valencia and the North of Alicante. As a result of this the fishermen require equipment in order to avoid causing damage to the infrastructure and their trawls, whilst maintaining an efficient and profitable fishery. Enagas also require daily reporting of the movements of every fishing vessel in the area around the pipeline. These requirements together are the reason for Enagas supplying the packages to the local vessels.

"Simrad Spain SL is the company best positioned to meet the wide scope of Enagas' and the local fishery's needs," comments Agustin Mayans, General Manager, Simrad Spain. "The best way to provide the protection required is to know the exact position of the pipeline and have an accurate map of the bottom topography. At the same time, you must know the exact position and depth of the trawl and trawl doors. The only system that can provide this is the Simrad ITI positioning system interfaced to the Olex sea bed mapping system. This way each skipper will have full control of the net in a 3D environment."

To control the lift and landing of the trawl over the pipeline a set of Thyboron trawl doors was included as a part of the package. The stability of these doors is vital to make the 'jump'. A reporting system and help desk has been established at Simrad Spain for the administrative work. This office will collect vessel data and send reports to Enagas on a regular basis.

"To my knowledge, this is the largest single order for trawl systems ever, anywhere in our industry," says Mads Dahl, Sales and Marketing Director, Simrad. "The crew at Simrad Spain has been working day and night to get this package together against some strong competition. In my opinion Enagas has made the right decision not only based on products but also because Simrad Spain is the most experienced and professional trawl organization anywhere. They are therefore able to provide the ongoing services and support that the contract requires."

Approximately five to seven systems will be delivered and installed immediately with further deliveries every week until all vessels have the complete systems installed. The crew of each vessel will be trained and serviced by the highly experienced Simrad Spain team, adding further value to the whole package. Also, as part of the KONGSBERG Group, Simrad can provide even further value through its relation to the Oil & Gas industry, making the company a very strong partner with Enagas throughout the 30 year horizon of the project.

Visit www.simrad.com for more information on the ITI trawl system that forms the basis of this historic trawl package supplied by Simrad Spain SL.

WET LABS TEAM WITH PLANET OCEAN

WET Labs, Inc. is proud to announce our association with Planet Ocean as our representatives in the United Kingdom.
The agreement was concluded during the 2009 Ocean Business exposition in Southampton.

"Our clients in the UK will benefit from Planet Ocean's expertise in marine technology and instrumentation," said
Ian Walsh, VP Operations for WET Labs, Inc.

"WET Labs already partners with a number of the companies that Planet Ocean represents, so it was a natural fit for us.
I'm sure that our association will result in increased service and support for our clients."

A spokesman for Planet Ocean said "We join the WET Labs team at an exciting time for both companies, the new WET Labs CYCLE-PO4 Phosphate Analyser is a going to be real winner"

Left to right:-
Carole Sloane, (Communications Director, Planet Ocean Ltd), Dr Ian Walsh (VP Operations, WET Labs Inc), Terry Sloane (Managing Director Planet Ocean Ltd)  Angela Gellatly (Sales Manager WET Labs Inc.)

VERIPOS MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH MOVE TO NEW PREMISES

Veripos, the major precise satellite positioning supplier to the world offshore industry using GNSS technology, has marked its 20th anniversary with a move to new premises at Westhill, Aberdeen.  Housing the Company's global management team and support functions covering also operations management for the European, African and Middle East regions, the premises include a new state-of-the-art Network Control Centre (NCC) transferred from an existing site at Greenwell Base in Aberdeen.  The new NCC will operate in parallel with a secondary control centre in Singapore to ensure full worldwide system redundancy and continuity.

Originally founded in 1989 as a joint venture between the former Brown & Root Survey and Ormston Technology, a specialist marine electronics company based in Hull, Veripos initially provided a Differential Global Positioning Service (DGPS) for North Sea users based on HF radio transmitters and subsequently extended the partnership to include Osiris, a subsidiary of Boskalis in the Netherlands.

Five years later, in 1994, a joint alliance with Dutch and French partners under the auspices of its then parent organisation, Subsea Offshore, led to the introduction of a much broader satellite-based DGPS service which was subsequently extended over intervening years to cover the Gulf of Mexico followed by a progressive expansion of networks for Brazil, West Africa and the Caspian.

By now wholly-owned by Subsea 7 who authorised further major expansion plans at the beginning of 2005, Veripos realised full global coverage of its services a few months later and is now the world's second largest supplier of satellite-based precise positioning facilities to the international offshore industry.  Numbering leading exploration, construction, survey and drilling organisations among its many clients, the Company is currently staffed by 75 specialist personnel based in seven regional sites around the world.  All are dedicated to the management and continued development of multiple satellite and terrestrial services for delivery of augmentation data not only for the GPS satellite constellation operated by the US DoD, but also for the comparable Russian GLONASS  network while also developing the technology for other planned satellite navigation systems such as the forthcoming EU Galileo system.

Veripos' new premises are at Prospect Road, Arnhall Business Park, Westhill, Aberdeen AB32 6FE, UK (Tel: +44 (0) 1224 526000  Fax: +44 (0) 1224 527000  Web:  HYPERLINK "http://www.veripos.com" www.veripos.com).

TO LAY-UP OR NOT TO LAY UP: IMAREST'S SHIP LAY-UP CONFERENCE TO LOOK AT THE OPTIONS

Shipping has suffered a sudden and dramatic fall in freight rates as the global recession deepens, forcing owners to consider ways to cut costs, or just survive. It is reported that nine percent of the world's container fleet is now idle. One of the options is to lay-up vessels. There are arguments for and against. What are the alternatives facing the industry?

These are amongst the urgent topics that will be discussed and debated at the Ship Lay-Up Conference being held by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) at their headquarters in Coleman Street in the City of London on 6-7 May 2009.

"This new event in our calendar of events will be a very practical, topical and highly interactive two-day conference for ship owners, operators and managers exploring ship lay-up covering why, where and how to do it," explains the IMarEST's Chief Executive, Keith Read CBE. "Just a matter of days ago, Lloyd's List stated that: 'Lay-up has already been identified by a number of companies as a business growth area to which they can relatively easily adapt in their existing business model.' We certainly live in challenging and interesting times, and look forward to robust and informative debate in a month's time."

Chaired by Michael Grey HonFIMarEST, former Editor of Lloyd's List, the conference will assess the economic arguments for hot or cold lay-up, helping owners and ship operators to understand the benefits and disadvantages of both options, as well as looking at the alternatives.

"Owners need to be aware that it is imperative that ships are laid up correctly otherwise they can experience problems on reactivation for the remainder of their working lives," explains Keith Read.  "By reviewing and outlining the overall major factors involved in ship lay-ups we are aiming to provide expert and critical guidance to assist owners."

Conference topics over the two days will include: The economic arguments for and against lay-up and the alternatives; The pros and cons of slow steaming; Storage - an idle ship earning money; Disposal - the last resort?; Hot or cold - which option to choose; How environment affects the choice of where; Security issues; How to lay-up; P&I attitude - what is expected of members; Class - this is what you need to do; Reactivation - getting back to sea.

Recent naval experience will come under the conference spotlight in the form of a topical case history; and the conference will also incorporate a debate 'Options for owners'; an operators' forum 'Where to lay up'; and a manufacturers' round table.

"It is going to be a packed couple of days that will incorporate useful networking opportunities," says Keith Read. "As an international membership body and learned society for marine engineers it is very much part of our remit to educate and inform in this way. The conference is designed to ensure our delegates leave with realistic information, particularly by means of interactive case histories all designed to help their understanding of the theories outlined during a critical time for our industry."

A flavour of the event - Hot or cold lay-up?
The first decision for all ship owners to make when considering lay-up is whether or not to opt for a hot or cold lay-up. Ships that are laid up hot will have a small crew aboard and minimum of machinery operating. A hot lay-up is used to deactivate a vessel for a limited number of weeks. Reactivating a ship from a hot lay-up can be comparatively quick. The advantages are that by having a small crew onboard the vessel, periodically carrying out maintenance regimes, the machinery, electrical and electronic systems are kept within a tolerable state of readiness. Another advantage of having the crew aboard is that fire, security and other safety concerns can be allayed.

A cold lay-up will require the vessel being moved to a secure location and shutting down all systems. Machinery and systems on board will be secured and a specialized lay-up crew employed. Cold lay-ups can save more money but their disadvantage is that the vessel is out of service for at least a few months. Reactivation could take weeks. The main advantage of cold lay-up is that it gives maximum cost savings over a long period of time. There can be some significant disadvantages - including machinery degradation, so owners need to consider options carefully before proceeding. Modern vessels have an incredible amount of sophisticated computer and electronic equipment on board and the industry has no real experience of how these complex systems will start up and reboot after an extended period of inactivity. Reactivation can be problematic and need considerable supervision.  

"IMarEST's two-day conference is an essential event both for ship owners and managers who need an understanding of the critical factors involved in all aspects of ship lay-up and of the latest techniques," says Keith Read. "I commend it to you, and look forward to seeing you there."

Further information, including registration at the early bird rate and discounts for members of the IMarEST and for IMarEST Marine Partners, is available at www.imarest.org and from the Events Department at the IMarEST, 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ. Tel: +44 (0)20 7382 2600 [or a direct dial number?]; Fax: +44 (0)20 7382 2670; email: events@imarest.org

BMT AWARDS SONARDYNE A LIFE-OF-FIELD CONTRACT FOR PETROBRAS' CASCADE CHINOOK DEVELOPMENT

BMT Scientific Marine Services Inc. has chosen Sonardyne International Ltd to supply an integrated acoustic positioning and telemetry system for Petrobras America's Gulf of Mexico Cascade Chinook field. The system forms part of an extensive life-of-field integrity monitoring system for five Free Standing Hybrid Risers (FSHRs) 
 

The Cascade Chinook field development is the first use of an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) system in the Gulf of Mexico. All risers, umbilicals and monitoring system transceivers are integrated into a turret buoy which can be disconnected from the FPSO allowing it to move off-station when there is a threat to the facility. 
 
The selection follows the successful development and deployment by BMT and Sonardyne of a similar system for a deep water field in Brazil.
 
The acoustic instrumentation is configured to monitor the position of each riser tower and the turret buoy in relation to the seabed. Integrated sensors will also monitor depth, temperature, inclination and sound speed. The integrated modem or telemetry functionality will also transfer the data from BMT's load and attitude monitoring system on each riser tower to the turret buoy at the central location.
 
The turret buoy is fitted with a number of transceivers to ensure a line of sight to each riser tower without obstruction by the risers or mooring lines. These transceivers are controlled by BMT's monitoring system in the FPSO's turret to acquire position, sensor and load monitoring data. In the event of a disconnection the system continues to record data which can later be downloaded by the FPSO or another vessel. The system uses Sonardyne Wideband® signal architecture that enables remote high speed and reliable data communications through water.
 
The integrity monitoring system will provide valuable data about the movement and loading on hybrid riser systems during extreme weather. The system demonstrates a growing demand for reliable subsea remote integrity monitoring that has been enabled by the high performance of Sonardyne's Wideband® acoustic positioning and data communication systems and BMT's proven subsea strain and motion sensing systems.
 
 
Sonardyne International Ltd is recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of subsea acoustic navigation, communication and telemetry systems. These are widely used by the military, offshore oil and gas industries and the international scientific community. The company has headquarters in Yateley, England, with additional facilities in the Far East, USA and South America.  For more information visit www.sonardyne.com 

OSIL SYSTEMS PROVIDE THE SOLUTION

International oceanographic marine instrument and systems provider, OSIL (Ocean Scientific International Limited) have secured a major contract for a highly complicated Met Ocean Monitoring System for use on a Middle East offshore platform.
 
Reliable real time Met Ocean data is vital when working offshore, and OSIL are proud to be able to provide this critical data through their customised Met Ocean Monitoring System. The customised system will allow offshore crew to view vital Met Ocean data (Currents, Waves, Tides, Wind, Air Pressure) in real time, as well as providing data back to shore for archive.
 
OSIL Director, Richard Williams explains, "Our systems capability is an aspect that we have been working hard on, the aim is to provide the client with a turnkey system removing the headache of integrating sensors and data.  This turnkey approach is becoming increasingly popular with clients as time and financial pressures escalate"

OSIL are able to provide completely customised systems incorporating whichever sensors/data are required by the contract, be it currents, waves, tides, CTD, SV, Met etc. The data is then integrated to provide the client with a single easy to view data package.  This data package can be then sent to a secure website for viewing by the client anywhere in the world.
 
For more information about OSIL's extensive range of products and services, please visit the OSIL website at www.osil.co.uk or call 023 9248 8240.

KONGSBERG INTELLIFIELD DELIVERS INTERGRATED COLLABORATION FACILITIES TO GDF SUEZ E&P NORGE

GDF SUEZ E&P Norge recently performed the grand opening of its new, complete Onshore Operations Centre delivered by Kongsberg Intellifield for the operation of the Gjøa oil and gas field.
 
When production at the Gjøa oil and gas field starts in 2010, GDF SUEZ E&P Norge will take over the operational responsibility and Integrated Operations is the practical way in which the company will operate the field. Kongsberg Intellifield is responsible for the complete delivery of the Integrated Collaboration Facilities to GDF SUEZ E&P Norge including surveying and consultancy regarding design of collaborative solutions, mapping of demands from the work processes as well as installation and training.
 
The collaboration rooms will allow for transfer of real time data from the wells and facilitate operation of several of Gjøa's processes onshore. The facilities consist of the Gjøa onshore operations centre in Sandnes, Norway, which contains an open work area, a 3D-visualisation room, a production optimisation room and the main collaboration room. In addition Kongsberg Intellifield will supply collaboration facilities offshore at the Gjøa platform and at the GDF SUEZ E&P Norge Supply Base in Florø. 
 
Project manager of Integrated Collaboration Environments in Kongsberg Intellifield, Carl Gustav Christensen, sees this delivery as a milestone for the oil and gas industry and the operation of oilfields.
 
"This delivery means that Kongsberg Intellifield further strengthens its position as supplier of collaboration environments directed towards the Norwegian oil and gas industry. Our competence is unique in Norway but we also deliver to large international companies. Kongsberg Intellifield focuses on the full picture by controlling the project from planning to complete delivery and operator training. As a result, the client can relate to one partner only," says Christensen.
 
GDF SUEZ E&P Norge is a wholly-owned affiliate of GDF SUEZ, present in Norway since 2001. The company is a partner in several fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, and its asset portfolio is growing. The company now has 19 exploration licenses, two operatorships and a half-dozen production licenses. Its largest investment is the development in Gjøa, with its estimated 82 barrels of oil and condensate and 40 cubic metres of gas.
 
"As Gjøa will be the first field on the Norwegian Continental Shelf that GDF SUEZ E&P Norge will operate, we are extremely proud of the new facilities provided by Kongsberg Intellifield. Since the Gjøa operations organisation will be widely distributed geographically, it is important to connect all partners, contractors and suppliers in an efficient manner utilising real-time communication and data transfer techniques," comments Steffi Baltrusch, Project Manager of Integrated Operations at GDF SUEZ E&P Norge.
 
"These techniques are provided through the Gjøa collaboration facilities which are standardised at all locations and shall be used to overcome geographical barriers. They will facilitate informed and accelerated decision making processes and will help us realise our integrated operations vision," concludes Baltrusch.
 
For further information, please contact:
Kongsberg Maritime
www.kongsberg.com

WORLD OCEAN COUNCIL ANNOUNCES WORLD'S FIRST 'SUSTAINABLE OCEAN SUMMIT' - IMarEST PLAYS A KEY ROLE

Leaders from ocean industries dependent on marine space, services and resources will gather in Belfast this June for the first-ever 'Sustainable Ocean Summit' in order to develop cross-sectoral business action on Corporate Ocean Responsibility, and to ensure more effective communication and collaboration across the non-governmental sector in addressing ocean environmental challenges.
 
This decisive step is being taken by the Global Industry Alliance on Ocean Sustainability, catalyzed by the World Ocean Council (WOC). 'Sustainable Ocean Summit' participants will include: shipping, oil and gas, fisheries, marine tourism, renewable ocean energy, shipbuilding, marine technology, ports, dredging, seabed mining, seabed cables/pipelines, and others, as well as maritime insurance, finance and legal services.
 
 "Companies and industry associations from around the world are expressing significant interest in a coordinated global private sector leadership approach to ocean environmental issues", noted WOC Executive Director Paul Holthus, adding that many companies see the business benefits and sustainable development value in the WOC-led collaborative efforts on Corporate Ocean Responsibility.
 
"The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) is proud to be associated with this milestone event," says IMarEST Chief Executive, Keith Read CBE. "We are delighted that Professor Ralph Rayner, one of our highly respected and most active Vice Presidents, is playing an active role in shaping June's event, and look forward to positive views and actions coming from the Summit."
 
The Sustainable Ocean Summit will bring together a wide range of industries that use marine space and resources around the theme of "Reducing Risk, Increasing Sustainability: Solutions through Collaboration". The event is organized in partnership with Golder Associates and will be held in Belfast, UK (16-17 June, 2009). Industry leaders will identify shared ocean sustainability priorities that will form the cross-sectoral collaborative programs coordinated by WOC working with and through companies committed to Corporate Ocean Responsibility.
 
The World Ocean Council is also launching its members program for companies and industry associations who would like to become part of this unprecedented international private sector alliance on Corporate Ocean Responsibility. From January 2009 to June 2009, a select number of companies and associations will be able to become 'Founding Members'. "We are delighted to be one of those 'Founding Members'," says Keith Read. "We look forward to playing a continuing active role in this important area." Prospective members should contact the WOC directly. Individuals may also apply for membership.
 
See www.oceancouncil.org  for information on World Ocean Council membership and to register for the 'Sustainable Ocean Summit', or contact: paul.holthus@oceancouncil.org  +1 (808) 277-9008

NEW TIDELAND BUOY FOR PORT OF NEATH

The Port of Neath has chosen Tideland's newly launched SB-2200 polyethylene buoy to replace a broken GRP buoy marking the port side of the channel for ships entering the tidal estuary of the River Neath in Swansea Bay.  

The buoy is one of a pair which, together with Tideland's red mast-mounted SolaLED-140 lanterns and unlit green posts,  mark the channel for ships up to 125 metres overall to a number of wharves on both banks of the river.  Harbour Manager Bob Minty commented: "Conditions in Swansea Bay can be very rough and our previous GRP buoy broke in two and sank, so the robust construction of the new Tideland buoy was a major factor in replacing it." 

Tideland's SB-2200 is designed to perform well in rough seas and to stand upright in strong currents, improving the lantern's range and visibility.  Other benefits include the unit's low weight and its construction, which greatly reduces the maintenance required.

Entirely manufactured from rotationally moulded polyethylene with a solid core of expanded polystyrene foam, the SB-2200 is virtually unsinkable as the integral foam core will prevent excessive water ingress in the event of a collision.  In addition to offering a planned service life of up to 20 years, low maintenance requirements, reduced weight and exceptional resistance to damage and marine growth, most of the buoy constituents may be fully recycled at the end of life.
 
The rotational moulding process ensures a seamless body, using a mould which provides increased thickness of polyethylene at major stress points in the structure.  Before moulding, the polymer is compounded with UV inhibitors and pigment so that the wall thickness is evenly UV-stabilised and colour is permanent and uniform throughout.  As a result, painting is never necessary.

Several options are available including buoys fitted with self contained lights (as at Neath) or with conventional solar panels and batteries which are housed inside the buoy body.  The SB-2200 is available in red, green, yellow, white, black, orange and bi-form colours and with a full range of IALA-recommended topmarks rotationally moulded in the same polyethylene material as the hull.  Daymark wings may also be supplied for can or conical identification and other options include an access door and ladders.

The SB-2200 is the latest and largest addition to Tideland Signal's range of  polyethylene buoys. Introduced in 1987, they are designed to provide a suitable focal plane for the lantern as well as a highly visible cross section without the need for extra daymarks.  Like the port side channel markers, the buoy in the Neath Estuary is fitted with a Tideland SolaLED-140 self-contained LED lantern, which can achieve a range in excess of 5NM.

The navigable channel into Neath is regularly dredged and recent improvements have enabled the port to handle vessels 125m long, carrying up to 7,000 tons of cargo.  The main commodities traded are steel, scrap, sand, general cargo and gravel but there is also a large yacht marina on the west bank opposite Briton Ferry.

Approved to ISO 9001:2008, Tideland Signal Limited is a British-based member of the Tideland group of companies, which specializes in the design and manufacture of aids to marine navigation.  The Tideland group is independently owned and has its headquarters in Houston, Texas.

Issued on behalf of Tideland Signal Limited, Kendal House, Victoria Way, Burgess Hill, Sussex, RH15 9NF, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 1444 872240. Fax +44 (0)1444 872241. E-mail:
sales@tidelandsignal.ltd.uk

CODAOCTOPUS ON THE WATER AT OCEAN BUSINESS: NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT!

CodaOctopus Products will be present on the water, in the exhibition hall and in the classroom at this month's Ocean Business event at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK.
 
The remarkable capabilities of the unique Coda Echoscope will be demonstrated every day in its role as the primary element of the Echoscope-UIS™ (Underwater Inspection System).  An extensive daily programme will run on board RV Wessex Explorer on the water adjacent to the NOC and advance bookings are now being taken.  The schedule of free demonstrations and informative sessions in the classroom is detailed  below, along with information about how to book.
 
The Echoscope™ is the world's first real-time 3D subsea sonar and forms the heart of the Underwater Inspection System, developed for the US Coast Guard and adopted for homeland security in ports around the world.  In an alternative form, the Echoscope-CMS™ (Construction Monitoring System) has significantly increased production rates and improved the health and safety environment in underwater construction.  When this new system was introduced to a sizeable breakwater construction project, the Echoscope-CMS provided crane operators with a real-time subsea visualisation of the individual armour protection block being placed as well as the section under construction, even in zero visibility.  There are opportunities to view the Echoscope's impressive capabilities and put questions to the experts every day during Ocean Business.
 
With the commercial team on stand K15, located just inside the dockside doors, the range of geophysical survey systems on show will include the new Octopus 120 greyscale printer, which will also carry an attractive upgrade offer for existing customers, and the new Octopus 160 sonar interface.  Acquisition and processing systems, such as the Coda DA2000 will be displayed along with the Octopus F180series of precision attitude and positioning sensors, including the new pre-calibrated mounting option.
 
Bookings for the FREE on-water demos or classroom sessions with CodaOctopus are now being taken by Karine Buckwell by phone +44 (0)131 561 1504 or e-mail karine.buckwell@codaoctopus.com.  Subject to availability, bookings will also be taken during the event.
 
31st March
Classroom: Coda Echoscope - Impressive 3D underwater images in real time @ 11:00
Coda Echoscope on-water demos @ 12.15, 13.15 & 14.00
1st April
Coda Echoscope on-water demos @10.30, 11.30, 16.00 & 16.45
Classroom: CodaOctopus Systems - Latest developments & essential new features @ 16:30
2nd April
Coda Echoscope on-water demos @09.00 & 12.00
 
Ocean Business 2009 opens on Tuesday 31st March and continues daily until 4pm on Thursday 2nd April.  Entry is free and advance registration will avoid the queues - see the event website for on-line registration and other information: http://www.oceanbusiness.com.
 
With headquarters in the USA, CodaOctopus Products is part of Coda Octopus Group, Inc., a world leader in protection and technology for the world's harsh environments. http://www.codaoctopus.com