tidingsOnline

Issue 104 - 2nd May 2008

All the latest news from the marine industry...

OSIL SUPPLY SKOMER WITH A DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM

OSIL (Ocean Scientific International Ltd.) have recently supplied the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) with a data collection system for background monitoring at Skomer Marine Nature Reserve. The system consists of an OSIL Shearwater Data Buoy, fitted with a Campbell CR200 Data Logger and a VHF Omi-directional Antenna. When deployed the 1.2 diameter buoy will be attached via a data cable to a customised OSIL Seabed Mounting Frame.

The octagonal mounting frame has been fitted with a YSI 6600 Multiparameter Sonde which will be primarily monitoring CTD, DO, turbidity and chlorophyll. Once collected, the data will be transmitted back via VHF to Skomer’s Ethernet network where it will be downloaded onto a PC and later published on a website for public viewing. The buoy will be attached to the seabed by a two point mooring to prevent excessive movement of the buoy due to the extremely harsh environment of the nature reserve.

The system was purchased by CCW to collect environmental data which will support marine biological monitoring in Wales. The system has been designed to support any marine research that takes place in Wales and it is hoped will be the first of many systems purchased by CCW as part of a network of monitoring platforms around the Welsh coastline.

SONARDYNE GROUP ACQUIRES WAVEFRONT SYSTEMS

Sonardyne Group Ltd has announced the acquisition, effective from April 1st 2008, of Wavefront Systems Ltd., a UK design company specialising in sonar and underwater technology. Wavefront Systems Ltd, based in Sherborne, Dorset, was founded in 2004 by a team of defence sonar engineering professionals and has grown substantially with a focus on design and development services to the military and commercial undersea market worldwide. The Wavefront team’s extensive knowledge and experience covers all aspects of sonar system design including performance modelling, acoustics, algorithms, hardware and software.

Wavefront adds many years of sonar design experience to Sonardyne’s subsea technology engineering team, adding an extra dimension to its core oil and gas capability and its innovative and rapidly expanding maritime defence and security expertise. John Partridge, Chairman, Sonardyne Group Ltd. added, “The success of the recently launched Sonardyne Sentinel diver detection system illustrates the real strength of the co-operation between the two companies. This acquisition enables a longer term approach to system design and development.”

Although part of the Sonardyne Group, Wavefront will continue to operate as an autonomous subsidiary developing innovative hardware and software solutions for the next generation of sonar systems with industry partners and customers alike.

For further information please visit: www.sonardyne.com

CODA ECHOSCOPE REAL-TIME 3D SONAR DEPLOYED IN MIDDLE EAST FOR UNDERWATER CONSTRUCTION

CodaOctopus Products is pleased to announce an agreement with Van Oord, the world’s leading dredging and marine contractor based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, to deliver Coda Echoscopes for deployment on various underwater construction projects.

Two of three Echoscopes ordered by Van Oord have already been delivered for their Middle East operations. In an interesting new application, the systems assist crane operators to correctly position massive 10 ton blocks (Accropodes) on the seabed, 7.5 metres (25 feet) below the surface of the water. In trials, the Coda Echoscope enabled operators to interlock these specialised Accropode blocks significantly faster than conventional technology and with considerably less risk, as it removes the need to use divers to position the concrete blocks. The real-time 3D information provided by the Coda Echoscope allows operators to work with an extremely high level of accuracy based on visualisation to an extremely high resolution.

Jason Reid, Coda Octopus Group President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “These deployments open up a large and strategically important market for CodaOctopus as a commercial supplier to marine construction projects. We could not be more pleased to be working with Van Oord, which is one of the most highly respected dredging and marine contractors in the world.”

For further information please visit: www.codaoctopus.com

KEPPEL FELS DELIVERS ITS KFELS SUPER B CLASS RIG TO DIAMOND OFFSHORE

Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Limited (Keppel O&M) has delivered its KFELS Super B Class jackup drilling rig to Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc (Diamond Offshore). The Ocean Shield marks the 20th KFELS B Class drilling rig constructed by Keppel FELS since the launch of this design in 2000. It will also be the first of two KFELS B Class designed rigs commissioned by Diamond Offshore in 2005. The second is being built by Keppel FELS sister company, Keppel AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas, USA.

The KFELS Super B Class rigs are an enhanced version of the KFELS B Class and are equipped with cantilever skid-off capabilities and high capacity hook loads of two million pounds for operation in extreme high-temperature and high-pressure wells. Hailed as one of the world’s deepest drilling rigs of its class, the Ocean Shield will be capable of operating in water depths of up to 350 feet.

The rig is currently preparing for its first assignment. Additionally, Diamond Offshore’s Victory-class semisubmersible, the Ocean Monarch, is being upgraded to an ultra deepwater drilling unit, capable of drilling in water depths of up to 10,000 feet, at Keppel FELS and is due for completion late in 2008.

For further information please visit: www.diamondoffshore.com

STATOILHYDRO AND KONGSBERG MARITIME JOIN FORCES FOR AUTOMATION AND SAFETY SYSTEMS OPERATION

TRITECH SONARS UNCOVER SECRETS OF MALTA'S HISTORIC WATER SYSTEMS

Miniature sonars, engineered by north east Scotland based Tritech International Limited, have been invaluable in helping to uncover the deep secrets of Malta’s historic fresh water systems. Several reservoir sites in Malta and Gozo have been the focus of collaborative archaeological explorations by AURORA Trust, Marine Resources Development Foundation and California Polytechnic State University. The investigations aim to understand the complexities of underground cisterns and infrastructures and to research their evolution.

Tritech’s ultra compact, CHIRP digital sonar was fitted to a small, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and lowered into the cisterns. The ROV needed to travel between 30ft to 40ft from the access point and as deep as18ft into the chambers to discover previously unknown passageways and inter-connecting rooms believed to date back to third century BC. Sonar data and video images were collected through a 250ft cable, attached to a control box and computer at the main access points.

Project investigator, Christopher Clark, from the California Polytechnic State University, spoke of the performance of the sonar and how it has helped the project findings: “The Tritech sonar was ideal for our mapping application for two reasons. Firstly, the quality of the measurements were excellent. There were fewer false reflections and much less noise than I expected. Secondly, the compact size of the sonar allowed the ROV to fit through tight passages that were not accessible when using other sensors.”

Six of the sites visited were mapped using mosaic and robot Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms. For further information on the project please visit: http://users.csc.calpoly.edu/~cmclark/MaltaMapping/index.html

BIOFUELS AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY

Lloyd's Register CEO Richard Sadler has called on the shipping industry to make preparations for the global drive towards biofuels and argues that if second and third generation technologies are successful then current projections of demand would see the world fleet unable to cope with the logistic demands.

Speaking last night at IMarEST's annual Stanley Gray lecture, targeted at shipowners, regulators, economists, engineers and the general public, Richard Sadler concluded that the increase in demand for biocargoes would require an additional fleet size of 400 Handysize equivalents by 2030. Moreover, with additional environmental pressures, these vessel requirements may well increase. The International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook projections for biofuel demand may well be inflated by political pressures to find alternative bio energy in shortening timescales.

The implications for the shipping industry are significant. Whether first or third generation, whether biodiesel or bioethanol, shipping will be at the heart of the supply chain and anticipatory investment will have to be made by the industry. Contradictory information makes the risk in that investment uncertain and therefore it is vital to look at ways to hedge the future - through flexible initial oil tanker design for vessels to be constructed now and converted in the future to take advantage of growing biotrade.

The biofuels industry is in the early stages of low carbon impact second and third generation biofuel development. Companies investing time and money in developing technology into economically viable and socially acceptable solutions are naturally keeping quiet about the technology or products being developed. Whether as a cargo or for use in the engine room, these new solutions will have to be incorporated into marine systems. Current ship designs are constrained by current legislation, creating poor designs if biofuel becomes a large scale global energy source. New standards may be required to meet essential safety and environmental needs and an early start is essential to meet these challenges. Lloyd's Register welcomes dialogue with all concerned and is ready to assist.

To read the full lecture please visit: www.lr.org

JOB VACANCIES

Join a world class team in an award winning company specialising in high-tech, subsea equipment. Tritech International Ltd produces a technically advanced and integrated range of acoustic, mechanical and electrical subsea products for export worldwide.

Current vacancies include:

Mechanical Technician
Stores Manager
Technical Sales Engineer
Customer Support Technician/Engineers
Software Development Engineer

To read the full job specifications please visit: www.tritech.co.uk/contact/contact-vacancies.htm

To apply for any of these positions please send your C.V. to hr@tritech.co.uk or by post to HR Department, Tritech International Ltd, Peregrine Road, Westhill, Aberdeen AB32 6JL.

tidingsOnline

Issue 103 - 3rd April 2008

All the latest news from the marine industry...

ROYAL NAVY CONTRACT FOR OSIL'S SERVICE CENTRE

Havant-based OSIL (Ocean Scientific International Ltd.) has been awarded a contract from the Royal Navy for the service, repair and calibration of their oceanographic equipment including CTDs, Salinometers, sound velocity probes, thermometers and current meters. OSIL operates an ISO 9001 accredited service and calibration centre for a wide range of marine scientific instruments that is currently used by academic organizations, government institutes, military laboratories and instrument manufacturers. Under this new contract OSIL expects several hundred instruments from a range of manufacturers to pass through their service centre.

OSIL will also provide formal in-field training for Royal Navy personnel in the operation and maintenance of the instruments. OSIL’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Williams explains, “the support of this instrumentation is an essential component in the successful operation of the Royal Naval Hydrographic Service. We are confident that OSIL’s expertise in this field will prove to be highly beneficial.”

For further information please visit: www.osil.co.uk

APPLIED MICROSYSTEMS SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES SV XCHANGE

Applied Microsystems (AML) is pleased to announce the successful launch of SV Xchange, the world’s only exchangeable, field-swappable sound velocity sensor. Any SV Xchange sensor can be connected to any Xchange enabled instrument - when you want, where you want - without compromising calibration accuracy.

Oceanology International 2008 was the public launch of this exciting new product and Applied Microsystems was thrilled with the industry’s reactions. With some people arriving at the booth already aware of the SV Xchange, AML was pleased with the outcome of their pre-show advertising. Robert Haydock, President of AML, describes how he could “see the wheels start to turn” as people absorbed what a truly field-swappable SV sensor meant for the industry. With interest and enthusiasm high, comments from visitors and exhibitors alike, such as, "That is such a flexible solution why would you not do it"; "It is perfect"; "A great idea" were not uncommon.

Only 2 weeks after the close of OI 2008, AML received orders for the SV Plus v2 with the SV Xchange option from customers, including new contacts made at the show. With orders being placed and quotation requests high, the SV Xchange is expected to make a large impact for Applied Microsystems.

For further information please visit: www.appliedmicrosystems.com/svxchange

FUGRO ORDERS NEW-BUILD GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY VESSEL

Fugro has signed an agreement with ship designers and builders, Fr. Fassmer GMBH & Co. KG of Bremen, for the design and construction of a new geophysical survey vessel. It will be named the MV Fugro Searcher

The suite of survey equipment will include EA600 single beam echo sounder, EM302 and EM3002 multibeam echo sounders, Edgetech dual frequency 4200 digital sidescan sonar, chirp sub-bottom profiler, Hydroscience SeeMUX digital system, with a seismic source of up to 970 cu in firing into a 3000 solid digital streamer, and a HiPAP 500 USBL system. The vessel will be fully networked to provide full plug-and-play interconnectivity and have Fugro’s dual DGPS high precision Navigation systems.

At 65 metres LOA and accommodation for 43 in en suite single and double cabins it will be a comfortable and spacious vessel on which to work. The design of the vessel will permit simultaneous analogue/digital survey operations and AUV operations. Geotechnical and ROVSV duties can also be undertaken. Diesel electric drive, specially designed hull form, resilient engine mounts and rudder propellers will maximise station keeping and navigational control while ensuring acoustically quiet running at survey speeds.

The Fugro Searcher will be operated by Fugro Survey Limited of Aberdeen. For further information please visit: www.fugro.com

KONGSBERG MARITIME DEVELOPS A UNIQUE INTEGRATED DP SOLUTION FOR THE LARGEST CONSTRUCTION VESSEL EVER BUILT

After the successful launch of Audacia in November 2007, Allseas is now fully committed to its next construction vessel - Pieter Schelte - which will take the pipe laying specialist into new territory by providing heavy lift and platform removal capability. With the Dutch company Imtech Marine & Offshore as contractor for the power and drive solution, Kongsberg Maritime will supply a unique integrated Dynamic Positioning and manoeuvring solution, tailored to the operations of Pieter Schelte.

"The operational capabilities of Pieter Schelte are enormous and thus require state of the art quality control systems. Considering the complex operations that we will be involved in, we put a lot of trust in the integrated Dynamic Positioning and manoeuvring solution," says Gerard Stenfert, E&I lead engineer, at Allseas. "With the past good experience we have with Kongsberg Maritime, we are confident that they will provide us with the right solution."

The Kongsberg Maritime integrated Dynamic Positioning and manoeuvring concept relies on a distributed and open system design, which employs a fully backed-up system-wide standardized communication network. The communication network integrates the K-POS Dynamic Positioning, K-Thrust thruster control, and K-Chief machinery automation systems, into a complete solution with unique positioning and manoeuvring capabilities required for e.g. the planned heavy lift operations.

The vessel employs two fully equipped redundant bridges; forward and aft (in separate fire zones). The Kongsberg Maritime supplied equipment communicates either via the redundant LAN network or via the alternative also redundant serial network. The two bridges thus provide full redundancy for each other and the total system is redundant to an extent that surpasses the DP class 3 requirements.

For further information please visit: www.kongsberg.com

TECHNIP NPV CONTRACT - MAJOR COUP FOR IHC’S ENGINEERING BUSINESS

A major contract to provide a fully integrated pipelay system for Technip’s newbuild 194m pipelay vessel (NPV) has been awarded to IHC’s Engineering Business (EB).

"This multi-million pound contract is amongst our most extensive ever and is a huge boost for the EB team and our supply chain in North East England,” explains managing director, Dr Tony Trapp. “From design, incorporation of Technip equipment, through build, installation on the NPV, commissioning and sea trials we are providing an integrated solution. EB will develop the Technip concept to provide an innovative pipelay system which, married with other vessel characteristics, will give Technip a competitive advantage. We are looking forward to delivering the system in 2010."

“In recent years we have built a number of large component pieces of equipment for pipelay vessels; now, bringing all our expertise together for this integrated solution marks the next stage in EB development. We are working very closely with the engineering team from Technip on this bespoke system and this is exactly the sort of stimulating customer relationship on which we thrive.”

The vessel will be built by STX Heavy Industries (Korea) and will transit to Tyneside, England to be fitted with the specialist pipelay equipment. The vessel is designed to carry 5600 tonnes of reeled pipe and to lay it in 3000m water depth, with 450 tonnes top tension. “This is an important project for one of the world’s largest offshore contractors,” says Tony Trapp. “It will mean a further increase in the size of the EB team and will enable us to show the strength of our OSBIT, on spec, budget and in time, ethos.”

For further information please visit: www.engb.com

TRITECH SONARS INSTALLED ON SEAGEN, THE WORLD'S LARGEST TIDAL ENERGY SYSTEM

Aberdeenshire based, Tritech International Ltd leads the move into alternative energies by integrating their sonars on the world’s largest ever commercial, tidal energy convertor. Tritech sonars will be in place to help observe the environmental impact of SeaGen which will be continuously monitored throughout the five year trial period.

Richard Marsh, Managing Director of Tritech said, “Offshore tidal energy is eminently more sensible than wind farms. Water is 800 times denser than air, so for the same size and flows, a water turbine produces 800 times the power of a wind turbine. What’s more we can be sure of two tides a day, whereas the wind is hopelessly random. We are delighted to be part of this project and helping to ensure that tidal generators do not endanger marine mammals.”

With the aim of providing real-time sub-surface imagery, the Sea Mammal Research Unit Ltd (SMRU) conducted trials of commercially available sonars. The trials determined the sonar’s potential to detect and track marine mammals around tidal turbines and other types of offshore development involving marine renewable energy. The testing process involved trials of several sonar products with Tritech’s Super SeaKing DST giving the best results.

Dr Gordon Hastie, Senior Research Scientist at SMRU spoke of the trials and the performance of Tritech’s Super SeaKing DST in his final report, “The most efficient system for detecting small marine mammals, in terms of range, coverage and user consistency will be deployed on the SeaGen tidal turbine in Strangford Lough when it is installed and commissioned over the next few weeks and then into commercial operation. The results from this study suggest that this would be the Tritech Super SeaKing.”

The SeaGen’s impact on wildlife and the environment is expected to be small, while retaining its potential to generate electricity to power over 1,000 homes. SeaGen will start the race in sourcing alternative tidal energies, making its launch a landmark in British energy history, producing electricity for the first time from our shores.

For further information please visit: www.marineturbines.com, www.seageneration.co.uk, www.smru.co.uk or www.tritech.com

THRANE & THRANE RENEWS VOLVO OCEAN RACE SPONSORSHIP FOR 2008-2009

Thrane & Thrane has signed to become an Official Sponsor of Satellite and Radio Communications Equipment to the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009 - the World's premier ocean race. An extensive line-up of cutting edge SAILOR systems backed up by Thrane & Thrane's global service concept - the On Board Service Center network - ensures that teams and race organisers have the very best communications solutions at their disposal.

As a sponsor to the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006, Thrane & Thrane was instrumental in ensuring the teams and organisers could communicate effectively via mobile satellite communication. The scope of supply expands for the next race with several new communication products, including the newly introduced SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband, but also VHF and MF/HF radios being put to the ultimate test in one of the most extreme sporting events on the planet.

With data rates up to 432kbps, SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband will deliver HDTV and live audio/standard video to the Volvo Ocean Race headquarters throughout the entire race, which will then be broadcast via TV and the internet. As the sole video delivery platform onboard, the inherent reliability that Thrane & Thrane ensures in its SAILOR systems will be vital to the crews, race organisers and the millions of avid fans expecting high quality footage of the action as it unfolds.

For further information please visit: www.thrane.com

EVENTS

SONARDYNE TO HOST 42nd MARINE MEASUREMENT FORUM
The 42nd Marine Measurement Forum will be hosted by Sonardyne International Ltd on Tuesday 15th April 2008. The venue will be the DeVere Warbrook House and Grange in Eversley, Hook, Hampshire.

The Marine Measurement Forum (MMF) is a non-profit making, one-day event that provides opportunities for the informal exchange of ideas, knowledge, techniques, activities, projects and developments across an extensive range of marine scientific measurement activities. Attendees typically include scientists, surveyors, engineers and business people from a variety of organisations including research centres, academia, manufacturers, survey companies, consultants, monitoring authorities, dredging companies, port authorities and oil companies. Please visit: www.mmf-uk.org for further information.

A finalised programme will be published soon and it is expected that there will be around twelve 20 minute presentations with registration commencing at 8.30am and the event running through until around 4.30pm. Attendance will be strictly limited to 75 on a first come first served basis. Bookings can only be accepted against receipt of a completed Registration Form accompanied by payment of £35 per head. A hot buffet lunch and refreshment breaks throughout the day are included in this price. WiFi and on-site parking is free.

On this particular occasion, Sonardyne is donating the £35 fee for attending directly to the Epilepsy Bereaved charity in memory of Roger and Sandie Scrivens’ daughter Becky who was a victim of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) in May 2004.

For more information, please visit: www.rsaqua.co.uk/becky-scrivens-epilepsy-bereaved.asp or www.sonardyne.com

tidingsOnline

Issue 102 - 6th March 2008

All the latest news from the marine industry...

COST-EFFECTIVE MONITORING PLATFORM FROM OSIL AT Oi08

OSIL (Ocean Scientific International Ltd.) will be launching their new range of robust and adaptable Data Buoys at Oceanology International 2008. They will be exhibiting the small and cost-effective Shearwater buoy on their stand 602, which illustrates the compact and light-weight design of the buoys. OSIL’s Data Buoys provide the ideal monitoring platform for a wide assortment of instrumentation and their highly stable design makes them suitable for a variety of short and long term applications including ocean, river, coastal and dredge monitoring. They are designed to be completely adaptable to any applications’ needs, and can withstand the harshest of conditions thanks to their robust construction.

The light-weight buoys are available in four different sizes, ranging from a diameter of 1.2 m with a buoyancy of 200 kg, up to 3 m in diameter with 9000kg of buoyancy. They are manufactured using rotationally moulded polyethylene hulls around a galvanised steel or welded polyethylene central structure, and have a customised 316 stainless steel frame attached to the top for mounting instrumentation on. The modular design of the buoys makes them simple to transport and the replacement of equipment effortless, and thanks to the multiple parts of the buoy, sinking is virtually impossible.

The flexible mounting options of OSIL’s Data Buoys allow an array of instrumentation to be attached to them, including multiparameter sondes, current meters and meteorological instruments. The main structure of the buoys has a large hole through the centre which allows the passage of instrumentation and cables from the tower down to the water. This channel also provides protection to instrumentation positioned within it, from damage during deployment and transportation.

OSIL’s Data Buoys truly are the most cost-effective solution to any monitoring needs thanks to their flexibility and ease of use and transport. OSIL specialise in providing cutting edge solutions for marine and environmental problems and their new buoy range is a further example of how they cater to their customers needs and ensure that they provide each application with the most appropriate instrumentation at the highest standard possible.

Along with the Shearwater Data Buoy, OSIL will also be exhibiting their new Midi Corer on their stand at Oi08. The Midi Corer is part of OSIL’s range of Bowers and Connelly Multiple Corers, which have undergone significant changes in manufacture to ensure the best possible sediment cores are obtained. The Multiple Corers still remain the only recognised method of collecting a truly undisturbed sediment sample from the seabed and they can sample up to 12 cores at up to full ocean depth in a single deployment and are easy to operate and deploy.

For further information please visit: www.osil.co.uk

Over the past thirty years operational oceanography has come of age. The merging of scientific understanding of the oceans with the technologies and tools for routinely making, disseminating and interpreting ocean observations and measurements has become a reality, making possible the delivery of information critical to safety, commerce and environmental protection. To serve this truly multidisciplinary endeavour, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) has launched the Journal of Operational Oceanography, the new international peer reviewed journal for the oceanography community. Copies of the launch issue are available free of charge at the IMarEST stand 1413 at Oceanology International.

“Oceanography brings together the sciences of physics, chemistry, biology and geology,” explains the editor of the new journal, Professor Ralph Rayner FIMarEST, CMarSci of the London School of Economics. “Add to this scientific mix technological disciplines such as sensor, satellite, communications and information technology as well as systems integration, and the tools of numerical simulation and you have the vast array of disciplines and skills that operational oceanography must successfully integrate.”

The Journal of Operational Oceanography, which will be published twice a year, both in print and online, is a collection of international research papers and technical reports, the launch issue contains some of the papers being delivered at Oceanology International 2008. The Journal is designed to address the role of oceanography in contributing to fields such as ocean and climate forecasting, numerical weather prediction and mitigating natural hazards, and is aimed at a wide range of end users. It also incorporates papers that address the requirements of the Global Ocean and Climate Observing Systems (GOOS and GCOS) and of Global Monitoring for Environmental Security (GMES) and the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS).

“Set in the context of a capacity for observing and forecasting the environment of the planet as a whole, operational oceanographic systems provide a fundamental input to improved weather forecasting and climate projection making them of critical importance to beneficiaries far removed from the coast or from operations at sea,” explains Professor Rayner in his editorial comment in the first issue of the Journal. “There is much that remains to be done. Existing implementation plans for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) have yet to be completed. Multinational cooperation, coordination and exchange of data are not yet fully developed. Oceanographic research is revealing new knowledge about the oceans and creating the capacity to deliver improved benefits when this knowledge is transitioned into operational use.”

Further information on the new journal, including a Call for Papers will be available on the IMarEST stand at Oi08 and from www.imarest.org/proceedings/joo/

DISTINGUISHED CONFERENCE LINE-UP AT Oi08

One of the global energy industry’s most respected leaders is to deliver the Distinguished Lecture at the marine science and ocean technology community’s largest event, Oceanology International 2008, which runs from 11-13 March at London’s ExCeL. Lord Browne of Madingley FRS FREng, President of The Royal Academy of Engineering and the former group Chief Executive Officer of BP plc, will deliver his presentation at the conference being held under the overall mantle of Technology, Sustainability and the Oceans.

Lord Browne’s acceptance of the invitation to deliver the Distinguished Lecture, a long-standing tradition at previous Oceanology International events, is further evidence of Oi08’s growing global stature. His lecture on Day 2 will revolve around the event’s key themes of climate change, meeting future energy needs and ensuring environmental and civil security.

Keynote speakers on Day 1 at Oi08 will include Prof Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director at the European Environment Agency; Capt. Dana Goward, Acting Director for Transition; Assistant Comdt for Policy & Planning, and Director, Maritime Domain Awareness Program Integration at the US Coast Guard; Dr Leo Roodhart, Vice President, GameChanger Group, Shell Technology Futures; Prof Robert Watson, the UK government’s Departmental Chief Scientist, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra); and John Westwood, Managing Director, Douglas-Westwood Limited. All set the scene for the focused technical and scientific sessions that follow during the three days of the event.

Oi08, with its exhibition featuring over 500 suppliers from more than 20 different countries, is organised by Reed Exhibitions, with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) taking responsibility for the agenda-setting conference.

More details are available from the Oi website at www.oceanologyinternational.com

US NAVY CHOOSES THE NEW SENTINEL DIVER DETECTION SYSTEM FROM SONARDYNE

The US Naval Underwater Warfare Center, Newport, RI has chosen Sonardyne International Ltd to supply multiple Sentinel sonar heads for its new Integrated Swimmer Defence System. In addition to the equipment provision, Sonardyne has also been awarded a contract related to the integration and deployment of Sentinel systems as part of an expeditionary warfare requirement.

The contracts, valued in excess of $1 million, follow successful trials in October 2007 when Sentinel was shown to meet the US Navy’s performance requirements for diver detection. Sentinel demonstrated rapid deployment and performance in an equipment package that is smaller, lighter and more cost effective than previous generations of anti-swimmer sonars. Sentinel was developed by Sonardyne to meet the specific requirements of the expeditionary warfare community yet the system has already proved itself equally adaptable to other applications.

Despite the use of sophisticated surface perimeter protection systems, underwater security has, until now, been acknowledged as the weakest link in the defence of ships and on-shore facilities. These have been vulnerable to underwater threats that include attack, sabotage or smuggling. Because of this, uses for Sentinel are expected to range from the protection of vessels such as cruise ships and superyachts, to underwater perimeter security for sensitive coastal assets including power stations, oil and gas terminals, strategic industry and ports and harbours.

Sonardyne has developed its Sentinel sonar by bringing together a world class team of scientists, engineers, and consultants with over 140 man-years of experience in the design and development of similar systems. The company is based in Yateley, UK and is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced acoustic instruments and systems for accurate survey, positioning and tracking applications for the offshore and ocean sciences industries.

For further information visit: www.sonardyne.com

MSI SECURES DOUBLE CONTRACT FOR TOTAL INDONESIA WITH PT PAGEO UTAMA

Metocean Services International Pty Ltd (MSI) is pleased to confirm that it has secured two contracts for Total Indonesia (Total) through its Indonesia partners, PT Pageo Utama (Pageo). The first project is a 12 month Metocean campaign offshore of Mahakam Delta, to the north of Balikpapan, in the Makassar Strait where waves, directional currents, water depths, water levels, sea temperature and conductivity will be measured at 5 locations over the course of the year. Meteorological data will also be observed at a shore station established at Pageo’s base in Handil.

The data collected will provide Total Indonesia with a reliable metocean database with which to calibrate numerical models and in the derivation of accurate and consistent metocean design criteria for extreme and fatigue studies, which may be carried out during Total’s future engineering development. The data will also be used to facilitate safe marine operations at and
near the observation locations.

MSI successfully deployed the first set of moorings and the weather station in December 2007 and will recover and service them in March 2008. TRD Instruments 300 KHz Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, RBR tide gauge and CTDs and ORE acoustic releases are installed on a bottom mount frame and on a 60m wire mooring. The second project is the provision of real-time current measurements to support a drilling campaign offshore North Lombok. MSI will install a TRDI 75kHz acoustic Doppler current profiler to measure multi layer currents in 600m of water whilst the rig is drilling a single well. As well as being archived for future use, the data observed will also be displayed on MSI’s in house software, to assist the drilling engineers during the drilling and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operations.

This is the first project that MSI are undertaking with Pageo, a fast growing Indonesian service based company focusing in the survey and subsea services field, following the signing of an exclusive agreement for the provision of Metocean services in Indonesia. Both companies are relatively young but they are backed by extensive owner and employee experience and an existing relationship between the senior management of both companies from their previous employers.

For more information visit www.metoceanservices.com, www.pageo.co.id or www.total.com

TIDELAND BUOY-MOUNTED AIS FOR PORT OF BARCELONA

Against strong international competition, Tideland Signal Ltd recently won the public tender to supply its Informer V03 AIS (automatic identification system) to Barcelona Port Authority for installation on four of the port's most important buoys in order to improve identification by mariners and to make it easier to service the equipment.

Under the contract Tideland is supplying four AIS units together with all accessories necessary for their installation on the buoys and a training programme for the five Port Authority engineers, who will be responsible for operation and maintenance. The training has involved the actual installation and commissioning of the first AIS AtoN on one of the buoys.

Tideland’s Informer V03 AIS system is the first designed specifically for installation on aids to navigation, and capable of full integration into port or coastal AIS networks. It broadcasts its name, type and MMSI number, virtual target flag and, in the case of moored aids, a warning if it goes off station. This information is received by all AIS-fitted vessels as well as land stations and is displayed graphically and in real time on any AIS-enabled electronic chart or radar screen.

The Informer V03 Type3 units have been installed on the two fairway buoys and the first pair of lateral-mark buoys that mark the initial southern entry to Barcelona Port. There has been no need to enlarge the buoy solar power system, thanks to Informer's low consumption and the generous solar power provision existing on the buoys.

Barcelona, one of Spain’s busiest ports, plans to install a new AIS base station in the future. Consequently, the port authorities chose Tideland's Informer V03 Type 3, a transmit and receive unit, which allows integration into a high AIS traffic environment without the need for slot management by a base station.

For further information please visit: www.tidelandsignal.com

MAJOR GATHERING OF THE MARINE INDUSTRY IN LONDON

Over a thousand marine scientists, technologists, engineers and seafarers involved in all aspects of the subsea and above-water professions, will meet in London on 14 March 2008 for the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) 105th, Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and Nautical Institute (NI) Joint Annual Dinner.

Being held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the guests, from all over the world, will be present for the inaugural speech by IMarEST’s newly appointed 106th President, Professor Yoo Sang Choo CEng, CMarEng, FIMarEST, as well as speeches by the principal guest, Peter Cardy, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; and Rear Admiral Nigel Guild, Chief Naval Engineer Officer, Ministry of Defence, who will reply on behalf of the guests.

“Professor Yoo Sang Choo of the National University of Singapore is the first IMarEST member from the Far East to take on the presidency of IMarEST, and so will be providing guests at the dinner with an insight into activities in our industry in a particularly vibrant part of the world,” explains Keith Read CBE, chief executive of IMarEST.

“Our principal guest, Peter Cardy, joined the MCA at the end of May 2007. With nearly ten months under his belt, he too will be providing the thousand or more guests at the dinner with some fascinating insights into life at the top of this world class organisation committed to preventing loss of life, and continuously improving maritime safety and protecting the marine environment.”

Further information on all aspects of the dinner can be obtained from www.imarest.org or email: christine.davenport@imarest.org

NEW SCANLINE STARFISH SOFTWARE

StarFish is the first of its kind, an all new, high definition seabed imaging sonar. Producing near photo-quality images of the seabed it’s the smallest towfish of its type on the market.

The user-friendly Scanline data acquisition and logging software package for StarFish is now available. The Scanline software operates from any Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista based PC or laptop to capture and display real-time StarFish side-scan sonar data. It can also acquire data from several other sensors including GPS, compasses and speedometers and all data can be logged, replayed and exported from the software. Data can be exported into industry standard XTF (eXtended Triton Format) or CSV (Comma Separated Value) formats, suitable for use in third party analysis software.

StarFish’s Software & IT Systems Engineer, Chris Booth has been working hard to help make Scanline's Hardware Manager interface easy-to-use, meaning you'll be up and running in no time. Chris Booth says, “Users can quickly add, remove and configure all hardware devices recognised by the software in one location. Helpful 'Wizards' guide you through many hardware management tasks making system configuration very simple”.

The built-in web browser window within Scanline allows users with an active internet connection on their PC or laptop to view online content from the StarFish website and read the very latest StarFish news headlines as soon as they are published directly from the software.

tidingsOnline

Issue 101 - 15th February 2008

All the latest news from the marine industry...

WORLDWIDE OSIL MINIBAT SALES

OSIL (Ocean Scientific International Ltd) are experiencing an increase in worldwide sales of their new and improved MiniBAT Tow Vehicle for multiparameter monitoring applications. Most recently they have sold a high-end system consisting of a MiniBAT FC60 and an AML Micro CTD to Ifremer, France, who will be using the system in their research work. The high speed AML CTD perfectly compliments the undulating nature of the MiniBAT ensuring there is no lag in the data and providing a top class research tool.

Previous to the French sale, OSIL supplied the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a MiniBAT FC60 integrated with the clients own Hydrolab DS5X and a Bowtech Underwater Colour Camera, to assist them with their environmental study on Black Breams in the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. The system was created to collect temperature, salinity, conductivity, DO, turbidity, Nitrate, Nitrite and Chl a data, so that estuary dynamics could be collated with actual information on the temperate reef habitat of the Black Bream.

OSIL also provided CSIC, Spain with a MiniBAT for their studies on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Ria de Vigo, Spain. The MiniBAT was integrated with an AML Micro CTD, a Wet Labs Wetstar and an OBS 3, creating a system that could collect large data sets at a much quicker rate than traditional methods. In this study the MiniBAT was used to monitor conductivity, temperature, pressure, fluorescence and turbidity.

OSIL have also recently adapted the FC60 design and created the MiniBAT FW100, a fixed wing version of the FC60 that can travel faster and deeper than the original at a fixed depth. Both the FC60 and FW100 MiniBATs are fully adaptable for a wide variety of applications and provide users with an effective way of collecting profiles in a quick and cost-effective way.

For further information please visit: www.osil.co.uk

NEW SALES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT FOR OSIL

On 2nd January 2008 OSIL (Ocean Scientific International Ltd.) welcomed a new Sales Executive, Dr. Hannah Flint, to their Havant based offices. Hannah joins OSIL directly after completing her PhD at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Southampton. Working within the deep sea group at NOC provided plenty of sea going and operational experience which will prove valuable in her new role. Prior to receiving her PhD, Hannah received an MSc from NOC in Oceanography and a BSc (hons) in Marine Biology from the University of Aberdeen.

Hannah’s wealth of knowledge on Oceanography will be a great asset in her new role, in which she will be initially responsible for OSIL’s extensive seawater product range including the IAPSO seawater, Low Nutrient Seawater, Iodate Standards and Nutrient Standard Solutions and Performance Evaluation Samples for nutrient and salinity analysis. In addition to this Hannah will be ensuring that customers for OSIL's Service and Calibration Centre receive the best possible assistance and service.

OSIL’s Managing Director, Richard Williams comments, “we are delighted to welcome Hannah to our team here at OSIL and are looking forward to the energy and expertise that her knowledge and background will bring to the role.”

WIDEBAND IN THE ZONE AT OI08

Applications for Sonardyne’s successful Wideband technology within subsea positioning, navigation and communications will form the major theme of Sonardyne’s stand (926) during this year’s Oceanology International 08 exhibition.

In the stand’s subsea monitoring and acquisition zone, there will be live demonstrations of integrated high speed data telemetry using Wideband-enabled transponders, transceivers and Lodestar AHRS. These demonstrations will illustrate the long term logging and autonomous operation capabilities of this new technology.

Climate change and maritime security, two of Oceanology’s conference themes for 2008, will be represented by Sonardyne’s much publicised Tsunami warning system and the new Sentinel Diver Detection Sonar, both of which are making their Oceanology debut. Oceanology will also be the showcase for a host of oceanographic based products from Sonardyne. This zone will show systems that combine navigation and robust command of remote vehicles. These include AvTrak 2, Inverted and Scout USBL systems and a Wideband Sub-Mini transponder.

For further information visit: www.sonardyne.com

MARTECH SYSTEMS DEVELOP CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION TECHNOLOGY FOR OFFSHORE POWER GENERATION SYSTEM

Martech Systems have been awarded a contract from Swanturbines Ltd to develop and manufacture control and instrumentation systems for their 350kW sub-sea tidal-stream power generator concept demonstrator, due to be deployed during 2008. Part of the Coda Octopus Group of companies, Martech Systems design and develop high performance custom electronic systems for demanding applications in the defence, aerospace, offshore, nuclear and medical industries. With 20 years experience, Martech’s engineers combine electronic, software and mechanical design skills to deliver complete solutions to complex technical problems for mission critical applications, often in hostile environments, where design integrity, reliability and quality are of paramount importance.

As part of this project, Martech are developing and manufacturing the instrumentation, acquisition and telemetry suite, including all sensors, to monitor the turbine’s performance, and allow control of the turbine.

The concept of harnessing tidal streams relies on the same principles as a wind-turbine, in that a rotor spins to generate electricity, however, instead of wind driving the rotor, a tidal stream turbine uses water. Fast flowing water is found in rivers, estuaries and tidal flows and its energy can be converted by the turbine into electricity. It is predicted that this technology will provide a large proportion of the UK's energy requirements. The Swanturbines concept is lowering the cost of tidal stream energy and some very important advantages as a renewable energy: Low cost, low visual impact, high predictability, small environmental footprint.

The concept is designed to allow simple installation and maintenance retrieval in both shallow and deep water and to minimise vibrations, hence increasing the maintenance period. A gearless low speed generator offers a high efficiency over a range of speeds with minimal maintenance demands through the use of novel structural and electromagnetic topologies. A simple and robust yawing mechanism is used for maximum flow capture and the use of the gravity base vastly reduces
installation cost.

For further information please visit: www.martechsystems.co.uk

Hydro International, the global magazine for hydrography published by Reed Business Geo, unveiled its exciting new design today, with its January/February 2008 issue. The design features a fresh new logo, a cover with brighter colours and more attractive layouts.

“The new design makes Hydro International’s pages fresh and dynamic, and improves the appearance and readability of the articles,” said Durk Haarsma, Publisher of Hydro International. “The original design served us for more than 10 years. We believe that the new layout better suits the vibrant content of today.”

“Although the layout has been changed and we’ve added clear and appealing images, the magazine has kept its renowned in-depth focus on developments in hydrography,” added Joost Boers, Managing Editor of Hydro International. “The restyled magazine will be appealing to the younger generation of hydrographers as well.”

TRITECH LAUNCE GROUND-BREAKING MICRON DATA MODEM RESPONDER/TRANSPONDER UNDERWATER TECHNOLOGY

A miniature underwater Responder/Transponder, Micron Data Modem is being launched at The Oceanology International 08 Exhibition on 11th March, Tritech stand 641. Aberdeenshire based, subsea technology company, Tritech International are showcasing The Micron Data Modem, an exciting new development in the field of through-water communications.

The Modem provides robust spread spectrum data transmission from an extremely compact and low cost unit. The Modem can be used as a responder or transponder for ROV and AUV tracking applications. A remote battery powered option is also available. Due to its very small size and low weight, it is suitable for a host of potential subsea data transfer applications that were previously impractical or uneconomic with larger, more expensive systems.

With a range of up to 1km from it’s omni-directional transducer and the ability to network multiple units subsea, the Micron Data Modem is a superb solution for many data through-water communication applications.

For further information please visit: www.tritech.co.uk

TIDELAND WARNING LIGHTS FOR EGYPTIAN TRANSMISSION LINE

Tideland Signal, the specialist in marine lanterns and other aids to navigation, has won a contract from Sumitomo Corporation to supply solar powered warning lights to mark towers on the Sidi Krir electricity transmission line from Cairo to Alexandria. The light chosen by Sumitomo for this important project is Tideland’s SolaLED-155, a solar-powered LED lantern, which has demonstrated its long-life, low-maintenance reliability in the harshest marine environments around the world. The new transmission line will be carried on a total of 540 towers or pylons, of which 49 will be marked by a red SolaLED-155, particularly near safety-critical locations, such as airports.

Tideland’s SolaLED-155 incorporates an integral solar panel that charges a lead acid battery, giving a range of 3NM, coupled with minimal maintenance requirements and a service life of seven years on station in the most demanding environments. It is even designed to withstand immersion in salt water. Long-life LEDs and high-integrity electronics housed in a tough UV-resistant polycarbonate enclosure ensure that the lantern does not need to be opened during its service life. A high-efficiency DC to DC converter is incorporated, providing virtually constant luminous output under a wide range of input power conditions. LED service life is calculated at 100,000 hours.

The lantern is available in a wide range of colours and offers sophisticated control systems, including a choice of three programming modes. It 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 LEDCOMM program. In addition to code setting, the LEDCOMM program offers the user visual reporting of the state of battery charge and the ability to set preferred levels for power/intensity, photo cell switching and low voltage disconnect/activation.

For further information please visit: www.tidelandsignal.com

THRANE & THRANE INTRODUCES NEW UHF HANDHELD TO THE SAILOR SP3500 PORTABLE RADIO SERIES

The new SAILOR SP3550 UHF from Thrane & Thrane hit the market on January 16th 2008. Introduced specifically for on board communication using the UHF band, the SP3550 is part of the SAILOR SP3500 Series, which includes three portable VHF radios, of which the SP3520 is approved for GMDSS.

The SP3550 is developed especially for use on the high seas. This ruggedized, waterproof radio offers the same modern design and feature set as the other products in the SP3500 series. User friendly operation, a large and easy to read display with backlight, powerful loudspeaker and large buttons that can be operated even with gloves on make the SP3550 ideal for usage by professionals in the harsh maritime environment and as such is programmed with all maritime UHF channels. The SP3550 offer all the features expected from professional portable UHFs, such as Dual watch and Scanning, Scrambler, Hi/Lo functionality (2/1W), CTCSS.

As part of the SP3500 series, the SP3550 can be used with the same accessories, such as batteries, chargers and carry bags. By utilizing the same accessories operators are able to maximize the cost savings across their fleet when choosing the SP3500 Series as the primary tool for on board communication. The SP3500 Series, including the SP3550 also integrate fully with fist mikes, headsets and other accessories from SAVOX and PELTOR.

Henrik Fyhn, Market Manager RadioCom says: "With the launch of the SAILOR SP3550 we bring further strength to our portfolio of portable communication products for the maritime market. This reliable UHF solution adds further flexibility to the SAILOR SP3500 Series ensuring that our products offer strong features and high quality - at very attractive prices."

For further information please visit: www.thrane.com

KONGBERG MARITIME INTEGRATED OPERATIONS LAB OPENS FOR BUSINESS

Kongsberg's Oil and Gas Division has opened the doors to its state-of-the-art Integrated Operations Lab at its 'Carpus' headquarters in Kongsberg Norway. The 'IO Lab', was implemented to establish work practices and to develop tools for improved and more efficient collaboration between the company's own engineers and its customers' engineers, for both modification and maintenance tasks and for new projects.

The IO Lab enables online support to operators at an oil and gas production platform, cooperation with experts at the oil company's onshore support centre or collaboration between internal sites in Kongsberg Maritime and will provide experts from the operator organisations and from the relevant suppliers with the working environment and tools to help them solve problems faster and more efficiently.

The IO Lab is already fully operational. On 25th October 2007, Kongsberg Maritime became the first supplier to connect live to the Kristin Platform as a demonstration of the IO and collaboration concepts of the IO Lab and as a practicality due to the five Kongsberg Maritime maintenance engineers onsite to work on the process control systems.

For further information please visit: www.kongsberg.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dye Tracing Workshop
RS Aqua Ltd, Hampshire, UK announces a one day Dye Tracing workshop on Thursday 17th April at the University of Warwick. The event is being organised in collaboration with the Warwick Water Group based within the university’s Dept of Engineering and repeats the format of a highly successful workshop held in October 2003 at HR Wallingford. To view the provisional programme and booking form please click here

Eleven seminar presentations are scheduled plus three parallel group “instruments in action” sessions utilising the superb facilities provided by the Dept of Engineering. A subsidised delegate charge of £35 (inc VAT) will be levied as a contribution towards costs for lunch, refreshments, car parking etc.