Technology Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Esthec´s expansion towards East

November 11, 2011

The Dutch Esthec®, a well-known producer of a  composite substitute for teak, has created a worthy reputation over the years for not being limited when it comes to design. It is time for Esthec® to move beyond its geographical limits. Esthec® has done just that with the beginning of a partnership with Alliance Marine Group which has offices in Hong Kong, China and Korea.

Superyacht deck designs by Esthec®

Superyacht deck designs by Esthec®

From now on, the Alliance Marine Group will stock Esthec® material in various colours. These can be combined with 5 joint colours, bringing virtually any design within reach. Lines, circles, mosaic or logos; with an Esthec® deck the
possibilities are endless.

Having the experienced and ambitious Alliance Marine Group as its partner will help Esthec® to further shorten delivery times to the vastly expanding Chinese and Korean markets. Alliance Marine Group has many years of experience in the nautical industry and recently opened a new office in Hong Kong which is focused on setting up the distribution of Esthec® for both decking as well as terrace applications.

Hong Kong is the ideal base for both the Chinese market and the Taiwan market. From its headquarter in Hong Kong, Alliance Marine, affiliate of Alliance Marine Group, will serve the Korean market.

After the success that Esthec® has had in Europe, it is Asia’s turn now, with no limits for Alliance Marine Group & Esthec®.

FinScan´s practical Power Distribution and Automation

November 11, 2011

FinScan is proud to launch the latest development to the expanding range of IntelliCORE components on offer. Released for the first time at METS 2011, the DC – PDU – 16 is a 16 output power distribution module, that permits networked DC power distribution and automation, from the one module.

Finscan_logo

With most distributed power systems, achieving power distribution and automation from the one system, comes at a high cost. As more power modules with small numbers of outputs per module are needed. Automation tasks such as lifting tender garage hatches, opening sunroofs, operating wiper speeds and trim tabs etc are momentary tasks that operate for a short time only, yet take up dedicated power distribution outputs on regular systems.

The FinScan IntelliCORE DC – PDU – 16 module provides a cost effective method of not only distributing power, but provides a large number of outputs that can be used for power distribution or automation tasks. During system design, power distribution and automation outputs can be evenly setup across the DC – PDU – 16 modules to provide a balanced system that achieves more control and automation, at less cost , with less modules to install. As an added feature, the DC PDU – 16 also incorporates ground distribution for connected loads, this eliminates the need to add external ground busbars.

IntelliCORE is designed for easy installation, reducing labour and material cost, and reduces build time due to it’s unique modular structure, and IntelliBUS technology linking all the components with one power and communication cable to the touch screens. FinScan’s touch screen switching approach with Unique graphical switching provides an intuitive easy to use interface that is customised to suit the specific yacht design.

The FinScan IntelliCORE range of products will all be on display during the METS 2011 show, on FinScan stand 11.821.

ACG’s Prepregs for Holland Composites’ A-Class Advanced Racing Catamaran Yachts

November 10, 2011

Customised MTM®57 carbon prepreg materials from Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG), a member of Umeco Composites Structural Materials (UCSM), a division of Umeco plc, are being delivered to Holland Composites to create the lightweight, ultra-thin laminate hulls and various structural parts on its A-Class Advanced Racing Catamaran Yachts.

ACG Logo Blue

ACG MTM®57 Series resins are toughened, 80 to 120°C curing, epoxy matrices offering flexible processing and a wide range of handling characteristics. MTM®57 Series resins can be supplied on a variety of reinforcements and are available in ACG’s standard prepreg and ZPREG® partially impregnated formats.

ACG’s out-of-autoclave processable MTM®57 carbon prepregs and Holland Composites’ unique structural assembly techniques have combined to produce a boat that has an ultra-lightweight, honeycomb cored hull which is stiffer, stronger and more durable than previous builds. The curved carbon prepreg daggerboards and beams on these competition catamarans offer improved stiffness and reduced drag, both leading to a significant improvement in overall performance.

Pieter-Jan Dwarhuis, founder of Holland Composites, a Round Texel Race winner on two occasions, an experienced A-Class sailor, and an established composites manufacturer, said: “We needed to satisfy the demands of our highly competitive customers, and had already identified ACG as a prime candidate for materials because of the company’s international reputation in the marine industry, and outstanding ability to offer tailored solutions that satisfy its clients’ needs.”

Continuing, Pieter-Jan Dwarhuis said: “ACG was extremely flexible in its approach to providing customised prepregs to suit our particular requirements. We worked in partnership to tailor MTM®57 carbon unidirectional and fabric prepregs in application specific resin weights to provide the optimum level of performance for the parts on our A-Class Advanced Racing Catamarans.”

PieterJan Dwarhuis of Holland Composites approached ACG with this interesting marine volume production project. He was looking for a higher level of accuracy on resin content and fibre weight tolerances for the ultra-lightweight honeycomb hulls.

Tom Bernstein from ACG said: “It is always a pleasure to work with knowledgeable customers, especially those who push boat design and production methods to the next level; the Holland Composites Team excels at thinking beyond the scope of current marine prepreg application techniques and assembly.”

The DNA, the new Dutch A-Class by Advanced Racing Catamaran Yachts made his debut at Easter 2011 during the Vele di Pasqua. These catamaran yachts, which are enormously popular with amateur sailors, have attracted professional sailors from other classes, such as the America’s Cup and the F18. Various America’s Cup teams use DNA catamaran yachts for training purposes and several syndicates have actually bought their own DNA’s. Recent successes include a first and a third position in the Worlds 2011, a first position in the New Zealand Nationals 2011 and a first position in the Australian Nationals 2011.

ACG’s marine prepregs can found on Stand 11.632 at METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show) in Amsterdam between the 15th and 17th November.

WhisperPower products at METS 2011

November 10, 2011

At METS 2011 WhisperPower will show why the Dutch company has such a strong reputation as a supplier of total solutions in the field of (hybrid) power technologies. Four new power systems will be presented, varying from a small solution for yachts longer than eight metres to sophisticated systems for yachts up to 25 metres with a wide range of power consumers onboard. Moreover, following years of development, WhisperPower will introduce its first complete hybrid propulsion system for yachts from 20 to 40 metres, which includes the new super compact 50 kW Genverter.

WhisperPower genverter system

WhisperPower genverter system

METS will be the launch pad for the new Orange Label products for recreational applications, including battery chargers and chargers/inverters. These products are small, lightweight, and easy to operate and install at an affordable price.

Four new power systems introduced at METS (stand nr. 9.521):

The Basic Comfort system is the smallest system. It consists of a 3.5 kW Whisper Power Centre sine wave inverter/battery charger, a remote control panel with energy monitor, shore connection with isolation transformer (optional) and a set of long-life GEL power batteries.

The Advanced System consists of the GENVERTER 7 i, a variable speed generator that supplies 24 V to the onboard batteries and/or 230 VAC power via the WPC (Whisper Power Centre) inverter/battery charger, Power System Control Panel with built-in battery monitor and a set of GEL batteries. It can feed the complete DC and AC board system. Total 230 VAC power rating  is 7 kW, sufficient for electric cooking, air conditioning, a washing machine or dishwasher and other 230 V devices. ‘Silent power’ is supplied by the highly reliable and efficient sine wave inverter (3.5 kW) that can also serve as a booster in case of limited shore power availability. The three-stage battery charger supplies a charge current up to 90 A. The system enables complete plug & play installation, with the application of variable speed permanent magnet technology providing considerable savings in fuel consumption. Also available for 12 VDC and 48 VDC batteries.

The Admiral System was developed for yachts and small professional vessels longer than 12 metres. Its total capacity is 9.5 kW with sufficient peak power to start inductive loads. It is based on the super silent WhisperPower SQ 6, 1500 rpm generator, of which the AC output is connected directly to the WhisperPower Centre. Additionally, the Whisper Power Centre has a shore connection, with the option of an isolation transformer. The Power System Control Panel (PSCP) controls both the Whisper generator and the 3.5 kW Whisper Power Centre inverter/battery charger. A shortage of shore power can be compensated by the Whisper Power Centre via the batteries. The system is equipped with WhisperPower High Density deep cycle AGM batteries for 700 full cycles.

The Royal System offers the perfect solution for yachts and professional vessels longer than 16 metres. It is based on the WhisperPower SQ 12 (12 kW) basic generator, linked to two parallel connected Whisper Power Centres of 3.5 kW. The total system capacity is nearly 20 kW, while the ‘Silent power’ is 7 kW and the charge capacity 180 A. The system can also be three-staged (3×400 VAC) with three Power Centres. Royal Systems are supplied with 2- VOLT GEL power traction batteries.

Hybrid systems go live

The hybrid systems for vessels from 20 to 40 metres, the subject of extensive R&D at WhisperPower since 2009, are now market ready. At METS the company will exhibit a complete system consisting of a 450 hp propulsion engine including an integrated permanent magnet flywheel generator with a 50 kW capacity that also serves as electric propulsion when sailing ‘silently’ on the battery.

Another WhisperPower premiere is the GENVERTER 50 kW: A highly compact and lightweight hybrid generator system (1.2m x 86cm x 86cm; weight approximately 400kg), which consists of a powerful turbo diesel and a permanent magnet generator. The system is based on a so-called Hi DC bus system with Li-Ion long-life batteries that supply power for electric sailing and onboard loads. A DC/AC inverter takes care of the three phase onboard power system with capacities from 30 to 100 kW. The GENVERTER 50 kW is Lloyds certified, as is the entire hybrid system.

The new label for recreational sailing

WhisperPower is also launching a new concept with its ORANGE label, given to equipment developed specifically for recreational applications: Small, lightweight, easy to operate and at an affordable price. The new label includes, among other things, a new range of switch mode battery chargers, the HANDY range. These fully automatic five-stage chargers can be applied universally as chargers for GEL, AGM or open-lead acid l batteries. Available models range from 7 Ampere to 50 Ampere for 12 VDC.

WhisperPower is also presenting two sine wave inverter/battery chargers under the ORANGE label with the following capacities: 12 V / 2000 W/ 80 A, 24 V/ 3000 W/60 A, and 48 V/4000 W, 40 A.

Introducing WP Logic

A global premier is the partnership between WhisperPower and E-T-A, a market leader in the field of electrical components for vehicles, vessels and the industry. This German company has developed a digital power system based on CAN Bus technology for the intelligent distribution of mobile and maritime power systems. WhisperPower is presenting the system to the global market as WP Logic. The digital modules for DC and AC with eight double-pole or 16 single-pole in and outputs will also be presented at METS. The maximum power per I/O is 30 Ampere.

Finally, Whisper Power will also exhibit its standard fixed rpm generators of 1500 and 3000 rpm and the Genverter 4 Basic variable speed model.

MasterBus and CZone together

November 08, 2011

Since the integration of Mastervolt into the Marine division of Actuant Electrical the engineers at Mastervolt headquarters in Amsterdam and the BEP engineering team in New Zealand have been collaborating to bring the two companies networked technologies into one system.

C-Zone MasterBus Bridge

C-Zone MasterBus Bridge

Both companies have extensive CAN based networked systems made up of Digital Switching, Systems Monitoring and Power Conversion devices. “Bringing the CZone and MasterBus systems together has been a relatively easy task”, says Jarrod Sagar, Global Product manager for Digital Switching at BEP, “as both companies had the same original philosophy for these systems, which was to bring all the points of control and monitoring of the on board systems onto one intuitive display, a central point and seamless automation simplifies boat use for the user.”

The engineering teams have developed ‘CZone MasterBus Bridge’ as the link between the MasterBus and CZone systems. The Bridge is a simple plug-in unit that reads both protocols and allows units from each manufacturer, and others such as Simrad that use BEP’s NMEA2000, to become fully compatible. This means that components such as pumps, alarms, battery chargers and monitors can be controlled from a single touch screen.

“The popular MasterShunt battery monitor and ChargeMaster battery charger can now be connected to a BEP marine network, which is based on NMEA2000,” explained Marc Persoon, Mastervolt’s marketing manager. “As a result, the monitoring and control of the battery charger can now be done via the CZone display or other compatible display such as the multi-function marine navigation screens from Simrad and B&G. The CZone MasterBus Bridge has been developed to connect two great systems together, and bring you the best of both worlds.”

As with all Mastervolt products, the Bridge is made from robust, corrosion resistant materials. The compact unit has strategically-placed screw holes allowing it to be attached to any convenient surface. Two simple 5-pin universal sockets facilitate the quick and simple connection of the two network cables, and an LED indicator shows the network status.

“By connecting the Bridge into an existing system, it will allow a yacht owner to expand a yacht’s systems without having to stick with just one manufacturer,” Persoon stated. “This is just one example of the benefits of becoming part of an organization such as Actuant, where the pooling of expertise reaps huge benefits for the customer. Furthermore, the Bridge gives our OEMS a complete simple package: a networked system made up of the worlds best power conversion and digital switching products.”

“The inclusion of the Mastervolt product range and the integration highlights the BEP marine division strategy to be become a leading global supplier of integrated electrical system solutions and electrical components,” says BEP’s Jarrod Sagar.

The CZone MasterBus Bridge will be on display at IBEX and METS, and is due for release in the first quarter of 2012. The bridge will include all the necessary connector cables and have a 2-year warranty.

Imtech Marine at Europort 2011

November 07, 2011

World-known Imtech Marine technology companies such as Radio Holland Netherlands, Imtech Marine & Offshore, Imtech Marine Germany, Royal Dirkzwager and Free Technics will be presenting their latest innovations at Europort 2011 (8-11 November, Rotterdam) at Stand 1.124 in Hall 1. Imtech Marine will speak about Green Technology, Innovative Automation solutions, ECDIS, Remote monitoring & maintenance, Augmented Reality, and about much more, presenting its wide technology portfolio, green shipping options and global services.

Radio Holland Netherlands

Radio Holland Netherlands

At Europort Imtech celebrates a recent proud achievement. In September Imtech officially received the designation “Royal” Imtech from Her Royal Highness the Queen of the Netherlands. Receiving this honor after 150 years in the business of innovation and sustainability, clearly recognises the achievements of Imtech. Cooperation between its various expert companies gives Imtech Marine an enormous strength, allowing the company to offer an extensive portfolio of maritime technology solutions and services, as well as an unrivalled worldwide network of now 80 offices. Imtech Marine is always pushing the technological boundaries forward and creating new concepts. Ultimately all of the solutions have one thing in common; they are designed to help reduce the total cost of ownership of the vessel and fleet.

Augmented Reality presentation
In a bid to showcase Imtech Marine’s innovative mind-set, visitors are invited to come  and see the spectacular Imtech Marine Augmented Reality presentation. It shows a physical yacht model of an offshore construction vessel. By pointing an iPad at the model one can see the inside of the yacht in 3D imaging, presenting all of the broad technology Imtech Marine can provide. Hovering the iPad over the model will reveal the technologies and systems, as well as green technology and Imtech Marine’s services.

Green technology and green route
Imtech is a frontrunner in sustainable solutions with more than a quarter of our revenue stemming from intelligent, ‘green’ technology solutions. And Imtech Marine will continue to develop green ship concepts and green consultancy. Imtech Marine has been involved in many green projects for several years and many of these sustainable initiatives will be showcased at Europort, where the Imtech Marine booth is part of the Green Route. There are several green shipping areas in which Imtech Marine has proven its capability, focussing on energy savings: Diesel electric propulsion, Smart grids, Fully Hybrid ships, Energy Saving HVAC projects, Optimal Routing, Energetic simulation and dynamic modelling.

Integrated Ship Automation
Imtech Marine’s automation and smart yacht solutions are based on profound maritime process knowledge and aimed at flexibility, efficiency and safety during construction and operation, supported by a truly global network and maximizing the customer’s return on investment. Imtech Marine will demonstrate its integrated automation capabilities at Europort by state-of-the-art multifunctional workstations. Visitors can use these modern consoles and they can experience how it feels to sail a ship with a mobile device. This spectacular presentation will demonstrate Imtech Marine’s capabilities in Navigation, Automation including Collision Avoidance, Route Planning/Monitoring, Dynamic Positioning and Tracking, Autopilot, ECDIS and Conning, Platform Automation, Fire Fighting and Damage Control systems.

Remote Monitoring & Maintenance
Imtech Marine is one of the pioneers of remote monitoring and maintenance; an increasing trend and one that is leading to significant cost savings for ship owners. With growing demand for round-the-clock communications, Imtech Marine was a frontrunner to offer complete connectivity packages using VAT technology. Highly skilled Imtech Marine engineers can repair potential problems by remotely monitoring the system, advise crew or determine the most efficient action in the next port of call. VSAT enables Imtech Marine to monitor and analyse the status of all the vital systems, ultimately saving money and reducing the total cost of ownership. Imtech Marine’s VSAT support desks monitor on board equipment 24/7. At the booth of Imtech Marine a realistic and interesting case study about remote monitoring & maintenance will be presented live at regular intervals.

ECDIS
Another highlight at the stand will be Imtech Marine’s ECDIS solutions. Imtech Marine, being a multi-card supplier, can provide several ECDIS solutions to its customers. Imtech Marine has its own developed ECDIS. Imtech’s SeaGuide ECDIS is suitable for retrofits and new buildings and has many advantages such as being a simple, user-friendly and robust system and crucially, it facilitates fully redundant serial navigation data processing.

Fuel-efficient sailing and efficient port entry
Royal Dirkzwager, Imtech Marine’s specialised maritime information and service provider providing nautical and maritime information, will be demonstrating its latest services at the stand. BridgeAssist focuses on fuel-efficient sailing and efficient port entry. Royal Dirkzwager will give the captain up-to-the minute advice about the most efficient journey, so saving fuel and consequently, cutting down on emissions. Even in the final part of the voyage alone, BridgeAssist can reduce fuel consumption by 5-10%. Ship2Report is a web application that shows all of the actual vessel movements across ports in North Western Europe. Royal Dirkzwager has developed versions for the iPad and Blackberry.

Growth strategy
Earlier this year, Imtech Marine announced its new 2011 – 2015 growth strategy. Its vision is to be an independent top player in the global maritime market and a true life cycle management partner for customers. By effectively combining skills and competences in system integration and maintenance of technology on board,  Imtech Marine supports its customers during the full lifetime of a ship, to achieve unrivalled, competitive cost of ownership. In addition, Imtech provides solutions for the growing requirements of our customers in green technology. Imtech Marine is unique for its worldwide maritime network of now 80 well-positioned service and outfitting locations in more than 20 countries.  Imtech Marine continues to expand this network. In 2011 alone, Imtech Marine added offices in Spain, France, Morocco, China and Canada. At the same time, existing offices will grow into full service hubs by expanding their current technology and services portfolio. Imtech plans to further expand its worldwide network in amongst others Asia Pacific and South America.

Imtech Marine is a leading company in the global maritime market, operating as a full-service provider and system integrator of tailor-made, innovative and sustainable technology solutions covering the whole yacht. Imtech Marine specializes in Automation (Platform and Bridge), Navigation & Communication including Connectivity, Energy & Drive systems, HVAC solutions and Fire Protection systems, A/V Entertainment and Maritime Information Services. Imtech Marine provides innovative systems and reliable services during the full lifetime of the yacht. The company reached annual revenues of more than €500 million in 2010, employing 2,500 employees at nearly 80 offices based along shipping routes and close to shipbuilding centres.

Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012 with SAILOR on board

November 04, 2011

The six strong Volvo Open 70 fleet will start tommorow, November 5, in Alicante the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012 to Cape Town, with a full complement of Thrane & Thrane SAILOR communication systems on board. The big start of tomorrow comes after an action packed opening week of in-port racing that saw the SAILOR domes aft of Team Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s Volvo Open 70 cross the line over 40 minutes ahead of second place Puma Ocean Racing in the first competitive racing of this campaign.

SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband

SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband

The scope of supply for the 2011-2012 race fleet includes SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband, SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband, two SAILOR mini-C systems and VHF radios. Race umpire ribs are equipped with SAILOR VHF fixed radios and organisers carry SAILOR handheld VHF radios during in-port races and the start of every leg. In addition, Volvo Ocean Race’s travelling media teams use EXPLORER 700 BGAN terminals for broadband back-up connections from various shore based spots along the race course.

The SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband will be the central communication hub for each Volvo Open 70 during the race. Its dual role will be to provide the means for navigators to download weather data, which is vital for competitive performance and for Media Crew Members (MCM) to upload race footage, reports and interviews for television and web, helping to grow support for ocean racing on a global basis. The SAILOR 6110 mini-Cs and SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband will also support the media efforts as the yacht telemetry they deliver will be used to create accurate, real-time 3D models for the VOR website and broadcasting.

“I will shoot nearly an hour’s footage a day and have to send between two to four minutes worth back to Volvo for use on the web and television. Once it’s compressed it will only take about 20 minutes to send, which isn’t bad considering it will take that long no matter where we are,” explains Yann Riou, the Team Groupama MCM. “The SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband handles it easily and we’ve been using it without any issues since last winter, so we’re confident that it’s going to perform reliably throughout the race. Having the SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband on board is a great help too. It’s always connected so I’m able to send photos, blogs and articles back to Volvo HQ with ease.”

“The Volvo Ocean Race is a truly global event so our coverage has to be as good in Asia as it is in Europe and North America,” adds Jordi Neves, Technical Director, Volvo Ocean Race. “With professional MCMs recording the action on board and the SAILOR systems used for submission into the content distribution network we’re confident that we can deliver a continuous flow of high quality action for the fans.”

Thrane & Thrane is the Official Sponsor of Satellite and Radio Communications Equipment for the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012. This is the third consecutive Volvo Ocean Race that the company has taken on responsibility for providing reliable satellite and radio communication systems to the cutting-edge fleet of Volvo Open 70s, race organisers and officials.

“The Volvo Ocean Race is a great place to demonstrate the kind of extreme environments that we design our equipment to operate in. You could say it’s the ultimate test of SAILOR equipment, but we know it’s already proven in some pretty tough environments and are more than happy for the teams and the oceans to put it through its paces. We’re confident it will just keep on working no matter what they throw at it,” concludes Lars Thrane, co-founder of Thrane & Thrane.

NMMA member before Congress on E15

November 04, 2011

On Wednesday, Mr. David Hilbert spoke before Congress in the name of NMMA about E15 and marine engines. Mr. Hilbert, thermodynamic development engineer for Mercury Marine, a division of the Brunswick Corporation, took part in a Congressional hearing before the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. A number of specialists testified on E15 and its effects before the Subcommittee. Mr. Hilbert was responsible for the research on E15 and its effects on marine engines as shown by the Department of Energy in reports released in late October.

mercury

Mercury Marine - manufacturer of outboard engines

Mr. Hilbert’s testimony highlighted the damaging effects that E15 has on marine engines, and noted that more testing is needed to further identify how E15 will affect engines and fuel systems under various conditions. Mercury’s testing showed significant problems with outboard engines, including severe damage to engine components and an increase in exhaust emissions, reinforcing the recreational yachting industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for marine engines.

The Subcommittee heard testimony from representatives of the EPA, the American Petroleum Institute, Gevo, the Energy Biosciences Institute, the University of Wyoming Institute of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association. Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD), received David’s testimony favorably and the committee members had no questions for Mr. Hilbert after the research was presented. The testimony and accompanying  photos will be printed in the official record of the hearing.

NMMA President Thom Dammrich says, “We are pleased that Congress has shown an ongoing interest in this important research. NMMA is committed to continued research on E15 and its effects on marine engines. We hope that before any E15 is offered to the public, a thorough investigation will be completed so that boaters can safely fuel their vessels without incident now, and in the future.”

Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12: Nortek navigation capability to PUMA Ocean Racing Team

November 03, 2011

The Norwegian Nortek AS, a company developing, manufacturing and distributing acoustic Doppler products, communicated today that it has cooperated with the PUMA Ocean Racing team to create a modified compact Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) for PUMA’s sailing yacht Mar Mostro Volvo Open 70 competing in the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012. The project, which was finished the last year, has brought the successful integration of yacht speed, leeway and in-situ ocean current readings, a secret weapon in the battle to go as fast and efficiently as possible.

PUMA´s Mar Mostro Volvo Open 70 yacht

PUMA´s sailing yacht Mar Mostro Volvo Open 70 - Credit G. Bekris


“The collaboration between Nortek and the entire PUMA team has resulted in an tool that provides unique information to the sailing crew. They can now measure leeway, a first in sailing, and use it to measure ocean currents much more precisely than ever before,” said Atle Lohrmann, CTO of Nortek.

Nortek started developing this capability during the 2008 Star class Olympic trials with the Norwegian team skippered by Eivind Melleby, also a veteran of the Volvo Ocean Race. Nortek went on to work with the TP52 ocean racing team Caixa Galicia with a predecessor to the existing sensor with Caixa navigator Robert Hopkins.

“This is the biggest advancement in sailing instrumentation since the invention of the GPS,” said Hopkins, who runs performance testing for PUMA and worked with Nortek on the project. “Nortek adapted their new DVL technology to our sailing performance needs, to measure very high speeds along the yacht’s track and very low speeds across it. With Nortek’s history of deploying instruments on buoys in hostile Arctic conditions, we knew that we could trust the Nortek DVL in a race around the world.”

PUMA yacht Mar Mostro running

PUMA´s yacht Mar Mostro running

Leeway is the sideways skidding angle a yacht makes as it sails forward. Leeway can be changed on a Volvo Open 70 yacht by adjusting the daggerboard immersion and canting the keel. The adjustable daggeboards and keel act like wings underwater to counteract the force of the sails. The crew relies on Nortek DVL leeway measurements to optimize PUMA’s sailing yacht Mar Mostro performance at all times, providing the core data upon which every other performance measurement is based.

“I can’t tell you how important it is to finally know how fast the yacht is going in all conditions. We really feel this is the first time yacht speed has been accurately measured without using various types of cumbersome and complex tables within the yacht’s instrumentation. It’s a huge factor for something as simple as a sail change or as complex as routing,” said Ken Read, skipper of the PUMA Ocean Racing team. “Nortek and our entire team, especially the shore crew, worked diligently to make this project a reality. The technology already helped us to win the Transatlantic Race in July, and it will be a key component as we race around the world.”

The Nortek DVL uses acoustic techniques to measure water velocity along each of the four beams. The sensor is mounted in the bottom of the lead bulb of the keel. The acoustic beams are oriented forward, aft and abeam.  Data from each beam is streamed to the on board computer which also receives data from the inertial motion sensor and the keel cant angle sensor. Velocity and orientation measurements are then used to output true forward yacht speed and leeway. Real time currents can be directly estimated by differencing the GPS yacht speed over ground and the yacht speed through the water.

Similar systems were developed for the seismic survey fleet and Nortek recently delivered the first operational navigation system to Fugro-Geoteam in Oslo to be mounted on two Barovane seismic diverters. The diverters keep the towed acoustic streamers separated and like the Puma-DVL, the system measures the angle of attack, the through water speed and ocean currents near the surface. The difference was the space available for the acoustic transponder. “We worked very hard to miniaturize the DVL unit that was installed aboard PUMA’s Mar Mostro yacht,” stated Lohrmann.

The project is an important milestone for Nortek because it demonstrates how well the acoustic Doppler technology performs in very challenging conditions and that the system can be fully integrated into modern navigation systems. The fact that the PUMA Ocean Racing technology team was able to integrate the DVL with other sensors on the yacht is a testament to the quality and sophistication of modern yacht racing.

The PUMA Ocean Racing team sets out on the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012 on Saturday, November 5, departing Alicante, Spain, for Cape Town, South Africa. The 11-member crew will travel 39,000 nautical miles over nine months, sailing from Alicante to Cape Town, and on to Abu Dhabi, UAE; Sanya, China; Auckland, New Zealand; around Cape Horn to Itajaí, Brazil; to Miami, Florida, USA; Lisbon, Portugal; Lorient, France, finishing in Galway, Ireland in July 2012.

The Emax Deliverance motor yacht by Sauter Carbon Offset Design- A DynaWing Solar Hybrid Supertanker

November 03, 2011

Sauter Carbon Offset Design (SCOD) have presented their latest Green yacht project Deliverance, a DynaWing  Solar Hybrid Supertanker that qualifies as the Largest and by far the Greenest Post Panamax Vessel to be built and as such the most Economical form of Crude Oil Transport to and from any part of the Globe.

Emax Deliverence VLCC DynaWing Post Panamax Supertanker

Emax Deliverence VLCC DynaWing Post Panamax Supertanker

To reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions by up to 75% this superior fluid dynamic Emax Supertanker Deliverance obtains half of her power from LNG and the other half from the latest advances in Solar and Wind Power technology.

The Emax Deliverance yacht is a 2 million barrel 330,000DWT Supertanker designed specifically for the newly enlarged locks of the Panama Canal which will accommodate vessels that have a maximum length of 1,395 ft (426m), a beam of 176 ft  (54m) and a draft 59 ft (18m).

Being longer, narrower and having less draft than previous 2 million barrel  VLCC’s, the hull of the yacht Deliverance produces less drag which in conjunction with twin CRP Hybrid Propulsion Pods reduces fuel consumption and GHG emissions by 35%. An additional 20 to 30% reduction is achieved with her 500,000 sq. meter DynaWing boom furling sails and another 15 to 20% reduction by her Solbian Solar power generating array. The realization of a 75% reduction is made possible by Mitsubishi’s Bubble Hull and Wartsila’s Coded LNG Hybrid power system.

Generally speaking the total Diesel Engine Power requirement for a conventional 330,000DWT Supertanker is 30MWs
By comparison the total Power requirement for the advanced 330,000DWT Emax Solar Hybrid Supertanker is 20MWs; 10MWs from LNG, 10MWs from the Sun and Wind

Emax Deliverance DynaWing Supertanker

Emax Deliverance DynaWing Supertanker

LNG power source.
Wartsila LLC Duel Fuel Hybrid Power equal to 10MWs
Key benefits of Wärtsilä DF engines and LLC (Low Loss Concept)
High efficiency
Low exhaust gas emissions
Fuel flexibility
Fuel economy over the entire engine operating range

Sustainable and renewable Sun and Wind power sources
DynaWing sails 4 to 8MWs.
The DynaWing is a hybrid Wingmast and mainsail combination that delivers a dynamic range of power options from a full array of sails with Wingsail emulated efficiency, to a gradual reduction of all sails culminating in Wingmast reefing.

SunPower Solbian Solar Panels  up to 4MWs.
Solbian marine solar panels have the highest rated efficiency and come with a 25 year warrantee. The energy harnessed from the Sun is stored in a 5MW Lithium ion UPS  to allow for Zero Carbon docking and power for all hotel services .

As a major Certified Carbon Offset Project, the Carbon Offset or reduction in GHG emissions achieved by Deliverance is 110,000 tons of CO2 per year or roughly a reduction 3 million tons of CO2 over the Supertankers 25 year service life.

Richard Sauter commented’” A Solar Hybrid Post Panamax VLCC presents us with a  major win win scenario, for apart from safeguarding the planet, oil companies can look forward to savings of up to 60 million dollars a year on the purchase of fuel, which at today’s prices not only pays for the Emax Supertanker in under 4 years, but increases their earnings over her service life by over 1.5 billion US dollars.

The Cost of Deliverance yacht is approximately 15% above the cost of a conventional 330,000DWT Supertanker.

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