VTS Simulation from Transas
Transas Marine (UK) Ltd and Blackpool and the Fylde College's Fleetwood Nautical Campus have added a VTS simulation suite to the its Transas Navi-Trainer Professional Simulation center. The two Navi-Monitor workstations are able to monitor the developing traffic situation in any simulated exercise run on the main navigational bridges on site; a capability that is required for Fleetwood to deliver VTS Operator training to the IALA V103 standard. A projected visualization channel gives the view from the control tower and completes the 'full mission' effect that this leading training establishment has always strived for. This installation is a landmark for Transas as it is the first of its kind in the UK; Fleetwood is now one of only two British nautical schools to offer MCA accredited VTS operator training.
W�rtsil� Wins Order for Taiwanese Chem Tanker
W�rtsil�, the leading ship power system integrator for the marine industry, has signed a design and propulsion system order with Taiwan's Jong Shyn Shipbuilding for a product chemical tanker. The 6500 dwt vessel, due for delivery in 2011, is for CPC Corporation (CPC), a Taiwanese state-owned oil company.. This is the first order through the W�rtsil� network for a design developed by Conan Wu Associates (CWA), a W�rtsil� Ship Design company, since it was acquired in September 2008. In addition to the design, W�rtsil� will deliver the entire propulsion system, which is to be based around a 9-cylinder in-line W�rtsil� 32 main engine, gearbox, and a controllable pitch propeller. W�rtsil�'s extensive scope of supply includes other equipment, such as a bow thruster, the propulsion control system, and all shaft seals and bearings. The contract also includes the supply of an Integrated Automation System for not only the machinery spaces, but the entire ship. With an overall length of 110 m and an18 m beam, the single screw tanker will be equipped with a propulsion arrangement capable of delivering a ship speed of up to 13.4 knots, at design draught condition. Willy Perng, Sales Manager, W�rtsil� in Taiwan, said that W�rtsil� has enjoyed a good and long-standing relationship with the customer. CPC has already 12 sets of W�rtsil� two-stroke engines installed in its fleet. "The contract marks a significant milestone for W�rtsil� in that it is the first time we have dealt with the Jong Shyn shipyard. It is also the first time we have supplied CPC with new four-stroke main engines, and the first ever ship design we have sold in Taiwan," added Perng. "The shipowner had specified a modern, fuel-efficient, and environmentally sound ship, and W�rtsil�'s integrated ship power and design solution was the best choice. Our package was more cost effective than that of our competitors as it included a life-time support and care package," said Perng.
LR Opens Center of Excellence for Training
Lloyd's Register North America held an open house for its newly expanded offices in Fort Lauderdale recently, unveiling a training facility that will host an array of marine training courses and topical seminars. The new facility is the latest addition to a global training strategy and highlights plans to broaden learning opportunities for the maritime industry in North America. To complement the selection of standard marine courses, Lloyd's Register North America will launch a seminar series with guest speakers discussing important emerging issues such as ballast water management, the new Maritime Labor Convention from the International Labor Organization, ship-energy services, riskmanagement solutions, solutions for today's market trends, environmentalmanagement systems, and other topics. "By offering these seminars we can provide mid-level and senior managers with a brief but comprehensive overview of emerging maritime issues, and offer ways to help them solve the problems that will inevitably arise," said Rick Ferraro, Client Training Manager, Lloyd's Register Americas. The seminar series will be held throughout the Americas in the coming year, and Fort Lauderdale will be the premiere location. "We continue to invest in our capabilities and capacity to serve our clients' needs and contribute to the safety and quality of the marine industry," said Tim Protheroe, Regional Marine Manager, Lloyd's Register Americas, Inc.
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