NEWS
NG Supplies for Brazil OSVs
Northrop Grumman Corporation's Sperry Marine won contracts to supply bridge navigation systems for four new
offshore supply vessels to be built in Brazil. The four Rolls-Royce-designed boats, will be built at the Estaleiro Alianca shipyard near Rio de Janeiro for Companhia
Brasileira de Offshore (CBO). They will be placed on long-term charter with Petrobras, the Brazilian state oil company, to provide support services for offshore oil platforms.
Gj�a Hull Safely Through Gulf of Aden
The hull of the North Sea Gj�a platform is on its way to Norway from the Samsung shipyard in South Korea. (Photo courtesy StatoilHydro)
The result of 1.7 million hours worked in South Korea, the Gj�a platform hull was recently on its way to Stord via the Suez Canal. The long voyage to Stord is estimated to take 40-45 days. This particular transport was given a high-priority classification due to its vulnerability and importance. The vessel is slow-moving and lies low in the water, making it easy to board. StatoilHydro and subcontractor Dockwise were therefore given a military escort through the Gulf of Aden by the EU forces in the area. The escort was initially undertaken by the Belgian frigate Louise-Marie, and then by the Swedish corvette Malm�. "The protection we were given in the form of a dedicated escort was crucial to being able to, and wanting to pass through the Gulf at this time. We are very pleased with the cooperation we have enjoyed with the authorities and with the protection provided by the Belgian and Swedish vessels," said Kjetel Rokseth Digre, director for the Gj�a construction project. The hull now on its way to Stord is one of the major building bricks on the project. After arrival it will be moored until Christmas while awaiting assembly with the topsides.
Makin Island Saves $2 Million in Fuel Costs
PCU Makin Island (LHD 8) arrived at its homeport of San Diego, Calif., Sept. 14 after spending nearly two months at sea. LHD 8 is the first U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship to replace steam boilers with gas turbines, and the first Navy surface ship to be equipped with both gas turbines and an Auxiliary Propulsion System (APS). By using this propulsion system in conjunction with operational awareness of the crew, the ship saved approximately $2 million dollars in fuel costs during transit compared to a ship using steam boilers. Instead of using its gas turbines which are less efficient at lower speeds, the ship will be able to use its APS for roughly 75
12 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News