Short Listed Entries 2008

CATEGORY I – SAFETY AT SEA

Award sponsored by Lloyd’s Register

IMC MARITIME SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT, THE NETHERLANDS – 4 employees

Safe and reliable assistance and escorting of large vessels by tugs attracts increasing attention. Therefore IMC started the development of the SafeWinch with a thorough investigation hereof using the well-known Fault Tree Analysis. This analysis investigates the risk and all contributing (sub)events, focusing on the winch and connecting wire.

Two main subevents appeared:

1) Slack wires (no tension)
2) Overloading / breaking wires

The new SafeWinch fully tackles both the events of a slack wire and an overload instantaneously; the heart is formed by a patented ratchet free wheel system, which automatically and purely mechanical separates the torque depending on the applied direction.

Further development was done in cooperation with Kraaijeveld Winches and included scale model testing and modifications to real size winches. In October 2007 the winch on the Smit Thamesbank was upgraded and successfully tested in port and at sea. Meanwhile the first SafeWinch series is already in production.

Website: www.imcgroup.nl
Email: info@imcgroup.nl

 

TECHNOFIBRE (S) PTE LTD., SINGAPORE – 41 employees

Techno Fibre, is currently introducing an innovative safety device, the Safety Remote Release Device (SR2D), which will allow the following:

Testing of launching sequence of freefall lifeboat to be achieved completely unmanned.

Instilling confidence in the safe launching of free fall lifeboats in crew members, on vessels equipped with free fall lifeboats

The innovative features of the unit, lay not so much in the mechanical design, but in the new perspective that it has introduced in the testing and training, in the use of freefall lifeboats.

Initially designed to enable unmanned unloaded/loaded equipment commissioning test runs, the practical use of the device is easily expanded so as to include the simulated drill requirements for certain freefall lifeboats under regulations presently in force at absolutely no risk to human lives.

Website: www.technofibre.com
Email: lifeboat@technofibre.com

 

TELEMEDIC SYSTEMS LTD, UK – 14 employees

The VitalLink3 is a medically approved universal interface. Low cost, small, light weight and durable. It can run on Internal Battery or Mains power. It can transmit patient data such as ECG, NIBP SP02 and Temperature from its peripheral devices over any data enabled communications medium such as a hand held Satellite phone. It is able to capture and transmit physiological information from the patient in real time to enable a local or remote Healthcare providers to make a diagnosis and treatment plan.

The benefits of this type of device in remote and /or austere locations are obvious. From managing real medical emergencies to reassuring crew or passengers that their condition is not as serious as they thought. Medics based offshore can be reassured that they are delivering first class medical care as if a specialist physician was with them.

Unnecessary medical evacuations are potentially reduced to just a fraction of previous numbers. It can be also be used in non-emergency settings such as Crew Medicals and Occupational Health. It can be used within Hyperbaric Chambers for continuous monitoring of divers and surface workers without compromising their treatment regime or putting healthcare providers at risk.

Website: www.telemedicsystems.com
Email: info@telemedicsystems.com

 

CATEGORY II – PROTECTION OF THE MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT

Award sponsored by ABS

INTERNATIONAL PAINT LTD, UK – 5,171 employees

Intersleek® 900 is a new and unique, patented biocide free fluoropolymer foul release coating. Fluoropolymer chemistry represents the very latest advances in foul release technology, significantly improving upon the performance of even the best silicone based system, Intersleek® 700.

Exceptionally smooth with unprecedented low levels of Average Hull Roughness combined with excellent foul release capabilities and good resistance to mechanical damage means that for the very first time, all vessels above10 knots can now benefit from foul release technology e.g. tankers, bulk carriers and general cargo vessels. Benefits include a predicted 6% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, no leaching of biocides into the sea, reduced waste disposal (and costs) for wash water and blasting grit at subsequent drydockings and a comparatively low Volatile Organic Content. Other benefits include reduced paint consumption at the next docking, a reduced risk of fouling during loading delays and enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility through an improved environmental profile.

For a single VLCC currently coated with a Self Polishing Copolymer antifouling, the application of Intersleek® 900 could mean savings of over 4,500 tons of fuel, a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over 14,000 tons and US$2.2 million over a five year period.

Website: www.international-marine.com
Email: intersleek900@internationalpaint.com

 

MARTEK MARINE LTD, UK – 40 employees

Martek Marine has developed MariNOx, a marine diesel engine emissions monitoring and recording system. The system is designed specifically to meet the requirements of current and future air pollution regulations. MariNOx has a highly sophisticated user interface, which allows instantaneous and historical recording of air emissions data. MariNOx exceeds the reporting requirements required by MARPOL whilst delivering accurate information allowing determination of the vessels most efficient operating profile. Totalised emissions capability allows the industry transparency when reporting air pollutants.

The system is the first ‘fiscal’ monitor to collect information for Norwegian NOx tax, this encourages the operator to implement NOx reduction technology resulting in the reduction of mass NOx emissions and taxation burden.

The in-built data transmission facility, combined with geographical mapping functions allows effective operation of the vessel in environmentally sensitive areas, data prior to, and inside these regions can be automatically uploaded to shore for verification purposes.

Environmentally responsible ship operators are turning to MariNOx to enable accurate evaluation of differing emissions reduction technologies, a common desire to be ‘beyond compliance’ is an effective marketing tool for operators combined with the benefit of emissions reductions to ensure the industry a profitable and sustainable future.

Website: www.martek-marine.com
Email: enquiries@martek-marine.com

 

SEA ALARM FOUNDATION, BELGIUM – 2 employees

Building international response preparedness to marine-oiled wildlife incidents.
Pictures of oiled seabirds and other wildlife usually evoke an emotional reaction from the public and media, often exacerbated by the well-intentioned but unprofessional attempts of volunteers to rescue the affected animals. A group of far-sighted European animal welfare experts recognised that there was an urgent need to improve this situation, resulting in Sea Alarm’s birth in 1999.

The considerable achievements of Sea Alarm’s two employees (supported by an international Board of Directors) over the past eight years have largely resulted from widespread recognition and acceptance among key players at national and international levels of the organisation’s unique independent and impartial catalytic role. Sea Alarm has successfully united expertise, trained responders, encouraged and assisted government authorities to develop wildlife response plans, developed close working relationships with the oil and maritime industries, and demonstrated leadership in the identification and communication of best international practices.

While much remains to be done, Sea Alarm’s approach has created a sustainable climate in which key stakeholders can cooperate effectively. This has not only been beneficial to all involved, but has also enhanced the efficiency of incident responses, their public perception, and, last but by no means least, the welfare of oil-contaminated animals.

Website: www.sea-alarm.org
Email: secretariat@sea-alarm.org

 

CATEGORY III – INNOVATION IN SHIP OPERATIONS

Award sponsored by TJ Shipping and Logistics

BELUGA SHIPPING GMBH, GERMANY – 285 employees

Mounting bunker costs, rising voyage expenses, the emission of greenhouse-gases and increasingly strict international rules to cut down the air pollution caused by vessels: For a long time, these circumstances have made shipping companies searching for a way out of the direct dependence on the oil price and a more sustainable method of conducting business.

An appropriate effort is now available: SkySails – a towing kite system that offers a possible reduction in bunker consumption for cargo vessels of ten to 30 percent. In the face of some scepticism in the market, Beluga Shipping GmbH, a specialist for tailored transportation solutions for project and heavy lift cargo, is the world’s first user of the system.

New-build, multipurpose heavy lift project carrier MV “Beluga SkySails” has just successfully completed her maiden voyage – co-powered by free wind energy. Initially a 160 square meter large kite will be installed on the 132m-long vessel, connected to the hull only by a flexible rope. A launch and recovery system on the bow, a control pod beneath the kite and a computer-based autopilot on the bridge are further components. The system is unrivalled, and about to revolutionise the world of modern shipping.

Website: www.beluga-group.com
Email: pr@beluga-group.com

 

BESTOBELL LNG, UK – 78 employees

The new Float Level Isolation Valve (FLIV) from Bestobell LNG
Bestobell LNG was created as a separate business from Bestobell Valves in order to focus specifically on the LNG shipping industry. Established in 2004 specifically to address the opportunity provided by the global investment in the infrastructure to handle liquid natural gas (LNG), Bestobell LNG is applying the valve technology built up over 40 years at Bestobell Valves to meet the demand for fire-safe cryogenic valves on LNG cargo carriers.

By spending time carefully understanding the issues faced in the LNG shipping industry, Bestobell LNG can offer valve solutions, such as the new Float Level Isolation Valve known as the FLIV to replace the gate valve on the secondary level gauge system, the FLIV enables customers/crews to improve performance, reduce costs and improve safety. The FLIV has been welcomed by the industry and today the company has orders for at least 60 new build LNG carriers. Bestobell LNG is now exploring the retrofit market and is able to install and commission the FLIV to existing fleets of LNG carriers. It is fair to say that FLIV is accepted as the standard today.

Bestobell LNG is a part of Flow Group, an international group focused on flow technologies supplying the oil and gas, industrial gas, mining and marine industries.

Website: www.bestobell-lng.com
Email: info@bestobell-lng.com

 

NAPA GROUP, FINLAND – 90 employees

NAPA Power is a fuel consumption optimisation system for all types of vessels. It is based on the basic ship design package NAPA, which is the well-known naval architectural package for professional ship design used by some 270 shipyards, ship design consultancies, authorities, classification societies and other maritime organisations worldwide.

Main Features

Website: www.napa.fi
Email: sales@napa.fi

 

CATEGORY IV – INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE

Award sponsored by North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA)

THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN SHIPPING LINES, IRAN – 4,650 employees

Human Capital Management
 The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines was established in 1967 with the capacity of 2500 DWT. During 40 years of hard work, it has now a capacity of about 3.9 million tones and about 115 different size vessels. The huge investments in people that IRISL has done since its establishment, has resulted in a comprehensive pool of highly skilled manpower which constitutes our great IRISL family. This strong family of team mates has insured the company against the upheaval of human resource problems. IRISL does believe in human capitals rather than human resources and we consider ourselves as one of the leading companies in human capital management because we do believe that "great companies are made of great people.” Some of the unique approaches of IRISL towards its human capitals are:

Website: www.irisl.net
Email: info@irisl.net

 

LLOYD’S REGISTER ASIA, HONG KONG – 1,600 employees

The Lloyd's Register Maritime Institute initiative provides training and information centres that create the right environment to enable effective sharing of knowledge. It does this by providing institutes for training courses and public seminars that bring people and their experiences together; Lloyd's Register technical staff, shipping industry and professional institutions such as SNAME and I. Mar. EST.

The initiative has been created to enable knowledge to be disseminated for the benefit of the maritime industry as a whole. At this particular juncture in the shipping industry’s history, it has been started in China. This is to help the industry here shift its reliance on low cost labour towards technology and competitive advantage through human capital. It works for the benefit of shipyards, ship owners, manufacturers and students - the maritime industry as a whole.

The first such institute was opened in Shanghai, China, September ‘07. Its facilities provide comfortable rooms for interactive skills training, and state-of-the-art equipment for delivery of public seminars on issues facing the maritime inadustry.

How is this innovative? Delivering training courses is a relatively straightforward task, but true knowledge sharing is only achieved through creating the right environment where people come together and willingly share their experience.

Website: www.lr.org
Email: asia@lr.org

 

THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS, UK –2 employees

The Mission to Seafarers is providing a unique service to seafarers with the MV “Flying Angel” – the world’s first floating seafarers’ centre operating off the east coast of the United Arab Emirates.

The support vessel visits the many seafarers onboard the ships that are being held at one of the world’s largest anchorages waiting for access to berths or future orders. At any one time, over 100 vessels can be anchored some 18-miles off the coast with transportation too costly for seafarers to get ashore.

The Mission to Seafarers planned a purpose-built vessel to fulfil the requirements of seafarers working in the anchorage so that they too had access to the facilities its land-based centres provide.

The Flying Angel gives seafarers access to telecommunication and internet facilities so that they are able to keep in touch with news from their families at home which they might otherwise miss out on. It provides medical care via an onboard paramedic, counselling with a chaplain and a relaxing environment away from onboard life. All of this can happen without the need for costly transport to/from shore which can take many hours and lose valuable working time.

Website: www.missiontoseafarers.org
Email: general@missiontoseafarers.org

 

The above statements are as provided by the individual short-listed organisations.

 

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