New Seals Keep PLA Fleet Moving

01 Jan 2007

The Port of London Authority (PLA) operates a fleet of workboats which operate 24/7 keeping the River Thames open and safe for navigation for 90 miles from upriver Surrey all the way to the sea. With such an operational commitment, the PLA’s marine engineering superintendent Andy Nailor was happy to accept the offer from Tides Marine International’s technical sales manager Ian Nuttall to trial a pair of new, low maintenance SureSealshafts seals. 

Schiffko Reveals New Offshore Patrol Propulsion

01 Jan 2007

Naval engineers Schiffko have revealed a new type of offshore patrol/SAR boat powered by an innovative propulsion concept. Working with development partners Voith Turbo Marine, the Potsdam Model Basin (SVA), and consultant Karl Otto Sadler, Schiffko is heading the development of a hybrid propulsion concept for a drive with low emission and noise levels.   

New Cat ACERTs Itself

01 Jan 2007

Caterpillar launched the new Cat C18 ACERT engine at the recent Workboat Show in New Orleans. Based on the existing Cat C18 and 3406 marine engines, the new model will be available in eight commercial power ratings ranging from 454bhpat 1,800rpm to 873bhp at 2,200rpm and compliant with US EPA Marine Tier 2 commercial regulations.   

Waterjet Goes Fishing in Norway

01 Jan 2007

Norway’s Grovfjord Mek. Verksted AS has delivered a second 8.85m salmon fish farming workboat to countrymen Nordlaks AS. The two boats will be used for the daily chores of tending salmon and are equipped with small cranes and capstan winches.  

Thordon Solves USCG Sterntube Problem

01 Jan 2007

Thordon XL propeller shaft bearings have helped solve a stern tube problem that has plagued the U.S. Coast Guard Ice-Breaker Polar Sea since 1992. Due to the harsh arctic environment in which it operates, the 13,500 ton displacement Polar Sea, one of the world’s most powerful non-nuclear powered triple screw icebreakers, suffered repeated corrosion and fretting wear within the shafts. This resulted in damage to the support glands for the stern tube bearing carriers.  

Hydrogen Engines for Water Taxis Offers Alternative

01 Jan 2007

The Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc (HEC) has received a Letter of Intent from an investment group Brightwell Holdings BV representing Turkish boat builder “Labranda” and in cooperation with UNIDO-ICHET (United Nations Industrial Development Organization and International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies).