TOWLINES

Multraship MD, Leendert Muller received the award from the Stichting Maritime Awards Gala foundation which recognises “a combination of successful realisation and implementation with a vision for the future”. Recognised by the distinctive towing arrangement of the winch mounted on a superstructure-encircling ring on the tugs Multratug 32 and 33 the Carrousel RAve project is an interesting collaboration of industry experts including: Theodor Buschmann GmbH Hamburg, Damen Maaskant Shipyards, Voith and Robert Allan Ltd and of course other major equipment suppliers.

Wärtsilä has been granted Approval in Principle (AIP) by classification society ABS for its HY hybrid power module and follows another AIP issued by ABS in 2017 for Wärtsilä’s hybrid propulsion tug designs.

Elsewhere in this column mention is made of the similar granting of an AIP by ABS to Rolls-Royce for its own hybrid power system and Wärtsilä’s system utilises its technical strengths in both engine design and electrical and automation systems resulting in a fully integrated power module combining engines, energy storage system and power electronics working together through an energy management system and claimed to be the marine sector’s first hybrid power module of this type.

Briggs Marine has been looking to expand in Canada for some time and recently reported its acquisition of a consortia of three marine companies, part of the Foreshore Group based in Canada.

Vancouver-based Foreshore Technologies specialises in underwater survey and inspection services while Balanced Environmental Services Inc provide: licencing, consultation, applications, planning and project delivery services. The third company involved is Ocean Tech Constructors Inc who provide harbour support specialising in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of floats, gangways, pontoons and breakwaters.

Schottel has strengthened its presence in the Nordic region with the merging of two of its own subsidiary companies.

Schottel Norway AS and Frydenbø Schottel Nordic AS have been merged under Schottel Nordic AS. The merger allows the German propulsion system provider to supply both newbuilding advise and after-sales service in the Nordic region. The service products headquarters will remain in Gardmoen including workshops for the overhaul of thrusters as well as warehousing providing spare parts and service personnel along the Norwegian coast.

By Peter Barker