ABS updates DP guidance, $810B offshore wind, Amazon tech for maritime security

It’s Good News Monday!

This Monday we talk about:

1. ABS updates DP guidance and unveils new notation

2. Eyepopping: US$810Bn – possibly more – to be spent on offshore wind in next decade

3. Huisman Unveils Jones Act Offshore Wind Feeder Solution

4. Amazon tech improves maritime security through machine learning

5. ABS Publishes Guide on 3D Printing

ABS updates DP guidance and unveils new notation

“ABS worked with P&O Maritime on remote ABS surveys of DP vessels (source: Riviera Maritime Media)”. Image from Riviera.

“Classification society ABS has updated its guidance for dynamic positioning (DP) for offshore vessels and introduced a new notation for fuel-efficient operations”. ABS’s Guide for Dynamic Positioning Systems has been updated for the design and testing of DP systems. “Key additions include guidance on cross connections, fault ride-through, closed bus specifics and failure mode effect analysis (FMEA).” “Cross connections must be identified, as these are a leading cause of DP issues”. Guidelines for live board fault ride through testing were updated with frameworks on how these tests should be performed. These tests demonstrate the DP system can operate after a short circuit occurs.

OneStep Power has proprietary testing methods to to ensure fault ride through of vessel systems from main bus ties to 24VDC control systems for validation of cross connections on DP vessels in compliance with these requirements. We are excited to see this new guidance to increase safety and reliability of DP vessels and lead the way to safer DP operations!

Eyepopping: US$810Bn – possibly more – to be spent on offshore wind in next decade

“Manufacturing offshore wind turbines will represent the largest share of capex for offshore wind developments in the next decade”. Image from Riviera.

A new report found that investment in offshore wind is increasing and by 2030, capex will be equal with oil and gas capex at about $100 billion. As targets are raised and wind continues to mature, we could see an even greater shift. It has already tripled in size from 2016 to 2020, up to 33 GW. Expectations are for a 22% yearly growth rate to 251 GW by 2030. Europe is still expected to dominate this market with Hornsea and Dogger Bank projects with China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Korea increasing spending. The US could fall behind due to the Jones Act and permitting requirements, but is also expected to spend more than $70B between now and 2030. Turbines, foundations, cabling, and installation will continue to be the biggest spending areas, in that order.

Huisman Unveils Jones Act Offshore Wind Feeder Solution

“(Image: Huisman)”. Image from Offshore Engineer.

Huisman, based in the Netherlands, has designed a motion-compensation system for feeder vessels for Jones Act offshore wind projects. This system will provide a stable platform for transferring wind turbine components to international WTIV vessels. This allows jack-ups to stay in place to work while smaller vessels retrieve parts from shore. Since the feeder vessels would be U.S. vessels, international vessels could be used for the installation of turbines.

Amazon tech improves maritime security through machine learning

“Amazon's machine learning is combined with RF for vessel monitoring (source Hawkeye 360)”. Image from Riviera.

“HawkEye 360 is using formation-flying satellites, radio frequency (RF) geolocation technology and customised machine learning algorithms from Amazon Web Services (AWS) to monitor vessels for safety and security services.” RF signals combined with machine learning will help produce better information by cutting through the noise, preventing illegal activities. The complex connections made by machine learning will generate insights into “illicit maritime vessel activity, such as illegal fishing, human trafficking, ship-to-ship transfer of illegal goods and smuggling.” They are also solving ocean problems, giving scientists more time to create solutions rather than develop and deploy measurement devices.

ABS Publishes Guide on 3D Printing

“© jean song / Adobe Stock”. Image from Offshore Engineer.

ABS published guidance on additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, for marine and offshore purposes. The guide is focused on the two main categories of AM, Powder Bed Fusion and Directed Energy Deposition. “The Guide defines the ABS approval and certification process for AM facilities and AM parts by providing standards for AM design, feedstock material, building processes, inspection and testing.” The guide has a strong focus on quality, an important part of the process. This technology can reduce the supply chain and increase efficiency in needed parts, especially during emergencies.

Smile, it’s Good News Monday! :-)