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Writer's pictureSarah Whiteford

New Mercy ship, first 3D process tug, Cadeler orders huge WTIVs, emissions-free propulsion

Updated: Jul 7, 2021

It’s Good News Monday!


This Monday we talk about:

  1. World’s Largest Civilian Hospital Ship Delivered to Mercy Ships

  2. US first: 3D process delivers commercial vessel

  3. Cadeler Orders Offshore Wind Industry's 'Largest' Installation Vessel Duo

  4. Alfa Laval and Wallenius partner on wind propulsion

  5. Hydrogenious and Østensjø to develop emissions-free propulsion system



“Global Mercy during the sea trials in April 2021. Photo: Stena RoRo”. Image from gCaptain.


Mercy Ships has taken delivery of the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, a project that started with a contract in 2013 and keel-laying in 2015. Stena RoRo designed and executed the project. Don Stephens, founder of Mercy Ships, said “African heads of states and ministers of health have often expressed a desire for more of their healthcare professionals to be trained in-country. This ship will do exactly that...We hope that this new vessel and the volunteer crew who serve on her will bring hope, healing and transformation for the next 40-50 years.” The 37,000 ton Global Mercy accommodates a crew of 641 and a total of 950 people on its 12 decks. 200 beds, 6 operating rooms, a lab, and an eye clinic are available for medical care.




“Robert Allan tug design in 3D is classed by ABS for a Signet newbuild (source: RAL)”. Image from Riviera.


Robert Allan Ltd and Signet Maritime used 3D processing to design an ABS class tug that will be receiving its certificate of inspection from the Coast Guard. It’s the first paperless vessel in US history to be produced with 3D models for all structures. With 3D design, every aspect of the vessel is built from the exact same model, with precise detail for every section. Working digitally also speeds up the design process, getting the ship to steel faster.


“This milestone is the latest in a succession of ABS firsts in 3D model-based class. ABS was the first to develop a process for ingesting 3D models into class software to allow 3D model-based reviews in 2018.


ABS then became the first classification organisation to accept 3D models for class surveys in April 2020.”





Cadeler wind turbine installation vessels at a wind farm. “Credit: Cadeler”. Image from Offshore Engineer.


“Offshore wind installation company Cadeler has ordered two new X-class wind turbine installation vessels from China's COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry.” The two vessels cost a combined total of $651 million and are expected to be the largest WTIVs in the industry. The X-class vessels will have the ability to install seven complete 15MW turbines or five 20+MW turbines in one trip. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in Q3 of 2024 with the second vessel in Q1 of 2025. “To reduce the impact on the environment, Cadeler as part of the tender criteria requested minimized emissions, minimized environmental impact, CO₂ accounting during the building process, minimized use of hazardous substances, a requirement for biodegradable grease and oil in instances with any risk of discharge to the environment, and that the vessels must be recyclable.”





“Billed as AlfaWall Oceanbird, the venture aims to develop a wind propulsion system based on 'telescopic winged sails' (source: Alfa Laval)”. Image from Riviera.


AlfaWall Oceanbird will be the new 50/50 joint venture of Alfa Laval and Wallenius. The new company will be working on ‘telescopic winged sails’ built with steel and composite materials that generate thrust for vessels instead of lift. The 80 meter tall wing sails will have the ability to turn 360 degrees and are expected to propel the new 200 meter transatlantic car carrier at about 10 knots, crossing the Atlantic in 12 days. They will be retractable for passage under bridges, to handle harsh weather conditions, and for maintenance. We wrote an article last week about wind power and how it can supplement vessel propulsion - we are excited to see new vessels that will be completely wind powered!





“Håvard Framnes: ‘of all the potential zero-emissions technologies, LOHC is the most promising’.” Image from Riviera.


“Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies and Johannes Østensjø dy AS have formed a joint venture company, Hydrogenious LOHC Maritime AS, to develop and market emissions-free propulsion systems for the global shipping market.” Liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) technology will be their focus. LOHC is organic oil with hydrogen that is a safe, low-cost energy source. Hydrogenious LOHC Technology developed the technology that loads LOHC with hydrogen, which makes it inflammable and non-explosive. The hydrogen can then be extracted as needed for energy. Benzyltoluene is used as the carrier oil, and can be reloaded many times, as well as recycled multiple times over. Energy density is 2-3 times that of compressed hydrogen.


Six vessels are under construction and will receive LOHC propulsion. Existing fuel infrastructure and procedures can be used, giving the technology a minimal learning curve. On board energy can last up to 4 weeks, minimizing refueling. “The project will focus on the development and integration of three core elements of an onboard system: the LOHC release unit, which releases hydrogen from the liquid organic carrier on demand on the ship; the fuel cell; and an interface to the ship’s power management system.”



Smile, it’s Good News Monday! :-)


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