U. S., DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION

U.S. shipbuilding company Vigor has selected ABB to supply the hybrid-electric propulsion and energy storage systems for the newest additions to the Washington State Ferry fleet, setting the largest U.S. ferry system on course to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel use.The new Olympic Class ferries, each with a capacity of 144 cars and 1,500 passengers, with the planned addition of charging capability at terminals, would reduce fuel consumption by up to 95%. Upon delivery in 2024, the initial vessel of the series will be the first newbuild in Washington State Ferry’s fleet to feature hybrid-electric propulsion and a high capacity energy storage system.

Fairbanks Morse announced it has completed the build and testing of the two main propulsion diesel engines for the U.S. Coast Guard’s first Heritage class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) Argus.Fairbanks Morse was awarded contracts by the prime contractor, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, to build the engines for both Argus and the second OPC Chase.The OPC is a 360 foot-long vessel that will be powered by two FM | MAN 16V 28/33D STC diesel engines, with each engine rated 7,280 kWm (9,763 brake-horsepower) running at 1,000 revolutions per minute. The first OPC engine has been built and was delivered to Eastern in Panama City, Fla. in January 2020.

Cox Powertrain announced its 300-horsepower diesel outboard has achieved U.S. EPA Tier 3 approval for commercial and recreational applications.Cox's CXO300 is a new design built for purpose, meaning the manufacturer had to work with the EPA to perform rigorous testing to prove the engine's ability to meet emission standards.Joel Reid (Global Sales Director), said, “We developed a diesel engine with a much lower carbon footprint than an equivalent gasoline outboard. So far, those who have joined us on sea trials have commented favorably how quiet, smooth and clean the engine is.

The technology group Wärtsilä said it has been contracted by the City of Duisburg, Germany, to provide the latest in simulator technology for inland waterway navigation. The simulator will consist of seven full mission bridges in two locations within Duisburg; six at the Schiffer-Berufskolleg Rhein vocational college, and one at the DST Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems.The technology will enable inter-connectivity with other simulators, a universal hardware interface for future developments, and can be used for R&D purposes, Wärtsilä said. It will also be utilized for advanced modeling purposes with other Wärtsilä tools, and for planning and analysation tasks.

Satellite communications provider Inmarsat says it continues to ramp up its response to COVID-19, with additional initiatives to improve seafarer wellbeing. These initiatives include further collaboration with ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network) and maritime charities, the launch of a new chatcard and the wider roll-out of a COVID-19 video telemedicine call service.As the pandemic has unfolded, the ompany has worked closely with welfare organization ISWAN and other maritime charities to ensure that seafarers stay connected without the burden of additional financial anxiety.