Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers, today (24 October 2019) delivered a boost for the English fishing and seafood industry ahead of Brexit by opening applications for £15.4 million from two UK fishing funds.

The £14.7 million share of a £37.2 million UK-wide fund announced last December, will encourage the take up of innovation and technology, supporting jobs in coastal communities. In addition, £700,000 from a £2 million UK-wide fund announced in the 2018 Budget is ring-fenced for fishing safety improvements on board English vessels and around ports and harbours.

English fishermen and those working in the seafood sector will today be able to apply for a share of the new Maritime Fisheries Fund (MFF), which is designed to ensure the fishing and seafood industry continues to thrive once the UK leaves the EU on 31st October.

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The floating offshore wind sector in the UK can deliver almost £34bn in economic benefits by 2050, according to a new report by RenewableUK and Scottish Renewables.

The report – ‘Floating Wind: The UK Industry Ambition’ – says that the technology is necessary for the UK to reach its legally-binding net zero carbon emissions target by 2050 and to fulfil Scotland’s commitment to achieve this by 2045.

The industry estimates that floating wind can support 17,000 UK jobs by 2050, particularly in coastal communities in England, Scotland and Wales.

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Practical Traineeships for 12 Months
Bursary Payment: £12,000 per annum

We are looking for people who are passionate about a career working in maritime heritage to take part in a unique project. This traineeship is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn and develop the traditional skills for maintaining, conserving and interpreting historic vessels. During the year you will have the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of environments, including maritime museums, traditional operational boats and working boatyards. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and in partnership with eight host organisations, this programme is ideal for someone seeking a career as a maritime curator, ship-keeper or conservator

We welcome applications from all and particularly encourage women and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups who are currently under-represented within the historic ships and heritage sector. Submissions are also sought from those aged 18-30, although candidates from outside this range will still be considered.

No experience is necessary, just good communication skills, a flexible approach and the ability to work as part of a team. Above all, you must have interest in a long term career in the maritime heritage sector. So if this sounds like you visit our website for more information and to apply, or please contact us at shtp@nationalhistoricships.org.uk

Closing Date: 0900, Tuesday 7th May 2019
Starting: October 2019

Practical Traineeships for 12 Months
Bursary Payment: £12,000 per annum

We are looking for people who are passionate about a career working on historic boats to take part in this unique project. This traineeship is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn and develop the traditional skills for maintaining, conserving and operating historic vessels. During the year you will have the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of environments, including traditional boats, maritime museums and spend a season aboard a historic boat at sea. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and in partnership with eight host organisations, this programme is ideal for someone seeking a career in maritime heritage or as a professional seafarer.

We welcome applications from all and particularly encourage women and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups who are currently under-represented within the historic ships and heritage sector. Submissions are also sought from those aged 18-30, although candidates from outside this range will still be considered.

No experience is necessary, just good communication skills, a flexible approach and the ability to work as part of a team. Above all, you must have interest in a long term career in the historic vessel sector. So if this sounds like you visit our website for more information and to apply, or please contact us at shtp@nationalhistoricships.org.uk

Closing Date: 0900, Tuesday 7th May 2019
Starting: October 2019

Jobs in Maritime Ltd and McGinley Support Services (Infrastructure) Ltd are pleased to announce the formation of a new joint venture agreement, which will bring a new era of recruitment services across the Ports and Maritime Industries.

With over 50 years of combined specialist recruitment experience, this new strategic partnership enhances Jobs in Maritime and McGinley Support Services ability to further develop its service offering to clients and candidates specifically within the marine and ports environment.

Two leading specialists

Consulting and recruiting for over four decades McGinley Support Services is one of the UK’s largest specialist recruitment businesses providing the Infrastructure sector with permanent, contract and temporary staff at all levels www.mcginley.co.uk

Jobs in Maritime is the world’s maritime jobsite and recruitment service for candidates and employers specialising in Seagoing and Shoreside careers, committed to directly supporting the needs of the Maritime Sector sourcing personnel for permanent and contract roles www.jobsinmaritime.com

A new era of recruitment services

Dermot McGinley, Managing Director, McGinley Support Services says “We are excited to be entering into this partnership with Jobs in Maritime. This opportunity will allow us to enhance the already excellent service we provide in this sector of the infrastructure market. We look forward to what the future holds for this new partnership”

Sezen Zeki, Managing Director, Jobs in Maritime added “We are excited to be partnering with McGinley; the collaborative approach will help us to further improve our service to clients within the marine and ports environment. Culturally, we both share an understanding of what our customers and candidates need within the market place and we look forward to developing this further”

For additional information, please contact

For the 20th consecutive year, MIT will be exhibiting at Seawork, one of the largest European commercial marine exhibitions, where on stand PO5 they will showcase why they are the experts in marine propulsion and driveline systems.

With an array of innovative and forward thinking technology from world leading brands, and an industry leading service, repair and overhaul capability, MIT are not only the experts in product supply, but excel in whole life-cycle vessel support to both standard diesel and environmentally friendly driveline solutions.

As we see ever tightening emissions regulations within the industry, operators are looking to reduce their carbon footprint with sustainable alternatives to diesel power, whilst reducing operating costs and engine maintenance, future proofing of their business.

Experts in Electric and Hybrid technology, Transfluid are dedicated to delivering cost-effective and environmentally friendly systems to work-boat operators and continue to further develop their Electric/Hybrid driveline system. On display at Seawork 2018, the system offers unique flexibility which surpasses rival models, allowing the operator to work in three specific mode: Electric propulsion, to drive or sail at zero emissions in absolute silence. Engine Propulsion, using the electric machine as a generator to recharge batteries, and Booster, which allows the electric motor during acceleration to assist the engine – providing extra torque to the driveline.

The system can be easily fitted to any transmission such as, marine gear boxes, hydrostatic transmissions, cardan shaft and water jets has an approved engine power of up to 1100kw (1475 hp), with the electric motor reaching 400 kw.

To install the HM system, all that is needed is an additional few hundred millimeters between the diesel engine and the transmission, allowing the unit to be fitted on new vessels or installed as a retrofit, making the system an ideal solution for ports and commercial operators. MIT, in collaboration with Goodchild Marine Services will this year feature on the Seawork conference agenda, exploring how moving away from diesel power can aid the work-boat sector.

With innovation at the forefront of the MIT portfolio, steering solutions which complement the build of custom work-boats also take a front seat at Seawork 2018. Esteer, a plug-and-play technology developed by Twin Disc offers users reliable, robust features such as dual bus technology, adaptive steering, dynamic rudder control and more. Engineered to excellence, E-STEER was designed for both operators and boat builders alike. The ease of installation makes it the perfect partner to any propulsion system, delivering a smooth, vibration free drive, and is suitable for vessels large and small.

This technology has redundancies built into the steering system, ranging from basic with dual bus technology to full redundancy. Each control has two CAN-bus communication links between devices, and primary and secondary power inputs, with audible alarms for loss of either supply.

The optional dual control system serves as a backup in the event of a failure, providing the end user with peace of mind, along with providing adaptive resistance through speed sensing technology. Resistance is increased or decreased based on the vessel’s speed, giving the operator better control over the helm, and effortless, precise steering. With dynamic rudder control E-STEER constantly and proportionally adjusts the range of movement based on the vessel’s speed — preventing extreme and unsafe rudder angles and reducing the potential for accidents.
And innovation does not stop with steering and hybrid solutions! Official suppliers to the Sir David Attenborough Polar Research Vessel, Rubber Design also introduce their latest mount technology, the TT1X – a high performance torque thrust mount.

Listening to customer feedback, the TT1X was designed specifically for increased acoustical demands. This new mount series broadens the bandwidth of load-capacity and sets a new standard for the resilient suspensions of high speed engines with close coupled gearboxes.
With a load capacity higher than most other mounts on the market, combined with the compact and proven design, this mount enables simpler and more cost effective resilient mount solutions. Additionally, this mount is equipped with new, patented technologies, to even further increase its performance and reliability. Built from the highest quality materials, the choice for the TT1X means opting for a fail-safe solution, which will perform satisfactory in the field for many years.

With over 40 years of industry experience, MIT is more than just component parts. Visit MIT on stand PO7 where they will also be discussing their extensive system design, service, preventative maintenance, and overhaul capabilities available on most models of marine drivelines. MIT are official UK/Ireland distributors for both Twin Disc, Transfluid, Rubber Design and Quincy, along with being official service partners of ZF Marine, Reintjes and Servogear.

MIT will also be discussing standard marine drivelines and propulsion systems from across their product portfolio, including marine transmissions, single and multiple pump drives, standard and hybrid marine transmissions, anti-vibration systems, boat steering systems and air compressors.

About MIT:
Since 1974, MIT has been designing, supplying and servicing transmissions and driveline systems across the UK/Ireland, becoming a centre of excellence in driveline systems providing customers with full product life cycle support from system design, supply, commissioning, maintenance, repair, spares, and overhaul or replacement.

MIT have bases in southern and northern England, providing comprehensive UK and Ireland coverage along with an established global mobile support service, delivered by a highly trained and dedicated technical engineering team and a significant inventory of world class brands, including new and refurbished transmissions, driveline systems and spare parts.

MIT are the sole UK/EIRE distributors of Twin Disc, Transfluid, Rubber Design, Arneson, Rolla and Quincy compressors.

Media Enquiries:
Louise Woolley
Marketing Manager
e: l.woolley@mitgroup.co.uk
t: +44 (0) 2380 455 447
Full media pack available on request.

AtZ Marine Technologies have today announced the signing of an agreement to officially represent Wågene Purifiner Technology within the United Kingdom and Ireland.Wagene UK distributor

Wågene, the experts in oil conditioning technology, have since 1999, offered oil purification units for hydraulic and other lubricating oils and fuels into the shipping and offshore markets, delivering more than 3,000 units to marine operators, which includes the supply of over 100 cruise ships and 400 offshore vessels. Not just suited to marine, the technology also lends itself perfectly to both the construction and mining, and industrial power plants industries.

The innovative technology of the Wågene, Purifiner units delivers significant breakdown and maintenance cost savings, which are achieved by cleaning up to 600 litres of oil per day per filter.

Research has shown that up to 80% of hydraulic failures are due to contaminated oil, and as many as 40% can be due to water within the oil. The Wågene filter removes both particulates and water simultaneously, including from emulsion.

By using a 100% cotton filter the Purifiner by-pass filter is able to absorb all particles and contaminants down to the 1-3 micron range. For water removal, the unit has an evaporation chamber that removes water from the oil down to 0.01% (100 ppm). With continuous use, the user can achieve a higher quality of oil than if it were new.

The technology is proven to work with all types of oil, ranging from common mineral oil to synthetic and EAL oil with a viscosity of 32 to 320 centistokes.

EAL’s (environmentally acceptable lubricants) are commonly used within the shipping industry, and are environmentally biodegradable lubricants that can be sensitive to water and used specifically for their ability to prevent damage to the environment should a leak allow oil to leave the system. The Purifiner units have been tested extensively and delivered proven results in the removal of water from EAL as well as mineral oils.

The partnership between Wågene and AtZ Marine Technologies, further expands the support AtZ offer its customers. Introducing a pioneering product to their portfolio that not only delivers a dramatically increased quality of oil, but increases the life expectancy of equipment, whilst reducing operating costs and aiding environmental sustainability.

The full Wågene Purifiner Oil Cleaner portfolio is available via AtZ within the United Kingdom and Ireland. For further details, please email: sales@atzmartec.com

The role of a thruster and thruster components on-board large seagoing vessels

Large seagoing vessels are designed for crossing open water quickly and efficiently while carrying their cargo of goods or passengers. In an open water environment, very fine manoeuvrability is not necessarily a high priority in designing and specifying such vessels.

When entering or departing port however, particularly in more challenging weather conditions – fine control of a vessel is important to ensure no damage to either the vessel, dock, cargo or crew is caused.

If you spend a lot of time moving through open water, and have the option of support when performing more challenging docking manoeuvres, basic propulsion in the form of a propeller and a rudder is likely the simplest and most cost effective means of moving the vessel.

However – if a larger proportion of time is spent entering and leaving port, or the cost, time and availability of support from tugs is prohibitive, it makes sense to equip your vessel with the means to perform its own fine manoeuvres.

In the case of traditional propeller propulsion, simple fore or aft thrust alone is provided by running the shaft in opposite directions of rotation. While moving through the water, the rudder provides steering at the rear of the vessel, and while stationary some directional thrust if mounted behind the propeller.

Thruster Types

There are a number of alternative thruster configurations that can be fitted to vessels to improve upon manoeuvrability – primarily while the vessel is moving at low speed or at rest.

Tunnel Thrusters

Passing completely through the vessel hull, tunnel openings allow water to be pumped from one side of the vessel to the other, producing thrust. In the centre of the tunnel a propeller rotates on an axis perpendicular to the main propeller shaft, in a horizontal orientation. The tunnels can most often be found closest to the bow or stern of the vessel to deliver a maximum of rotational effort on the vessel when used in opposite directions.

The propeller and gearbox assembly mounted within the tunnel can usually be removed for maintenance or repair.

Steerable Thrusters

In this configuration, the thruster protrudes from the bottom of the vessel, looks something like a hairdryer and is free to be rotated – sometimes as much as 360°. These provide more flexibility than a tunnel thruster where the angle of thrust can be varied, rather than fixed in the orientation of the tunnel.

In some applications they can also be the main source of propulsion, replacing a traditional shaftline altogether.
Again, these can usually be removed for maintenance and repair.

Thruster Components and Maintenance

Whether tunnel mounted or steerable, most thrusters share similar operating principles and mechanical configurations.

Housing

This provides the container within which all of the operating components are located, protected from the sea and debris, and the means by which the thruster is mounted to the vessel. Generally, the housing will be made from a cast iron material which has a paint or similar coating to provide protection from corrosion and marine growth. The housing will have zinc or aluminium anodes to further protect itself from galvanic corrosion.

During maintenance the housing is checked for any damage, which can usually be repaired by welding subject to classification requirements. Any worn or excessively corroded interfacing surfaces can be renewed by machining to re-establish their flatness and surface finish.

In the most extreme cases where the housing is beyond repair, it is possible to replace it entirely, rebuilding the thruster with remaining or replacement components.

Drive

As thrusters are generally not aligned with the direction of rotating equipment within the vessel driving them, or at the same speed, they contain multiple shafts and gear arrangements. Some thrusters operate with purely mechanical power transmission, where others will contain a series of hydraulic or electric driveline components.

Supporting these drive components will be rolling and plain bearings, thrust pads and even brakes. All of which require lubrication and cooling. Most often the housing is filled with a lubricating oil which circulates around the system. In the case of a hydraulically driven thruster, a separate hydraulic fluid will be circulating to transmit power.

During overhaul, the drive components will be removed from the main housing and inspected for wear and any damage. Typical damage that may need to be addressed includes:

Worn or broken gear teeth, excessive bearing play, insufficient preload.

Bearings would usually be replaced with new items.

Seals

In order to prevent contamination of thruster oils and fluids with dirt, debris and water, static and dynamic seals are fitted throughout the thruster housing. These range from gaskets between different sections of housing, to O-cords and rotating lip or face seals around rotating components.

Wearing and elastomeric components of all rotating seals would all be replaced as part of a thruster overhaul. It may also be necessary to upgrade some components in order to operate on a different type of lubricant – such as a biodegradable oil.

All static seals, gaskets and O-cords would be replaced on reassembly.

Variable Pitch

In the case of a thruster with variable pitch propeller blades, additional components in the form of a yoke and sliding assembly would also feature in the equipment. The relative movement of these components within the thruster allow the pitch of the blades on the propeller to be continuously variable giving varying thrust and direction during operation.

These wearing components would be inspected as part of an overhaul and machined, or replaced as necessary to ensure correct operation.
As experts in marine engineering and official agents for Aegir-Marine, AtZ are able to assist with a range of Seal and Thruster parts and service. Ranging from onsite seal consultancy, servicing and leak prevention to specialist thruster overhaul and repair in dock or at Aegir’s custom built thruster workshop.

For further information on the full parts, service and consultancy portfolio offered by AtZ, please email sales@atzmartec.com or visit, www.atzmartec.com

The engineering excellence of Twin Disc marine gears has again surpassed expectation with Shoreham Port Authority reporting over three decades of continuous use from their MG514 marine gears, which were installed on-board their vessel the ‘Aduri’ in 1984.

With 32 years on the sea, the Adurni, a category 3 workboat, owned by Shoreham Port Authority, has been operating out of Shoreham Port since its build by Delta Shipyard in 1984. The vessel provides vital towing and bed levelling services in the harbours and seas surrounding West Sussex, along with offering both surveying and equipment deployment assignments.

The diversity of services offered by the Adurni means that reliability is key – keeping her at sea and at work, whilst providing smooth and reliable operations for Shoreham Port Authority. Choosing the Twin Disc MG514 marine gearbox at build ensured longevity of service for the hard working vessel, with over 32 years to date use from the originally installed gears.

Adurni Technical Data:

Shipyard: Delta Shipyard
Owner: Shoreham Port Authority
Type of vessel: Workboat
Commissioned: 1984
Main Engines: 2 x 12V71N GM Detroit Diesel
Total Power: 720 bhp
Marine Gears: Twin Disc MG514
Ratio: 4.5:1
Overall length: 16M
Bollard Pull: 10 tonnes

The reliability Shoreham have seen from Twin Disc over the past three decades has made Twin Disc gears the obvious choice for their new tug which is due to join their fleet in July 2018. The new vessel is currently under construction with Macduff Shipyard and will feature 2 x MGX-516 Quick Shift gear boxes and two Doosan V158 engines.

Technical Data:

Type of vessel: Tug
Due for Commission: July 2018
Main Engines: 2 off Doosan V158 TIH 480hp @ 1800rpm
Marine Gears: Twin Disc MGX-516
LOA: 16M
Breadth: 5.40m
Depth: 2.90m

Looking to increase their overall horse power, The MGX-516 gears selected for the new vessel offer a maximum continuous duty of 447kW (600 hp) @1800 RPM along with smooth slow speed, precision shifting and faster, smoother clutch engagement. The Quick Shift gear box achieves this by utilising a sequenced engagement that operates automatically by design and does not need any adjustment. In the first stage of the engagement it makes up to 80% of the maximum oil pressure available to 20% of the clutch piston area, where conventional clutches have to get filled completely at four to five times lower pressure. This allows the clutch to fill much faster, thereby reducing the shift response
time dramatically.

On-board the new Shoreham vessel, the MGX-516 gears will be coupled with the Twin Disc EC300 Electronic controls which, together, provide unparalleled boat control in all conditions. The MGX-516 as standard is supplied with vertical offset, cast iron housing, SAE housing no.1, Electric GP-valve with manual override, EC050 profile module – interface for engagement signals and an oil strainer and filter. The reliability and engineering excellence of Twin Disc marine products allows our customers to be safe in the knowledge that they have only the best fitted on board their business.

Twin Disc have designed and built countless marine products all over the world for almost a century. This unparalleled history and knowledge affords them a unique understanding of the global marine industry. This global R&D perspective yields innovative marine products, which time and time again demonstrate their durability, delivering products that customers can entrust to ensure the operational
stability of their business long into the future.