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 2003   

Headlines - Nov Dec 2002

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	Harris Pye Gulf plans extension of Haven Instrumentation on a worldwide basis
	TAMD75 diesel engine for leisure craft
	Metro-mac sets up oilfield equipment repairs facility
	Volvo Penta launches new diesel engines and improved gasoline engines for 2003
	NICO International signs sales and service agreement with MAN B & W
	Uniscan acquires Ensco drilling contracts
	Terasaki to offer safer and more advanced services
	Dubai Shipbuilding & Engineering: making shipbuilding an art
	Solas to specialise in H2S detection and prevention systems

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Harris Pye Gulf plans extension of Haven Instrumentation on a worldwide basis

In recent years, Harris Pye Gulf has had a steady role to play in the marine boiler and economiser repair sector. According to Malcolm G. Jordan, Managing Director of Harris Pye Gulf, there has been a substantial increase in the level of marine boiler and economiser repair demand during the past nine months as compared to the previous period last year. “The workshop and entire workforce have been working flat out and continuously employed,” says Jordan.

The company’s economiser manufacture (based in Singapore) supply and installation section has completed several contracts in Dubai and the gulf region, for UASC, Sea-oil Shipping, Exxon-Mobil, Maersk, Bergensen, LSM and others.

“We are extremely busy with traditional boiler inspection, material supply and repair here in Dubai and at our Bahrain station, which is based in ASRY.

Our major customers this year include Varun Shipping, Sanmar Shipping, Golar Management, World Tankers, UASC, KOTC, Maersk, Bergensen, ETA Ship Management, Wallem Ship Management, “V” Ships, SNP Shipping, SBM, LMS, Waterman Steamship Company, OSG, Petrobras and Stolt parcel tankers. We also have substantial work from locally based companies such as Red Sea Marine, Fairdeal Shipping, Warm Seas to name but a few,” states Jordan.

Harris Pye Gulf has expanded its activities into land based and offshore work, mainly in the industrial and petrochemical sectors, with contracts being completed in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. These include boiler and waste heat unit inspection and repair for the respective MEW departments of those countries as well as extensive chemical cleaning projects for ADGAS, Costain, QAPCO, QPC and NODCO.

“For the offshore oil market we have recently been awarded major contracts for Single Buoy Moorings of Monaco (SBM) on the FPSO ATLANTIC and FPSO MYSTRAS. These conversions are being undertaken at Dubai Drydocks and our work includes full boiler retubing and refurbishment, as well asthe conversions of combustion and control systems to accept gas firing. All aspects of the conversion including electrical, automation and instrumentation are within the scope of our work,” says Jordan. 

Harris Pye Gulf has also completed other extensive offshore work on FPSO CONKOUATI for CMS of Houston Texas, and on FSO BELLATRIX VOYAGER for Chevron Texaco. Both these vessels are operational off Congo and Angola.

TAMD75 diesel engine for leisure craft

TAMD75 is the name of Volvo Penta’s latest diesel engine for leisure craft. The TAMD75 is a further development of the popular TAMD74. Among other features, the new 7-litre engine has an improved injection system and more efficient charged-air cooling, as well as an enhanced EDC system. This resulted in improved properties, lower fuel consumption, reduced exhaust emissions and better operating characteristics, including less sensitivity to heavier loads and a head sea.

Demand for engines in the 450-500 hp power range has been increasing in recent years. The engines are generally used in dual installations on motorboats about 45 feet in length.
“The international market for sport cruisers and flybridge boats in this power range is very strong and has increased in recent years,” Kenneth NorlÈn, European Sales Manager for Volvo Penta Marine Leisure says. One of Volvo Penta’s objectives in developing the new engine was to further adapt the power and torque to conditions that apply to planing motorboat in the 45-foot class. “We have worked hard with the power and torque curves so that the engine’s power will produce the best possible results in terms of acceleration and speed,” says Lennart Sellman, of Volvo Penta’s product planning department. “With higher torque from low rpm, you can reach the planing stage quickly.”

With the TAMD75, Volvo Penta has broadened the rpm interval in which the engine produces full power, making a boat less sensitive to an increased load and a head sea. The injection pump works with very high pressure and has a fast injection phase. The nozzles have very small holes, resulting in a thinner fuel mist that    burns    efficiently.  The EDC system has been further developed and the angle of injection has been changed; these factors, together with more efficient charged-air cooling, result in lower fuel consumption. Compared with the previous TAMD74P engine, fuel consumption is five percent lower at cruising speed. Total exhaust emissions have also been reduced.

Volvo Penta’s electronic EDC engine control system has been further developed for the TAMD75. EDC is a unique system that controls all of the engine’s functions, including the transmission. Throttle and change of gear are controlled electronically by easy-to-handle regulators. A built-in diagnostic system monitors the engine continuously; it warns the operator of any faults and can also be used by mechanics when the engine is serviced. Built-in safety functions protect the engine; for example, it is impossible to shift gears at excessively high rpm. In a dual installation, the engines’ rpm are synchronised, reducing noise and vibration.

Metro-mac sets up oilfield equipment repairs facility

“We have a full-fledged calibration laboratory certified by local authorities. All our primary standard test equipments maintained in an environmentally controlled laboratory are traceable to international standards like UKAS, NKO and NIST. We maintain a set of secondary test equipment for on-site calibration,” says Koshy Samuel, General Manager, Oilfield Equipment Repairs.Their quality system has been certified for ISO 9002 by DNV. 

Metro-mac has a specialised team of experienced personnel who take up extensive automation jobs for cargo tanks, engine room and  pump rooms etc on LNG/ LPG, carriers, VLCC/ ULCC, supply/pleasure boat, Jack-up rig etc. The engineers and technicians have sailed as riding squads to carry out voyage repairs, dry-docking repairs on tankers and other vessels. “Our main activities include total turnkey instrumentation solutions. The company undertakes the servicing of various automation equipment with a high success rate,” says Samuel. It has several divisions for technical services, metrology and trading.

Metro-mac started its activities in the marine and industrial automation sector in 1984. The company moved its base to Al Jadaf in 1995. “Our technical personnel attend to jobs in different parts of the world like ports in Singapore, Rotterdam, Lisnave, Hamburg, Panama etc. We undertake voyage repairs also, are established in marine automation and would like to expand to the oilfield equipment. We have regular international clientele,” Samuel stresses. 

The facility in Abu Dhabi was set up in April 2002. The company’s calibration facility is licensed by Dubai Municipality and is certified as per ISO/ IEC 1725 requirement. It undertakes certified annual calibration for manufacturers. “Quality and safety are of paramount importance in our commitment to provide unmatched services to exceed customer satisfaction,” concludes Samuel. 

Volvo Penta launches new diesel engines and improved gasoline engines for 2003

Mohammed Bin Masood and Sons the agent for Volvo Penta in UAE, is launching products that include improved gasoline engines, as well as new 5 and 7-litre low-revolution diesel engines.

Volvo Penta’s range of gasoline engines will again comprise 3.0- to 8.1-litre cylinder volumes with output ratings in the range of 135-420 hp. All engines are supplied as complete packages, with a choice of SX single-propeller drives or with Duoprops (with the exception of the 3.0-litre engine). The entire gasoline range has undergone a series of improvements.

All gasoline engines have been equipped with new fittings, making it possible to connect a regular garden hose to run the engine’s cooler system on fresh water. With the new attachment, it is easy to run the engine when the boat is mounted on a trailer and it is also possible to flush the engine when the boat is in the water.

The cooling water pump has a new and more robust design, with increased capacity when the engine is idling. The Duoprop drive has been given a new cooling water intake with a higher capacity.

Onboard electrical supply requirements are increasing constantly. All Volvo Penta gasoline engines have been assigned a new 75 A alternator. When idling, the new alternator provides as much as 50 percent better charging compared with earlier models.

The electrical system has also been equipped with a ten-pin connection cable, providing simpler installation and enhanced reliability/ (3.0 GS has a conventional connection).

All service points on the engine have been colour-coded, making it easier for boat-owners to conduct daily inspections.

D5/D7
In 2002, Volvo Penta launched new 5 and 7-litre diesel engines for marine commercial use. By next year, Volvo Penta will also launch these robust engines for leisure boats.

These low-revolution engines are particularly suited for various types of deplacement boats and are available in 4 and 6-cylinder versions in the range of 110 hp to 265 hp.

D12-715
The D12 marine diesel engine that was introduced two years ago has been a success for Volvo Penta in the marine leisure segment. This engine dominates the market in its power range. For the 2003 model year, Volvo Penta has implemented further improvements to the engine in several areas. As a result, the most powerful version of the D12 has been upgraded and the engine’s designation has been changed to D12-715.

NICO International signs sales and service agreement with MAN B & W

NICO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Topaz Energy and Marine SAOG (TEAM), a public listed company based in Oman. It is supported by agreements with leading engine and turbocharger experts. Within the UAE, NICO undertakes ship repair work in Al Jadaf, Port Rashid, Jebel Ali and offshore Fujairah on a regular basis. “We, along with our associates, have a regular presence in Al Jadaf, with a crew of 10 to 100 skilled workers on different ships,” says Fazelbhoy.

“We have an expert problem solving team who are able to  understand marine problems and provide solutions. Our location in Dubai provides an excellent logistic base which enables us to provide ship repair services on a hub to hub basis from Dubai to Singapore and to all points of the globe. We have an automation solution provider Dart Automation, which has sophisticated equipment and a team adept at diagnostics and trouble-shooting. Also with a marine background, our service engineers and technicians provide calibration services for both pneumatic and electronic instruments,” says Fazelbhoy.

The company has an acquisition plan and is planning to expand its hi-tech capabilities. “We have an ever expanding relationship with Original Equipment Manufacturers. One of our recent developments is that we have been awarded Class A status as an exclusive Middle East sales and service centre for NABCO - one of the worlds leading manufacturers of engine maneuvering systems, and requires that we stock all critical parts in Dubai with full installation, maintenance and service capability,” Fazelbhoy adds. 

On NICO’s edge he says, “We invest a lot of money in training, quality, safety, health and on the environment. Ship repair has to be done in a particular time frame which is invariably very short. Ship owners look for back up support, for often the problems encountered on a vessel are larger than originally expected. NICO, backed up by the full strength of Topaz Energy and Marine SAOG, is able to mobilise additional resources for major problems on very short notice. We know marine problems and therefore we can anticipate and provide comprehensive marine solutions.” 

Uniscan acquires Ensco drilling contracts

Uniscan is a leading supplier to the marine and offshore market. It is a worldwide supplier of marine chemicals and gases, welding products, fire safety engineering services to the market. Its’ worldwide network includes all major shipping centres such as Dubai, Rotterdam, Singapore and leading American ports. Uniscan has a professional team of experienced service representatives and engineers dedicated to fleet support and providing total engineering packages satisfying the requirements of classification societies. The company set up its’ Dubai operation in 1999 as a member of the Uniservice network of marine service companies.

Speaking on the company’s recent ventures, Ian Falconer, Technical Manager with Uniscan says, “We have carried out major contracts. On the fire engineering side, we recently completed two very large fire and gas projects for Ensco drilling, which is the second largest drilling company in the world. Further, we have just secured two contracts for similar systems for other major drilling companies.”

Uniscan’s  worldwide network helps in building support systems and services for ships involved in international trade. Says Falconer, “This is something a customer looks for because once a ship leaves the port of Dubai, she can be serviced anywhere else in the world. Most people are looking for that kind of back up, which is like a warranty. This is the network solution that we offer.”

The company is looking at various options of expanding to other areas within UAE and Arabian Gulf. “We have plans to make our services available in other areas within the Gulf. Now, we are in the exploratory stage and are considering different options,” Falconer adds. 

According to him, the company’s presence in Al Jadaf in the midst of other marine companies helps build relationships in the long run.Smaller vessels can have their repair jobs done easily. “A lot of people like the ability to just walk in and buy a can of chemical,” he says. 

Falconer suggests ways in which companies could invest in the marine sector to enhance the cash flow within the sector. He feels that a mortgage facility should be introduced to facilitate expansion through acquisitions and new construction. Also, ISO certified companies spend a lot of money on quality management and should be supported in their goals. “We have been certified by all the marine institutes. Our international clients demand this and we have the skill and the backup support to implement these requirements effectively,” says Falconer. A conscientious statement that Al Jadaf will remain open as a shipyard for, at least, another five years will help boost the investment here, he feels. Additionally, there should be a stricter regulation for issuing trade licenses to new and, perhaps, less serious business entities easily hurting the reputation of the UAE.

Terasaki to offer safer and more advanced services

Terasaki manufactures equipment for commercial vessels worldwide, and has over 50 years been supplying the highest class of power distribution control systems and engine monitoring and controlling systems in the world. Terasaki has established a global system with offices in Japan, Britain, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Malaysia, Singapore, China and Brazil.

After departing from a port, a ship depends entirely on equipment. Hence, a key element to the safe voyage is a Terasaki Marine System. The company is a world leader in the fields of power distribution controlling systems, engine monitoring and controlling systems.

Terasaki   is   a   globally recognised brand in the shipping and ship-building industries. Targeting marine transportation, both the shipping and ship building industries worldwide are accelerating their activities aimed at “safer and more advanced services” a more rational and timely control of transportation and distribution “more stringent measures for marine environmental protection,” and “further advancement of automation and unmanned marine systems.” 

At Terasaki, we believe that quality is not a feature of our business but a state of mind. Product reliability is important to the end-user in terms of safety, no down-time and low maintenance. Terasaki conducts rigorous testing procedures on all products and are constantly seeking new ways to improve quality at every stage of design, production and customer service. Terasaki products are guaranteed for a period of one year from the date the equipment is commissioned or 18 months from the date of delivery, whichever is earlier. The guarantee insures defects arising out of fault designs, construction materials or workmanship.

Terasaki provides backup services and spare parts for all products through the world-wide service network. Terasaki’s organisations worldwide and its authorised service agents provide fast and efficient services; and parts replacement round the clock, round the world to ensure minimum downtime.

Dubai Shipbuilding & Engineering: making shipbuilding an art

Towering over the heads of workmen is the tugboat in various stages of completion. The place swarming with workers in overalls is the shipbuilding division of Dubai Shipbuilding & Engineering LLC. Established five years ago, it is already a name to reckon with in the field of shipbuilding. Associated with the well-established parent company, Mubarak Marine-one of the leading marine service organizations in the Gulf region, Dubai Shipbuilding & Engineering has so far a total number of ten ships to its credit. 

Obaid Mubarak refers to his company as one of the four major   companies   in   the region dealing with ship repair and building. “We deal with steel/metal bodied vessels, performing repairs for local ships as well as those coming in from Abu Dhabi, Iran, India, Europe and other parts of the Middle and Far East.” Working with a workforce of eighty, which can go up to four hundred during peak times, Obaid Mubarak takes active interest in all facets of shipbuilding. “ We have always been in the marine line, hailing from an ancient family involved in traditional dhow making,” adds Mubarak. Born and bred near the sea, Obaid Mubarak’s love for shipbuilding is reflected in the vessels turned out by the company. 

He is rightfully proud of the ships built so far, from the tugboats, barges, pollution controlling vessels, hookup work barges, to heavy vehicle carriers-each signifying perfection to the core.

He is particularly happy with ‘The Mubarak Millennium,’ a hookup work barge that can accommodate 150 workers at offshore oilrigs. Describing the ‘Baladiya,’ which was built for the Dubai Municipality, Mubarak enthuses, “She is a small boat but magnificent in terms of functioning capacity. She has been built to cordon off and clear oil spills, collect floating garbage, and bring raging fires under control.” The Marwad is another ship built for landing craft for the Abu Dhabi Naval Force, commissioned in 1999. 
Once the ships are built, they are tried and tested in Al Jadaf, before being finally commissioned out to sea. “We have applied for the ISO certification, which we hope to achieve soon,” adds Mubarak. 

Solas to specialise in H₂S detection and prevention systems

Solas started its operations in 1988 in the Emirate of Sharjah and provides services in the fields of Marine Safety, Survival Equipment, Fire Fighting and Navigational Equipment for the marine and offshore industries in the Gulf. 

Solas achieved the Quality Control Management award credited by ISO 9002. The company's supply of equipment and service facilities is in compliance with Solas regulations and it maintains an inventory approved by several maritime authorities. 

The company has its Head Office in Dubai Ship Docking Yard, Al Jadaf and has a workshop facility in Layyah Jetty, near Sharjah port. The company also has a yard in Sharjah with Service Stations for life rafts, fire fighting, breathing apparatus, lifeboat refurbishment and maintenance. They are authorised to service 21 different brands of life rafts. They have project and technical development departments to cater to their diverse activities in the marine and offshore sectors," says Prabhu.

The end of 2003 will steadily phase out fire fighting systems that use Halon. This is because Halon is known for its Ozone depletion properties. "Our thrust in the fire-fighting system installation is with CO₂ systems and complete Halon system conversion programmes. Another area that we are focusing mainly is on the installation of H₂S detection and prevention systems," he says. 

Solas participated in 10th ADIPEC exhibition held in Abu Dhabi on 13 October 2002. The company together with its Italy based principal, DPI-Sekur had a stand at the exhibition, wherein Breathing Apparatus and Respiratory Devices were displayed. "We invited several of our customers to the event. The exposure was largely successful and we hope to enhance our customer base," Prabhu states. 

He feels that the company's strategic location in Al Jadaf allows easy accessibility to customers. However, there is unhealthy competition from companies who lack adequate skills, infrastructure and quality systems. This he feels affects the prices in the market, much to the chagrin of the established players. 

Solas has a division for conducting training programmes on H2S hazards, its detection and prevention. The thrust of these programmes is to help set up H₂S Detection and Inhalation Prevention Systems on drilling rigs. Generally in drilling processes hazardous gases such as H₂S gas is released, which causes harm to the health of operators and is lethal after a certain level. The system supplied by the company provides early detection and necessary breathing air for the people to enable them to work in an H₂S atmosphere.

"Solas has recently started a new rental division, for renting out marine equipment, including Gas Detection and Prevention Systems and Fixed Systems Air Cascade type Breathing Apparatus and containerized B.A. Support System," Prabhu adds.