Going Green - Green Point Marine

COAST GUARD AND EPA APPROVE USE OF DISPERSANT SUBSEA IN FURTHER EFFORT TO PREVENT OIL FROM REACHING U.S. SHORELINE

2010-05-16T19:39:00.001-04:00

Agencies Reserve Authority to Stop the Use of the Dispersant At Any Time
Key contact numbers

•Report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information: (866) 448-5816
•Submit alternative response technology, services or products: (281) 366-5511
•Submit your vessel for the Vessel of Opportunity Program: (281) 366-5511
•Submit a claim for damages: (800) 440-0858
•Report oiled wildlife: (866) 557-1401

Deepwater Horizon Incident
Joint Information Center

Phone: (985) 902-5231
(985) 902-524

ROBERT, LA - The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced they have authorized BP to use dispersants underwater, at the source of the Deepwater Horizon leak. Oil spill dispersants are chemicals that attempt to break down the oil into small drops and prevent it from reaching the surface or the U.S. shoreline. Dispersants are generally less harmful than the highly toxic oil leaking from the source and they biodegrade in a much shorter time span.

The use of the dispersant at the source of the leak represents a novel approach to addressing the significant environmental threat posed by the spill. Preliminary testing results indicate that subsea use of the dispersant is effective at reducing the amount of oil from reaching the surface – and can do so with the use of less dispersant than is needed when the oil does reach the surface. This is an important step to reduce the potential for damage from oil reaching fragile wetlands and coastal areas.

“We will continue our relentless efforts to secure the source of the spill. In the meantime, we will employ every available technique we can to minimize the environmental impact on coastal habitats, communities and the marine ecosystem. This requires a responsible assessment of the risks and benefits of specific tactics,” said Coast Guard Admiral Thad W. Allen, the national incident commander for the spill.

“Based on the scientific analysis of the EPA and NOAA and review by the National Response Team, it has been determined that the use of dispersants at the subsea source is the prudent and responsible action to take along with other tactics including surface dispersant, skimming and controlled burns."

"We believe that the underwater use of dispersants could lessen the overall impact of the spill,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Dispersants are not the silver bullet. They are used to move us towards the lesser of two difficult environmental outcomes. Until the flow of oil is stemmed, we must continue to take any responsible action that will reduce the impact of the spill, and that is what we are doing.”

This course of action was decided upon with thorough evaluation and consideration of many factors as well as consultation with stakeholders. Because subsea use of dispersants is a novel approach, several tests were done to determine if the dispersant would be effective in breaking up the oil and helping to control the leaks.

While BP pursues the use of subsea dispersants, the federal government will require regular analysis of its effectiveness and impact on the environment, water and air quality, and human health through a rigorous monitoring program. EPA's directive to BP, including the monitoring plan the company must adhere to in order to ensure the protection of the environment and public health, is publicly available at www.epa.gov/bpspill/dispersants.

The federal government will work with caution and strong oversight and reserves the right to discontinue the use of this dispersant method if any negative impacts on the environment outweigh the benefits.

For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.

Icom America Responds to Devasting Haiti Earthquake

2010-05-16T14:27:00.001-04:00

BELLEVUE, WA - Icom America, in an effort to assist the nation of Haiti following the recent devastating earthquake and aftershocks, donated over 150 communication equipment units from the Marine, Aviation and Amateur Divisions to be distributed through Mentone Communications Education Association, Inc., a private 501(c)(3) private operating foundation with close ties to the Southern Baptist Relief Convention and the American Red Cross.

"While there are numerous channels for distribution, we received a personal commitment for distribution directly to agencies that could immediately utilize the equipment for relief efforts where the existing equipment infrastructure was destroyed," said Hiroshi Nakaoka, President of Icom America.

Menton Communications Education Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501C corporation based in Alabama. It has, as its mission, promotion of technical education, amateur radio communications, and included assistance to various disaster relief organizations in the area of communications.

Icom America's parent company, Icom Inc, was founded in Osaka, Japan. Icom is a publicly held Japanese corporation; its stock is traded on the Osaka and Tokyo Stock Exchange. Icom began as an engineering and manufacturing company, making advanced, compact solid-state radio equipment for use by amateur radio enthusiasts. Icom has since grown to become an industry leader with a product line that includes state-of-the-art communications equipment for land mobile and marine use as well as avionics. Icom America's headquarters are in Bellevue, Washington. www.icomamerica.com

Maritime News - Polembros Pleads Guilty, Pollution Charges

2009-10-05T09:57:00.000-04:00

Maritime News - Polembros Pleads Guilty, Pollution Charges: "Polembros Shipping Ltd., a ship management company headquartered in Greece, pleaded guilty on Sept. 30 in federal court in New Orleans for violating anti-pollution laws, ship safety laws, and making false statements during a U.S. Coast Guard investigation of the M/V Theotokos, the Justice Department announced.

According to the plea agreement, Polembros will pay a $2.7m criminal fine and a separate $100,000 community service payment to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, a subunit of Smithsonian Institute. The money will be used to research and mitigate the effects of marine invasive species suspected to be transported in ballast waters of ocean-going vessels. Invasive species can threaten native species and damage the ecosystems of the United States.

As part of the plea agreement, Polembros will also serve three years probation. As a condition of the probation, all ships owned or managed by Polembros (currently 20 vessels) will be barred from entering U.S. ports and territorial waters for three years.

“Today’s guilty plea carries with it a requirement, pending court review, that will prevent the company from participating in economic activity that takes place in territorial ports and waterways of the United States,” said John C. Cruden, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The industry should take heed that the Justice Department and our investigative counterparts will continue to prosecute and seek penalties for those who violate our nation’s environmental laws.”

“This case is historic in that it is the first prosecution under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act. As a component of the Coast Guard’s maritime stewardship mission we are committed to the prevention and abatement of environmental crimes including those which may fall under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act,” said Rear Admiral Mary E. Landry, Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District.

Polembros pleaded guilty to violating two counts of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, one count in connection with failing to maintain an accurate oil record book for the cargo ship M/V Theotokos and the other concerning the carrying of fuel oil in a tank forward of the collision barrier; violating the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act, by failing to maintain accurate ballast water records; violating the Ports of Waterways Safety Act, by failing to report hazardous condition of the crack on the rudder stem of the ship; and making false statements by concealing the fact that fuel oil was leaking into the forepeak ballast tank.

According to court documents, the ship’s master reported the rudder stem crack by phoning Polembros’ technical department (part of the land-based management) shortly after the crack was seen following a cargo unloading operation in China. Polembros and its employees knew about that crack prior to the vessel arriving in New Orleans, but the defendant and its employees did not notify or disclose the aft crack to the U.S. Coast Guard until the Theotokos crew was confronted by Coast Guard inspectors on Oct. 1, 2008. The company and its employees knew that before coming to the United States that it was under a legal obligation to notify the Coast Guard of any hazardous condition. A crack on the rudder stem, especially one that allows for the ingress and egress of water, is of particular concern. Prior to the detention of the vessel by the Coast Guard, no repairs were undertaken for the rudder stem crack at sea, or otherwise, prior to arriving in New Orleans.

With regard to the oil record book violation, bilge waste accumulates in deep spaces and is also held in bilge tanks. Under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, bilge wastes may be discharged overboard into the ocean only if they contain less than 15 parts per million of oil. The principal technology utilized to lower the petroleum content of oil-contaminated water is a centrifugal separation machine, also known as an oil water separator. At some point, the ship’s oil water separator ceased functioning properly. During the voyage from Korea to Panama, the chief engineer contacted Polembros’ land-based management regarding the problems with the oil water separator.

During the ship’s operation, bilge waste accumulated and needed to be disposed of to keep the system from overflowing. Because the oil water separator was not functioning properly, the chief engineer directed the engineering crew to bypass the oil water separator and discharge bilge waste directly overboard. The primary overboard outlet for the oily mixtures was through the overboard sewage discharge valve. None of these discharges were recorded, as required, in the vessel’s oil record book, even though the chief engineer was responsible for maintaining its accuracy with regard to machinery space operations.

The investigation into the M/V Theotokos led to the first criminal prosecutions under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act, both the first individual and organization charged under the statute. The false statement charge related to the crew’s attempt to conceal the fact that fuel oil was leaking into the forepeak ballast tank.

Polembros is set to be sentenced on Dec. 9, 2009. Additionally, on July 15, 2009, Panagiotis Lekkas, the master and highest ranking officer aboard the ship, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and violations of environmental and ship safety laws. Charles P. Posas, the vessel’s chief officer, pleaded guilty to one count of false statement and one count of violating the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act. Lekkas and Posas are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 14, 2009, and Oct. 1, 2009, respectively. In another related case, the chief engineer of the Theotokos, Georgios Stamou, pleaded guilty to one count of false statements and one count of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Stamou is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 5, 2009.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service with assistance from inspectors from Sector New Orleans as well as legal assistance from U.S. Coast Guard in New Orleans and at Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The case is being prosecuted by Christopher L. Hale of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section along with Dorothy Taylor of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Orleans."

New MITAGS Course on Environmental Regs

2009-04-25T19:04:00.002-04:00

The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) and Pacific Maritime Institure (PMI) announced their upcoming “Introduction to the Maritime Environment and EPA General Permit” Course. With the introduction of the Vessel General Permit the EPA has captured an estimated 70,000 additional regulated units that have previously been exempt from permitting requirements in U.S. waters.

This new universe of permitees, while previously subject to many international, national, State and Local requirements, will be challenged to understand, incorporate and manage a new set of requirements on discharges previously unregulated by the EPA in the brief time granted for implementation by the permit.A Clean Water Act permit is a unique regulatory tool with which commercial vessel operators have little to no experience. Training will be required not only on the specific requirements of this permit, but also on the environmental aspects of vessel operations, reading and interpretation of the Vessel General Permit, monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting, notification requirements, notice of intent as well as other aspects of permit implementation.

The course is designed in two one-day modules. The first day is an introduction to the environmental aspects of vessel operations and the basic structure of the marine international and federal regulatory environment. This module is intended to give vessel operators a broad perspective on the potential environmental impacts of their operations in order to gain a greater appreciation for why the permit has been required. This section will cover MARPOL and US Coast Guard Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships requirements, focusing principally on bilge water, ballast water, gray and blackwater as well as air pollution prevention requirements under international and federal law.

Vessel General Permit requirements for these discharges will be covered; however the more complete discussion on the vessel general permit will be expanded upon in the second day of the class.Module 2 consists of one day devoted specifically to the permit. Each student will be provided a copy of the vessel general permit, and much of the class will involve discussion and analysis of permit language focusing on how requirements will apply to specific vessels operated by the students. Several classroom exercises will reinforce key learning concepts while catering to the more active learning demands of the adult student. Specific requirements for permit administration will be covered, providing the student with insight into the management systems necessary to assure compliance.

The class will focus on effluent limitations, corrective actions, monitoring recordkeeping and reporting. The importance and implications of certification statements will be emphasized. Classroom discussion and activities will be intended to lead the student through active learning exercises in applying permit concepts to their operations.(www.mates.org/env1.html)

Aquaculture-Benefits of Aerators

2009-03-29T20:20:00.001-04:00

Low oxygen levels result in costly and devastating fish kills. The Power House offers the most reliable, energy efficient and cost-saving aeration solution to prevent these catastrophic losses. Our aerators are specially designed for portability and ease of installation. They provide the mechanical destratification of water to elevate oxygen transfer rates and sustain the level of dissolved oxygen to maximize aquatic life.

Environmental factors such as time of day and water depth of water can create the lack of photosynthesis necessary for a productive oxygen level. Warm weather trends and cold rains offer further destabilizing conditions.

Water sources can contain dangerous levels of nitrogen, carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulfide that damage pond water quality. Rain water may absorb plant or crop fertilizers which consume dissolved oxygen at a high rate. Excessive debris, feed waste, decomposing leaves and animal fecal matter further break down dissolved oxygen levels.Power House aerators are specifically designed to provide excellent oxygen transfer rates while creating good water circulation with little or no turbidity. Our aerators are successfully at work in hatcheries, fish culture ponds, research stations, fresh and salt-water applications. Power House aerators offer the added cost saving benefit of lateral feed distribution and the ability to suspend feed for a longer lasting feed column.

Xantrex™ and Schneider Electric introduce Solar Power Conversion Substations to North America

2009-03-28T15:21:00.001-04:00

VANCOUVER, B.C., March 10, 2009 – Xantrex Technology Inc., a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, announces the launch of the Solar Power Conversion Substation (SPCS) for the North American market. The SPCS is a pre-wired equipment package specifically designed to meet the growing demand of large scale grid-tied solar farms and large commercial rooftop solar installations.

The SPCS typically consists of Xantrex solar power inverters, DC combiner boxes, step-up transformers and a medium voltage switch housed in a prefabricated building to allow quick field wiring from both the solar arrays and the utility grid connection point. Other items can be added to the package including climate controls, security equipment, array string monitoring, SCADA monitoring equipment, and power metering. Custom designs are available using Xantrex GT500-MV, GT500E or GT250 inverters. Xantrex inverters convert the direct current (DC) energy collected by solar panels into high-quality alternating current (AC) power at low voltage.

The transformer in the SPCS converts the AC power so it can be directly transferred to the utility grid. The Xantrex GT500E is a 1000 volt DC inverter used for “behind the fence” installations in North America, and the GT500-MV is Xantrex’s newest 600 volt DC inverter. “The SPCS will allow customers to reduce total electrical installation cost and project cycle time by up to 15%,” says Rudy Wodrich, Business Development Director for Xantrex Technology Inc. “The old method of inter-wiring the electrical equipment on the jobsite was often inefficient and difficult to coordinate the delivery of components from multiple vendors. Now Schneider Electric / Xantrex offers customers one reliable solution from a company with over 100 years of experience designing electrical distribution and control systems.

In addition, by placing the inverters into a structure with a controlled environment, customers can use the products in harsh desert climates where many future large scale solar projects are planned.”Xantrex products offer superior performance, reliability, and efficiency. They are also easy to install, and come with a top-quality service program for large commercial and utility scale projects. Xantrex is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schneider Electric, with hundreds of megawatts installed worldwide.

For more information on Xantrex solar inverters and backup power systems, please visit www.xantrex.com/renewablesystems.

About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. (www.xantrex.com), a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, is a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets. The company’s products convert and control raw electrical power from any central, distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power required by electronic equipment and the electricity grid. Xantrex is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with facilities in the United States, Germany and Spain, and a joint venture in China.

About Schneider ElectricAs a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 120,000 employees achieved sales of more than 17.3 billion euros in 2007, through an active commitment to help individuals and organisations “Make the most of their energy.TM”www.schneider-electric.comXantrex and Smart choice for power are trademarks of Schneider Electric Services International sprl, registered in the United States and other countries.

For further information, please contact:
Xantrex Media Relations604-422-2589mediarelations@xantrex.com

Xantrex™ signs agreement with BP Solar

2009-03-28T15:20:00.001-04:00

VANCOUVER, B.C., February 17, 2009 – Xantrex Technology Inc., a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, announces it has signed an agreement with BP Solar, one of the world’s leading solar companies. Under the agreement, Xantrex is supplying residential grid tie (GT) solar power inverters to BP Solar for use in its complete solar package solutions targeted to an extensive network of dealers throughout North America.

BP Solar Home Solutions® systems feature BP Solar’s highly reliable solar electric roof systems with Xantrex GT solar inverters and are installed by a network of highly trained BP Solar Certified Installers.

Xantrex inverters efficiently convert direct current (DC) energy collected by solar modules into high quality alternating current (AC) electricity for delivery to the power grid. BP Solar selected Xantrex inverters over competing products on the market after extensive research and evaluations.

“BP Solar’s commitment to use Xantrex GT inverters in its complete residential packages increases our influence in the solar market,” said Ted Campbell, President and CEO of Xantrex.

“We are optimistic that this alliance could also grow to include our off grid and commercial inverters.”

“We are confident that Xantrex inverters will match the high standards of our solar solutions,” said Bill Poulin, Director of Products and Services at BP Solar. “This strategic supply agreement is the result of Xantrex’s proven product quality and dedication to long term product improvements.”

About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. (www.xantrex.com), a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, is a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets. The company’s products convert and control raw electrical power from any central, distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power required by electronic equipment and the electricity grid. Xantrex is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with facilities in the United States, Germany and Spain, and a joint venture in China.

About Schneider ElectricAs a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 120,000 employees achieved sales of more than 17.3 billion euros in 2007, through an active commitment to help individuals and organisations “Make the most of their energy.TM”www.schneider-electric.com

About BP Solar
BP Solar, part of BP Alternative Energy, is a global company with about 2200 employees. BP Solar designs, manufactures and markets products which use the sun's energy to generate electricity for use in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. With over 30 years of experience and installations in most countries, BP Solar is one of the world's leading solar companies having solar cell and module manufacturing plants in: Bangalore, India; Madrid, Spain; and Frederick, MD, USA; and module manufacturing in Xi’an, China. In Frederick it also has casting and wafering facilities. BP Solar invests more than $10 million annually in photovoltaic research and development.
About BP Alternative Energy

BP Alternative Energy, launched in November 2005, combines all of BP’s interests in low and zero-carbon energy including $8 billion investments up to 2015 in: wind; solar; hydrogen power with carbon capture and storage; and biofuels. BP Alternative Energy invested $1.5 billion in 2006-2007 and a further $1.5 billion in 2008 and expected in 2009. BP is one of the world’s largest energy companies, with interests in more than 100 countries and over 96,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.bpsolar.us or www.bpalternativenergy.com.
Xantrex and Smart choice for power are trademarks of Schneider Electric Services International sprl, registered in the United States and other countries.

For further information, please contact:
Xantrex Technology Inc.:Media Relations604-422-2589mediarelations@xantrex.com
BP Solar:Tom Mueller281-366-1236

Xantrex™ introduces utility scale grid tie solar inverters in Italy

2009-03-28T15:16:00.001-04:00

BERLIN, GERMANY, February 5, 2009 – Xantrex Technology Inc., a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, announces the launch of the Xantrex GT500E and the Xantrex GT250E Three Phase Grid Tie Solar Inverters for the Italian market. These high power solar inverters are designed to meet the technical requirements of large scale applications for utilities and businesses. The 500 kilowatt (kW) Xantrex GT500E and the 250 kW Xantrex GT250E solar power inverters both use the latest switching devices to achieve industry-leading efficiency ratings.

The inverters can be integrated into a 1 megawatt (MW) turnkey configuration. “The launch of the GT500E and GT250E in Italy is an important development in our European solar strategy,” said Bernd Kohlstruck, Vice President, Wind and European Solar Business, Xantrex Technology Inc. “These products address the growing demands of the European market, and we already have substantial interest from Italian customers.” Xantrex inverters convert the direct current (DC) energy collected by solar panels into high-quality alternating current (AC) power for use with the utility grid. The Xantrex GT500E and GT250E have obtained DK5940 approval and are listed with ENEL for use in Italy. Xantrex products offer superior performance, reliability, and efficiency. They are also easy to install, and come with a top-quality service program for large commercial and utility scale projects. Xantrex is a wholly owned subsidiary of Schneider Electric, with hundreds of megawatts installed worldwide.For more information on Xantrex solar inverters and backup power systems, please visit www.xantrex.com/renewablesystems.

About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. (www.xantrex.com), a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, is a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets. The company’s products convert and control raw electrical power from any central, distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power required by electronic equipment and the electricity grid. Xantrex is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with facilities in the United States, Germany, Spain, and a joint venture in China.

About Schneider ElectricAs a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centers/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 120,000 employees achieved sales of more than 17.3 billion euros in 2007, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations “Make the most of their energy.TM”www.schneider-electric.com

Xantrex and Smart choice for power are trademarks of Schneider Electric Services International sprl, registered in the United States and other countries.
For further information, please contact:
Xantrex Media Relations604-422-2589mediarelations@xantrex.com
In Europe, please contact:+49 30 6392 4242 Europemarketing@xantrex.com

Xantrex™ inverters used in water district solar energy system in California

2009-03-28T15:14:00.001-04:00

VANCOUVER, B.C., January 30, 2009 – Xantrex Technology Inc., a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, supplied four Xantrex GT Series Three Phase Grid Tie Solar Inverters for a utility-scale solar power installation in Valley Center, California.

The 1.1 megawatt (MW) solar power system will be used by the Valley Center Water District (VCWD). The system will provide 2.1 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year for the water district, offsetting up to 20% of the electricity required by its largest pumping station.
The Xantrex inverters used in the solar energy system convert the direct current (DC) energy collected by the solar panels into high-quality alternating current (AC) power for use by the water district. The Xantrex inverters were selected by WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corporation (WorldWater), which designed and installed the solar power system.

WorldWater recently changed its name to Entech Solar, Inc.
“This is the third project over the last six months in which Entech Solar has chosen to use Xantrex’s high quality inverters for large scale solar projects,” said Ted Campbell, President and CEO of Xantrex, a subsidiary of Schneider Electric. “We are very pleased with the results of our ongoing relationship.”
“This is another example of Xantrex and our company’s ability to deliver ‘best in class’ solar technology to large commercial clients,” added Frank Smith, CEO of Entech Solar. “The experience gained from these installations will serve us well going forward.”

About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. (www.xantrex.com), a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, is a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets. The company’s products convert and control raw electrical power from any central, distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power required by electronic equipment and the electricity grid. Xantrex is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with facilities in the United States, Germany and Spain, and a joint venture in China.

About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 120,000 employees achieved sales of more than 17.3 billion euros in 2007, through an active commitment to help individuals and organisations “Make the most of their energy.TM”www.schneider-electric.com

About Entech Solar
Entech Solar is a leading provider of concentrating solar energy systems. Entech designs, manufactures and installs systems that provide both electricity and thermal energy for commercial and industrial applications. Entech uses its proprietary concentrating photovoltaic and thermal (CPVT) technology to deliver the ThermaVolt™ system, which produces cost-competitive distributed energy. For more information, please visit www.entechsolar.com.

About Valley Center Water District
Valley Center Water District is a public water agency located in north central San Diego County, serving a 100 square mile rural agricultural community with 42 reservoirs, over 300 miles of pipe and 26 electric and natural gas powered pumping stations. It is one of the top 20 power purchasers in the San Diego Gas and Electric Service area and is a recognized leader in the areas of energy efficiency and alternative power development. Xantrex and Smart choice for power are trademarks of Schneider Electric Services International sprl, registered in the United States and other countries.

For further information, please contact:
Xantrex Media Relations604-422-2589mediarelations@xantrex.com

CMA CGM Environmental Initiatives

2009-03-20T21:13:00.003-04:00

CMA CGM Group announced the delivery, on March 18, in South Korea, of the CMA CGM Andromeda (11,400 Teu), the world’s first containership to be equipped with the state-of-the-art Fast Oil Recovery System designed to prevent marine pollution.Due to the interplay of judiciously placed pipes, this system allows, if need be, a fast recovery of the oils contained in the tanks without having to open a hole in the vessel’s hull.

Initially designed for oil tankers, this device was adapted to containerships because of the joint efforts of CMA CGM’s New Buildings Department and the French company JLMD Ecologic Group.In addition to the Fast Oil recovery System, CMA CGM Andromeda will also feature a number of new environmental technologies, namely:
• An electronically controlled engine, optimizing fuel and lubricants consumption, which are respectively reduced by 3 and 25 %,
• An optimized hull design and a Twisted Leading Edge Rudder improving the vessel’s hydrodynamic qualities,
• A last generation multi-chamber compactor for extensive waste recycling on board,
• Pre-equipment allowing the use of alternative maritime power while at berth.

These innovations reflect the Group’s values and unwavering commitment to constantly minimize the impact of its activities on the environment through a host of measures built around 4 major objectives:
• Fighting climate change, through the renewal and modernization of the fleet, the reduction of vessels’ speed and the improvement of fuel quality.
• Preserving marine life, through environment-minded ballast water management, use of non-Toxic antifoulings on all vessels, and advanced waste management under the “green ships’” program.
• Developing eco-friendly solutions, through a state-of-the-art eco-friendly container fleet (such as ecocontainers with bamboo flooring, light steel containers and low consumption reefers), and the development of intermodal means of transport as an alternative to road traffic (rail, barges, motorways of the sea).
• Developing an environmental culture within the Group, by raising awareness among collaborators on everyday eco-friendly gestures, and by offering dedicated training throughout the year.

These eco-actions convey CMA CGM’s commitment to sustainable development, which the Group will reaffirm on the occasion of the French Week for Sustainable Development, from April 1st to 7th, through a wide awareness campaign directed to its collaborators in Marseilles.

StatoilHydro, Embassy Photo Exhibition

2009-03-18T12:48:00.002-04:00

Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon Magnus, opened StatoilHydro's and the Norwegian Embassy in Mexico’s 120-photo exhibition, Norway Powered by Nature, on Monday 16 March.The exhibition, which lines the outside of Chapultepec Park and the Reform Avenue in Mexico City, shows Norway through the four seasonal changes with a special emphasis on the oil and gas industry.

The photo exhibition will be open to the public for one month, and all photo text is presented in both English and Spanish. “The oil and gas industry is universal and we hope the photos will illustrate how we have operated in rough conditions and that the knowledge we gained from this can be transferred to the deep waters of the gulf,” Ole Petterson, Mexico country manager, explained. In the past a cooperation agreement was established between StatoilHydro and Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), and this has helped progress the relationship between the two companies. With the recent approval of the Energy Reform in Mexico, StatoilHydro remains in a cooperation with Pemex and continues to seek opportunities in Mexico. “Mexico has huge upside potential for the future, and we are eager to find out what the recent changes in the energy law can bring to move our cooperation to a new level,” Mr Petterson stated.

Executive vice president for International Exploration & Production Peter Mellbye was present at the opening ceremony, along with the Norway's petroleum and energy minister, Terje Riis-Johansen. Later this week Mr Mellbye will be presenting to Pemex executives, Norway's Crown Prince Haakon Magnus and other Norwegian companies about the future of the oil and gas sector in Mexico.

Georgia Port, Emissions Reduction Grant

2009-03-12T17:09:00.001-04:00

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has been awarded a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant. The $250k award will retrofit GPA-owned equipment with devices that reduce air emissions.“As an integral part of GPA’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, reducing consumption and emissions is a top priority,” said GPA’s Executive Director Doug J. Marchand.

The engine exhaust enhancements will include diesel oxidation catalysts and crankcase filtration systems installed on 80 units of GPA’s container handling equipment. “These equipment upgrades will reduce diesel emissions by 25 percent,” said GPA’s Director of Engineering and Maintenance Wilson Tillotson. “Further, the retrofits along with GPA’s recent switch to ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel will decrease emissions by a total of 34 percent for this equipment.”

In June, GPA voluntarily converted its fleet of yard cranes, trucks and other container handling equipment to cleaner burning ULSD fuel, which was two and a half years prior to the Federal requirement. Emissions have also been reduced by electrifying GPA’s fleet of ship-to-shore cranes and installing electric racks for handling refrigerated containers. “These actions to incorporate the use of electricity into field operations will conserve more than two million gallons of diesel fuel annually,” said Marchand. The GPA is also participating in an 18-month Environmental Management System Assistance Project, which assists seaport authorities to develop and maintain state-of-the-art environmental management systems.

Through participation in the project, the GPA receives training on management processes and procedures to better analyze, control and enhance environmental performance of port activities. “By reducing the emissions that cause soot and smog, EPA is improving local air quality and delivering cleaner running engines,” said EPA Acting Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg.DERA was passed under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and assists states and other organizations with grants and loans to curtail diesel emissions without impeding economic development. The initiative authorized $1b during the next five years to help states clean up diesel fleets through upgrades and retrofits.

New Discovery Near Existing Infrastructure

2009-03-10T16:46:00.001-04:00

Oil and gas have been encountered by StatoilHydro in the Katla prospect, 11 kilometres south-west of the Oseberg South platform operated by the group in the Norwegian North Sea. Proven recoverable volumes are 50-80 million barrels of oil equivalent, with the bulk of the resources occupying the Tarbert formation in the upper Brent group.

Oil and gas were found in this structure, while gas was also proven in Upper Jurassic reservoir rocks belonging to the Heather formation.“We’ve had great success with exploration close to producing fields over the past year,” said Tove Stuhr Sjøblom, head of exploration for the Norwegian continental shelf.“This is another discovery which confirms that it’s still possible to find relatively large volumes of oil and gas in established areas such as Oseberg.”The find will probably be developed and produced through a tie-in to one of the existing subsea installations in this part of the North Sea.“Given that it lies close to an existing field and can quickly be brought on stream, this is a very interesting volume,” said Tom Dreyer, head of North Sea infrastructure-led exploration.

“The discovery is a good deal larger than we usually find in wells close to existing fields.”Although the discovery has not been tested, extensive data gathering and coring have been carried out.“Discoveries like this are important for maximizing the recovery of resources from the NCS, because they help to extend the production life of installations,” said Ms. Sjøblom.Apart from StatoilHydro as operator with 49.3%, licensees in production license 104 are ConocoPhillips with 2.4%, ExxonMobil with 4.7%, Petoro with 33.6% and Total with 10%.

Oil Recovery Ops off the Irish Coast

2009-02-21T21:17:00.000-05:00

In the afternoon on Tuesday 17th February, the Irish authorities decided to request assistance from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to combat an oil spill initially detected by EMSA’s CleanSeaNet service 50 miles southeast of Fastnet Rock off the West Cork coast. As a result, the EMSA contracted vessel Galway Fisher has been mobilized and will be in Cork on standby. The alert was provided by the CleanSeaNet European oil spill detection service of EMSA on Saturday 14th February.

The image, on the basis of which the Irish authorities learned about this spill, is one of the routine images acquired by CleanSeaNet for EU Member States. On 14th February, the oil spill was detected approximately 50 miles southeast of Fastnet Rock off the West Cork coast of Ireland. It has been reported that there were Russian vessels in the area. The spill is estimated to be 400-500 tonnes of oil. The spill was originally spread over an area encompassing four miles by five miles.

The Agency will continue utilising its CleanSeaNet European satellite oil slick detection service to monitor the pollution in the affected area. Emergency satellite images have been ordered to provide additional information on the behaviour of the spill at sea. At present, EMSA has 11 stand-by vessels located at different places around the EU coastline, and these are ready to assist any EU Member State which requests their services.

Ohmsett Offers Oil Spill Responder Training

2009-01-22T21:05:00.000-05:00

Ohmsett, the National Oil Spill Response Test Facility will hold its first ever hands-on Dispersant Training Course to be held April 29 and 30, 2009. This two-day training session will take place at the Ohmsett facility, located in Leonardo, NJ.

The training will emphasize practical experience in full-scale dispersant applications using the Ohmsett dispersant testing protocol and dispersant effectiveness monitoring methods using Special Monitoring of Applied Response Technologies (SMART) visual and fluorometry methods. Instruction is provided by leading dispersant experts from SL Ross Environmental Ltd.
The goals of this training are to provide responders, planners and government regulators with advanced knowledge and experience with oil spill behavior and dispersants, coupled with hands-on experience with dispersant use, oil-dispersant interactions and effectiveness monitoring using visual methods and instrumentation.

Course instruction will cover topics such as advances in dispersant knowledge; experience and SMART Protocol (principles, experience and advances); Interactions of oil, dispersants, water and waves; set-up and use of monitoring instruments; and potential effectiveness of skimmers after dispersant application.

Source (www.ohmsett.com)

W&O Distributes Airvac Wastewater System

2009-01-22T20:56:00.000-05:00

W&O, supplier of marine valves, pipe, fittings, engineered products and valve automation systems, announced that Airvac, Inc has named W&O the exclusive representative of the company’s marine vacuum wastewater system.

Phillip Nafziger, Airvac, Inc. Manager, Environmental Group, said, “The appointment of W&O, with its nationwide network of offices, will provide unequaled service to W&O’s already excellent services. We are pleased to announce today W&O’s exclusive representative agreement with AIRVAC, INC.”

The vacuum sewer system provides efficient and reliable wastewater collection and treatment in on-board ship applications. W&O now offers its marine customers Airvac vacuum valves, sump assemblies, vacuum station equipment and Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) water treatment technology.

“Airvac, Inc. marine vacuum wastewater systems will provide W&O customers with a proven low maintenance, efficient and reliable sewage collection and disposal system for new construction or retrofit applications of all major marine vacuum wastewater systems” said Jack Guidry, President and CEO of W&O. “Airvac systems offer complete customization of products to fit virtually any of our customers needs.”

Additionally, Airvac MBR water treatment technology allows customers to maximize their existing tankage through a low-pressure membrane system that separates solids and removes bulky sludge while meeting and exceeding proposed United States Coast Guard (USCG) rules and regulations for discharge of wastewater. The vacuum process begins when wastewater collects in the toilet or sump assembly. As the Airvac valve opens, the collected wastewater is propelled into the vacuum piping where, traveling at 15 to 18 feet per second, the wastewater moves from the toilet or sump to the vacuum collection station.

Vacuum pumps located on the collection station maintain a consistent vacuum level throughout the entire piping system. When the wastewater in the collection tank reaches a predetermined level, the wastewater is transferred to a holding tank or to an MBR water treatment system thereby making room in the collection tank for additional wastewater and preventing back-up or overflow conditions prior to disposal.

Source: Marinelink.com

Coastal Land Preserved, Anniversary of Oil Spill

2009-01-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

On the 15th anniversary of a million gallon oil spill that damaged the coastline of Puerto Rico, NOAA and partner organizations are celebrating the purchase of 152 acres to expand a coastal reserve near one of the areas hardest hit by the spill.
NOAA, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Trust for Public Land announced that 152 acres east of San Juan have been added to the San Miguel Natural Reserve to help compensate the public for lost recreational beach use and injured natural resources for an extended period after the Berman Oil Spill on Jan. 7, 1994.
The purchase of this land expands the San Miguel Natural Reserve to 422 acres, an area the size of 317 football fields, and contributes to a multi-year effort to create the Northeast Ecological Corridor, one of the Caribbean’s last great unprotected areas.

"Expanding this coastal treasure of beach, mangroves, wetlands and forests protects the health of our coasts and provides the people of Puerto Rico with a wonderful place to swim, fish, hike and enjoy the beauty of the ocean,” said Patricia Montanio, director of NOAA's Office of Habitat Conservation.

The San Miguel Natural Reserve is a mosaic of coastal habitats including near shore coral reefs, more than a mile of beachfront, intertidal areas, wetlands, coastal dry forests, mangroves, the confluence of two rivers, and the remnants of a 19th century hacienda used for sugar cane farming. The reserve is home to 16 federally listed threatened and endangered species, including the endangered leatherback turtle which nests here.

The expansion of San Miguel Natural Reserve completes a project begun in 2007 when the Trust for Public Land purchased the first 270 acres to create the reserve. The reserve is one of a series of projects by NOAA, the National Park Service and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Funding for these projects comes in part from a $9.7m court settlement with the parties responsible for the spill.

The 1994 spill occurred when the Morris J. Berman, a 302 ft long, 90 ft wide barge, carrying 1.5 million gallons of number six fuel oil, ran aground near San Juan, releasing nearly a million gallons of oil into coastal waters.

Other projects including creation of a coral reef trail and restoration of several historic forts in San Juan that were damaged in the spill are also pending.

source: www.marinelink.com

Christening of Gemini, Eco-Friendly Ferry

2008-12-16T10:49:00.000-05:00

On Dec. 12, the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) christened the first of its fleet of ferries, Gemini, to enhance the region’s emergency response capability and water transit network. Representative Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) and WETA Board Chair Charlene Haught Johnson performed the christening ceremony. Ms. Haught Johnson applauded the Bay Area for coming together to forge strong partnerships to enable WETA to build a fleet of ferries that are revolutionizing the ferry industry. "Gemini’s innovative design and propulsion technology shows that the Bay Area is on the forefront of environmental innovation. We responded to the concern of local communities for cleaner air and bay protection," added Ms. Haught Johnson. Gemini’s exhaust is 85% cleaner than EPA emission standards for Tier II (2007) marine engines, and is ten times cleaner than existing Bay Area ferries. In 2004, state legislation approved WETA’s strict air emissions standard and its Regional Ferry Plan following completion of required environmental documents. Significant emissions reductions are achieved by incorporating selective catalytic reduction and a blend of biodiesel and ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. Two solar panels installed on the bridge deck will gauge the feasibility of solar power in the Bay’s foggy conditions.

The catamaran’s sleek hull design reduces fuel consumption and minimizes shoreline response to wake impacts.Other innovative measures include sonar for avoiding whale strikes and floating debris. Additionally, the U.S. Geological Service completed a three-year rafting bird study to enable WETA to operate the vessels with minimal impact on water birds for safety and security, the bridge was raised and eight-foot wide windows were installed to give the operator a 360-degree view. WETA’s 149-passenger vessel will be put into service on the Alameda/Oakland Ferry and Tiburon routes in January 2009 after modifications to the Alameda and Oakland docks. Gemini will also be available as a spare vessel in case of temporary disruption of transit service or damage to the Bay Area highways and bridges. Gemini and her future sister vessel, Pisces, were constructed with $16m of funding from Bay Bridge tolls (Regional Measure 2) approved by Bay Area voters in 2004. Gemini has room for 34 bicycles, 20% more capacity than similar size ferries on the Bay. A spigot and hose was installed for cyclists to wash off sea spray off their bikes. Gemini’s interior design responds to Bay Area commuters’ desire for convenience and comfort. Restrooms are ADA compliant. Passengers will have WiFi accessibility.

The design and construction of Gemini was managed by a woman engineer, Mary Frances Culnane ("Mare"), WETA’s Manager of Marine Engineering. Mare previously supervised tanker construction projects for Chevron Shipping Company and sailed as Chief Engineer for Exxon. She is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY (1980). Two Washington state boat builders – Ice Floe, Inc. dba Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) and Kvichak Marine Industries (KMI) built Gemini. Pacific Power (Washington) provided the propulsion system. Bay Ship and Yacht Company (Alameda) performed a haul out for hull cleaning and final survey. WETA entered into an agreement with the City of Alameda to place Gemini into the Alameda/Oakland Ferry Service. This service is operated by the Blue and Gold Fleet under a contract with the City of Alameda. WETA is expecting delivery of its next ferry, Pisces, in March 2009. In late 2009, two other vessels are scheduled for delivery. WETA’s four new vessels will launch the South San Francisco-Oakland service in late 2010 and/or the Berkeley/Albany to San Francisco route.

They will also be used as spare vessels for emergency response. Environmental and design studies are underway for new ferry routes to Berkeley, Redwood City, Hercules, Richmond, Antioch and Martinez. WETA is a regional agency created by the State of California to develop and operate an environmentally responsible regional ferry system that connects communities, reduces congestion, and provides an emergency response capability. A board of five members appointed by the Governor and Legislature governs WETA.

source: marinelink.com

Harley Marine Eco-Tug

2008-11-10T09:10:00.000-05:00

Harley Marine Services, Inc. is reducing greenhouse gases, NOx, particulates, and diesel borne air toxics by converting existing harbor tugs to eco-tugs using ultra low emissions technology.Working together with the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach to secure funding through their Technology Advancement Program, the M/V Maverick, a Millennium Maritime, Inc. harbor tug, will be the first tug of the Harley Marine fleet to undertake this “green” clean air retrofit technology.

The project involves conversion of existing Port and Starboard engines from mechanical to electronic configuration. The electronic upgrade is expected to achieve Tier II emission limits, which are the limits imposed for new marine engines. Additionally, the fact that harbor tugs spend almost 70% of their time at very low load operation, the main engines will be shut down and the power needed during this low load operation is going to be provided by a new smaller, more fuel efficient center engine added to the vessel that also meets Tier II emission limits.

(www.harleymarine.com)

Harley Marine Goes Green

2008-11-10T09:08:00.000-05:00

Harley Marine continues to implement its “Harley Marine Goes Green” program, including: company-wide ISO 14001 and ABS SQE Certification; exceeding compliance with local, state and federal environmental regulations and requirements; harbor tug fleet conversion to eco-tugs using ultra low emissions technology; and, their own patented self-contained Vapor Recovery Unit used during petroleum loading operations to reduce hydrocarbon emissions from oil and tank barges.The “Harley Marine Goes Green” campaign was launched in April of 2008 with a contest for the best “green” idea. In addition, a Harley Marine “Go Green Team” was formed with representation from each location and operating area, including vessel tugs, barges, maintenance shops and offices throughout the Harley Marine family of companies. Environmental Objectives and Targets were determined. The number one objective has and will continue to be zero oil spills into the water as well as reducing airborne pollutants.
Other Green Program Highlights:

Reduced impact to the environment by eliminating the purchase of approximately 12,000 Styrofoam cups and 50,000 plastic water bottles per year.
Minimized our waste stream by creating a pump out facility in Seattle for bilge water and waste oil that is then processed by a local environmental company; and, required all other ports to use a vacuum truck service for their oily waste removal.
Implemented an Overhaul Upgrade and Replacement Program to meet Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III compliance throughout our vessel fleet. We have already converted numerous tugs to Tier I compliance; a main engine tug to Tier II; and, our barges that have industrial application engines are going to Tier III.
Conducted energy audits on our vessels and developed an Energy Management Plan to reduce fuel and energy consumption.
Reduced the amount of waste generated by implementing a company-wide recycling program both shoreside and on the vessels.
Switch entire fleet to ultra-low sulfur diesel.

Harley Marine Services, Inc. was founded by Harley Franco in 1987 in Seattle, Washington. Harley Marine Services is operated by several subsidiary companies, including: Olympic Tug & Barge, Pacific Coast Maritime, Westoil Marine Services, Pacific Terminal Services, Millennium Maritime, Public Service Marine, Starlight Marine Services and Harley Marine NY.

(www.harleymarine.com)

Oceansaver BWMS Approval

2008-10-31T13:51:00.000-04:00

OceanSaver’s ballast water management system was granted final approval from the IMO at the latest meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 58) in London this month.

Ballast Water Working Group of the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environment Protection, which advises the MEPC, had carefully studied OceanSaver's application for final approval in July this year, and recommended that the MEPC grant this approval at its meeting in October. With final approval from MEPC, Norwegian authorities can grant type approval to the technology before year's end.

After the MEPC meeting, there are four ballast water management systems with final approval according to the strict performance standards laid down in the IMO convention on ballast water treatment. This convention is still subject to ratification by 30 member governments representing 35 per cent of commercial tonnage, though it is believed that many nations hesitate to ratify before approved technology is available. With approval of more of these systems, ratification is expected to accelerate. At MEPC 58, three additional nations ratified the convention, bringing the total to 16 nations representing 14.2 per cent of global tonnage.
OceanSaver made its first commercial delivery this autumn.

At MEPC 58, delegates reviewed available technologies for ballast water management, which included a review of their applicability on different vessel types and sizes. This revealed that few technologies were suitable for large vessels, such as many crude oil tankers, or complex tonnage, such as chemical or gas carriers. OceanSaver's solution was one of the few systems with scalability and performance suitable for these applications.

source: marinelink.com

Columbia River Update

2008-10-28T13:09:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, October 28, 2008, 8:39 AM

The US Coast Guard has extended, though December 15, the safety zone around the LST-1166 located near the southeastern tip of Lord Island on the Columbia River near Rainier, Oregon. The oil and hazardous materials clean-up operations on the vessel are taking longer than previously anticipated.

(Source: Holland & Knight)

Measuring Quality in Ship Management

2008-10-23T12:29:00.000-04:00

The results of a three year study designed to draw up a pan‐industry set of usable and comparable Key Performance Indicators to measure quality ship management services will be unveiled by InterManager, the trade association of in‐house and third part ship managers, at its Annual General Meeting in Singapore on November 17th.

In a separate move, the AGM announcement will also mark the movement into ownership by InterManager of the KPI initiative. All industry stakeholders including InterManager and non‐InterManager members are welcome to attend the AGM which will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel, 190 Orchard Boulevard, Singapore from 14.30 hrs onwards.

Partly funded by members of InterManager and partly funded by the Norwegian Research Council, the three‐year project to develop meaningful and measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) has been developed by a steering group of industry representatives nominated through InterManager and project managed by Norwegian research company Marintek.

Mandated to improve ship management quality through “self regulation with verification,” InterManager, which represents a worldwide fleet of more than 2,500 ocean‐going ships and some 100,000 crew, intends in the long‐term to make the KPIs available to the whole shipping industry via a web‐based system.

Guy Morel, InterManager General Secretary, advised that InterManager will immediately start a second phase of development whereby stakeholders, including other members of the shipping industry (shipowners, classification societies, charterers, ship builders, ports, insurers and suppliers, etc) as well as the major regulatory bodies (IMO, Port State Control organizations and regional regulators etc) will be invited to critically review and comment on the results, with the goal of achieving a definition of commonly accepted shipping KPIs.

This effort is not meant to replace individually developed KPIs among all players of the industry, but is hoping to create a common language for the better communication between these players.

(www.intermanager.org)
source: marinelink.com

Indian Navy Hunts for Hi-Tech Submarines

2008-10-21T12:56:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
With the huge project to construct six French Scorpene killer submarines at Mazagon Docks in Mumbai finally gaining momentum, India's hunt for six new-generation submarines is now well under way.The Navy has clearly specified that under this second line of diesel-electric submarines, called Project-75A, all six vessels will be equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems to significantly boost their operational capabilities.

(Source: The Times of India)

GE LM2500+ Gas Turbines to Power Naval Ship

2008-10-21T12:54:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Hybrid Propulsion System ConfigurationGE Marine announces that its LM2500+ marine aeroderivative gas turbines have been selected by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB), Pascagoula, Miss., to power the U.S. Navy’s new LHA 6 amphibious assault ship.The LHA 6 ship’s hybrid mechanical-electric propulsion system will consist of two LM2500+ gas turbines, each rated at 35,290 shaft horsepower at U.S. Navy standard day conditions (100oF), and two, 5,000 horsepower auxiliary propulsion motors. The LM2500+ gas turbines will be manufactured at GE’s Evendale facility.

The hybrid propulsion system enables the ship’s propellers to be driven either by the gas turbines or by the electric motors, which are powered from the ship service electrical system. This propulsion system allows the ship to operate in a more fuel efficient mode throughout its speed range.The LHA 6, the first ship of the U.S. Navy’s LHA(R) program. will be able to operate and support a detachment of more than 20 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. The LHA 6 will feature several aviation capabilities enhanced beyond previous amphibious assault ships, including an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.The LHA 6 will be multi-functional and versatile, modifying existing command, control, communications, computers and intelligence spaces to allow for flexible mission dependent reconfiguration. The LHA 6 will also have increased cargo magazine capacity, better survivability, and greater service life margins.

(www.ge.com/marine)
source: marinelink.com