The latest news from across the industry that ‘got us talking
Take a look at our biweekly news round-up of what’s got the team talking, a collection of topical industry news from both our marine, industrial and off-highway sectors.
Royal Navy reveals new ship XV Patrick Blackett which is expected to help with experimentation
The Royal Navy today unveiled a unique testbed ship to support trials of the latest tech and autonomous systems, the ship is expected to take part in Royal Navy and NATO exercises in the future.
The 42m, 270-tonne vessel arrived in Portsmouth this week and is named after former Royal Navy sailor and Nobel Prize winner Patrick Blackett. The ship has been named XV Patrick Blackett to honour the British physicist who won a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1948. Patrick served in the Royal Navy in the First World War and made a major contribution in the Second World War.
The addition of this experimental vessel will allow the navy to be able to carry out more trials at sea to enhance the Fleet’s operations and ensure the UK stays at the leading edge of naval warfare.
Hitachi take demolition to the next level
Brand-new Hitachi ZX400MC-7 excavator to make debut at Bauma 2022
HITACHI have announced that they will be introducing their new multi-carrier excavator – the ZX400MC-7 – at this year’s Bauma exhibition in Munich. Designed to maximize efficiency, uptime, and safety on demolition projects, the machine is based on a Hitachi ZX350LC-7 standard excavator with Zaxis-7 technology and a Stage V-compliant engine.
Supplied with up to four front attachments, including a monoboom, two-piece boom, and high-reach demolition front of 21m or 24m, the ZX400MC-7 has been specially engineered to complete the tasks of several machines on site, which simplifies planning and minimizes costs for transport and personnel.
East By West Ferries sets sights on 2nd all-electric ferry
New Zealand-based ferry operator East by West Ferries has revealed plans to order a second all-electric passenger ferry from compatriot boat builder WEBBCo..
The decision comes after the company’s first fully-electric ferry in Wellington, Ika Rere, proved efficient. Recognising the huge interest from other ferry operators both in Australasia and around the world, East By West said it wanted to secure a built slot for its next ferry. Having exceeded performance expectations in terms of speed, range, energy use and charging speed, Ika Rere has wowed those involved in the project and impressed passengers with its quiet, smooth and fast voyage experience, according to the ferry operator.
As fuel costs rise to staggering levels globally, East By West is reaping the benefits of the 132 pax electric vessel, with incremental route energy costs being slashed by 82%. This equates to cost savings of $180,000 per year when compared to their diesel boats doing the same journey.
First vessel charging agreed for the Thames
The first step to establishing a ‘low-emissions zone’ along the River Thames will be made in October with the first electric charging point for vessels.
Net Zero Marine Services (NZMS) director Miles Cole spoke to Maritime Journal about the pressure the firm is under to get the first charging point installed so that Ocean Diva can charge up as she goes about her business on London’s River Thames. “We have a team of renewable specialists who have designed the shore power infrastructure,” he said. “It will be rolled out starting with our shore power station at West India Pier, where it can charge its batteries to 2.2MWh in four hours. For a boat working every day of the week it will need to charge three or four times in a week. It’s the best of British engineering, pushing against the tide, but we are 18 months into this project and it has to be delivered by October.”
