A REVIEW OF THE DRIVE OPTIONS FOR OFFSHORE ANCHOR HANDLING WINCHES

This article discusses the state of the art for driving technologies of anchor handling winches for offshore operations. These systems are necessary for anchor handling operations associated with installation of many types of moored floating offshore structures. To perform these operations, it is necessary to use specialized vessels known as AHT (Anchor Handling Tug) or AHTS (Anchor Handling Tug Supply) vessel, which incorporate specific equipment such as towing winches, but with higher performance than conventional tugs both in size and in technical performance. There are nowadays two main options for driving the Anchor Handling/Towing winches: hydraulic with low or high pressure motors, and electrical with AC motors driven by Variable Frequency Drives. Additionally, a new technology is appearing in the industrial sector which is starting to be applied in the marine sector, and in some cases for anchor handing winches: the permanent magnet motor. The aim of this paper is to discuss these driving technologies and their importance in the future of this part of the marine sector

A Review of Formulations to Design an Adhesive Single Lap-Joint for Use in Marine Applications

[Abstract] The single adhesive joint has many applications in the shipbuilding industry, where it offers the advantage of joining materials (adherents) with different properties and characteristics using an adhesive. However, one disadvantage of this type of joint is the stress concentration at the ends of the joint, which directly affect the adhesive. Another disadvantage is the possible difference between the coefficients of thermal expansion of the adherents of the joint. Through compilation and classification of the formulas found in various publications, this study presents a state-of-the-art review of an adhesive single-lap joint that can be used in marine applications. It will consider the types of materials used as the adhesive and as the adherents, the possibility of varying the thicknesses of the adherents and the thickness of the adhesive, and the recommended design factors for each proposed methodology. This study proposes formulas to estimate the stresses for joints with balanced thicknesses and extrapolates the results for non-balanced joints; also, an equation is derived to calculate the minimum overlap joint length for ship lengthening, allowing the design process to be simplified. The results are expected to facilitate the design of single-lap joints in marine applications, such as reinforcing composite panels and lengthening of hulls and superstructures

Precautions to Consider Working with Mooring Capstans and Winches

[Resumo] Na actualidade prodúcense moitos accidentes durante as operacións de amarre dos buques. O deseño das máquinas e os cabrestantes de amarre xoga un papel importante á hora de reducilos. Adicionalmente, a situación do persoal sobre as cubertas dos buques é outro factor que axudará á redución dos accidentes acontecidos a bordo.[Abstract] In recent years, many accidents are occurring during mooring operations of vessels. The capstan and winches design and the crew situation on the deck of ships are two factors that may reduce the number of accidents inboard

Definition of an Artificial Reef Unit through Hydrodynamic and Structural (CFD and FEM) Models—Application to the Ares-Betanzos Estuary

[Abstract] The application of hydrodynamics to the definition of artificial reefs is of great interest since the positioning of the artificial reef modules on the sea floor alters the water velocity field, causing an appropriate circulation of nutrients and promoting a habitat for settling desired species. Nevertheless, the designs must be subjected to a structural calculation that will condition the constructive process to be applied. The present research proposes a methodology to determine the geometry of an artificial reef in terms of hydrodynamic and structural criteria. The solution proposed was analyzed through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the Finite Element Method (FEM). Using concrete as base material for artificial reefs, four different dosages were proposed with different proportions of cement and water, leading to different mechanical properties, which determine different constructive strategies, such as dwell time in the mold. From the hydrodynamic point of view, it was found that the solution proposed provides a proper replacement of nutrients. From the structural point of view, it was found that the solution proposed does not need steel reinforcements in concrete, which improves the sustainability of the artificial reef. The four different concrete dosages will condition the constructive strategy through the dwelling time in the mold and, for any established production, the necessary number of molds (formworks).Xunta de Galicia; CN-10MMA003C

ESTUDIO COMPARATIVO PARA LA SELECCIÓN DEL EQUIPO DE AMARRE EN UN BUQUE TIPO REMOLCADOR Y EN UN BUQUE DE GUERRA

Classification Societies (SC) of ships listed in different chapters of the regulations, recommendations and requirements for the selection of mooring equipment on ships regarding quantification for each type of ship, the analysis of the materials used and tests to suffer the various elements of mooring equipment. This article relates to how it affects the implementation of the different regulations of the SC when providing a tugboat and a military vessel from its mooring and anchoring systems. The research results are obtained by performing a comparison between the demands imposed by the SC to civilian ships and warships

Proposed Conceptual Framework to Design Artificial Reefs Based on Particular Ecosystem Ecology Traits

[Abstract] Overfishing and pollution have led to marine habitat degradation, and as a result, marine fisheries are now in decline. Consequently, there is a real need to enhance marine ecosystems while halting the decline of fish stocks and boosting artisanal fishing. Under these circumstances, artificial reefs (ARs) have emerged as a promising option. Nevertheless, their performance is traditionally assessed years after installation, through experimental and field observations. It is now necessary to adopt an alternative approach, adapting the design of artificial reefs to the specific characteristics of the ecosystem to be enhanced. In this way, it will be possible to determine the potential positive impacts of ARs before their installation. This paper presents a general and integrated conceptual framework to assist in the design of AR units by adopting an ecosystem ecology (EE) perspective. It consists of three main parts. In the first one, starting from an initial geometry, EE principles are used to include modifications with the aim of improving autotrophic resource pathways (additional substrata and increased nutrient circulation) and leading to a habitat enhancement (more shelter for individuals). The second part of the framework is a new dimensionless index that allows the user to select the best AR unit design from different alternatives. The potential impacts on the ecosystem in terms of energy, nutrient cycling and shelter are considered for such a purpose. Finally, a general hydrodynamic methodology to study the stability of the selected AR unit design, considering the effect of high waves under severe storms, is proposed. The framework is applied through a case study for Galician estuaries.The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the regional government of Galicia, Xunta de Galicia, through the project CN-10MMA003CT. This study was also funded through the collaboration agreement between Xunta de Galicia, Universidade da Coruña and the Universidade da Coruña Foundation (FUAC) to give continuity to the previous projectXunta de Galicia; CN-10MMA003C

Modelling Operative and Routine Learning Curves in Manoeuvres in Locks and in Transit in the Expanded Panama Canal

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] Piloting in the Panama Canal is exceptional as, due to its importance, the functions of the captains of vessels are taken over by pilots. Hence, prior to inauguration of the expanded canal, a limited number of pilots experienced on the existing canal were certified for the transit of Neopanamax vessels by means of planned and innovative individual learning. After this organisational training through operative training, with the implementation of the expanded canal in June 2016, the routine training started. Hence the learning curve in the performance of these manoeuvres will represent the growing skill acquired by both the pilots and the organisation. Given that the learning effect is measurable, this paper has the dual objective of determining two curve models: the organisation operative learning curve model and the routine learning curve model for pilots performing transit manoeuvres in the expanded Panama Canal waterways and the Cocolí and Agua Clara locks. Manoeuvre times in locks and transit in the whole of the canal were followed up continuously in the first 42 months of operation.The research of Salvador Naya and Javier Tarrío has been supported by MINECO grant MTM2017-82724-R, and by the Xunta de Galicia (Grupos de Referencia Competitiva ED431C-2020-14 and Centro de Investigación del Sistema universitario de Galicia ED431G 2019/01), all of them through the ERDF. This work has been funded in part by Project 1-FACINA of the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP).Xunta de Galicia; ED431C-2020-14Xunta de Galicia; ED431G 2019/01Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá; Project 1-FACIN

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Consumption of Coastal Ecosystem Enhancement Programme through Sustainable Artificial Reefs in Galicia

[Abstract] The principle of sustainability should condition a project in which artificial reefs are being installed to protect biodiversity as well as enhance costal ecosystems. In particular, this principle should be taken into account in the logistical processes related to manufacture and transport. This study assesses the global warming potential (GWP) and cumulative energy demand (CED) of developing a coastal ecosystem enhancement programme in the estuary region of Galicia, north-western Spain. The focus is on the processes involved in creating green artificial reefs (GARs): manufacture, transport and installation. The starting point is the supply chain for the green artificial reef (GAR) units; greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and energy needs for each phase are analysed. Various scenarios are considered to determine which options are indeed available when it comes to establishing the supply chain. Different types of energy supplies, different options for the location of production centres, as well as different means of transport were studied. Results reveal the critical phases for selecting how the GAR units must be produced, transported by road and sea and then installed in their permanent location.Xunta de Galicia; CN-10MMA003C

Assessment of the Materials Employed in Green Artificial Reefs for the Galician Estuaries in Terms of Circular Economy

[Abstract] To exploit marine resources in a sustainable way, efficient management systems must be used such as green artificial reefs (GARs). These reefs are mostly made up of renewable and organic materials. When adopting the circular economy (CE) model, industrial processes must be reconsidered. By adapting how conventional artificial reefs (CARs) are engineered and produced to embrace the principles of the CE, certain materials can be used. Renewable resources are designed to be reintroduced into the biosphere without producing harmful organic residues or nutrients. Within a framework that covers economic, environmental and social considerations, this study offers four new proposals related to substituting the materials destined for the components in an artificial reef. For the first time, two different methodologies were applied to determine the best alternative in terms of its contribution to both sustainability and CE. From the results obtained, the best solutions are in line with substituting a certain amount of the cement and sand with mussel shells. The importance of the results lies in the fact that the canning industry in Galicia (northwest Spain) generates shell residues which promote grave environmental consequences.Xunta de Galicia; CN-10MMA003C

Numerical and experimental analysis of the velocity field inside an artificial reef. Application to the Ares-Betanzos estuary

[Abstract]: The placement of artificial reef (AR) units on the seabed modifies the velocity field of the water, making the nutrients circulate properly and creating the necessary habitat for the settlement of the desired species. This paper proposes a methodology for determining the circulation in the vicinity of one specific AR unit module previously defined in the existing literature. This has been based on both the application of three-dimensional hydrodynamic criteria and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) together with their validation using towing tank tests. In order to achieve the goals, the starting points are both the initial design of the AR units and the 3D hydrodynamic circulation model in the estuary. The latter predicts the nutrient supply to each module by taking into account the variation of speeds with height. From the vertical profile of circulation velocities, developed for each implantation site, a CFD tool is used to determine the circulation of nutrients in the vicinity of the AR unit, around 5 times the AR size. Then, the results are validated by carrying out towing tank experiments. The main contribution is to combine a circulation model of the estuary together with a CFD model validated with towing tank tests. Although this work was applied to the Ares-Betanzos estuary, it can be extrapolated to other zones worldwide.Xunta de Galicia ; CN-10MMA003C