Based on Panama Canal Authority’s Advisory to Shipping No. A-32-2022, all vessels with a beam of 109 feet (33.22 meters) or more, transiting Panama Canal since 1^st October 2023, are required to have a fixed (non-portable) piloting unit with Real Time Kinematics (RTK) for submeter accuracy.

This measure is expected to improve the efficiency of the waterway by eliminating the delays associated with the installation of portable piloting units and since October 1st 2023 the compliance of the piloting unit has become part of the vessel’s arrival inspection.

Vessels that fail to comply, are required to proceed with rental of a PPU-RTK portable unit from Canal De Panama with the following Tariff scheme applied per transit:
1^st Transit : $ 5.000
2^nd Transit : $ 5.000 + 100% Surcharge
3^rd Transit : $ 5.000 + Disruption charge low impact $ 65.000

CASS TECHNAVA LTD is the official representative of Navicom Dynamics Ltd, a well-respected manufacturer who offers a solution that is officially approved by Autoridad del Canal de Panamá (ACP).

CanalPilot
The CanalPilot is a highly accurate, independent non-portable piloting unit.
The absolute position is calculated from raw GNSS data and can be augmented with Satellite, Ground based or Internet derived corrections, depending on the system configuration.

The CanalPilot is a dual antenna heading system. It utilizes the primary antenna to derive its position and the secondary antenna to derive the heading.
A VHF antenna and UHF antenna are mounted externally to receive AIS information and receive UHF RTK corrections respectively.

• Tested and approved by the Autoridad del Canal de Panamá (ACP).
• Can be easily installed by the crew of the vessel with instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Does not require yearly fee.
• Does not require any additional services or software to be compliant with the ACP regulations.
• Utilizes Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) data to achieve positional accuracy to < 10 cm range.
• Fixed inside the vessel & powered from mains or 24V DC // Battery backup for 6 hours.
• Navicom can also provide training to the crew and provide assistance for confirmation of correct installation via remote methods.

 

 

ACP Registration Procedure:
Upon completion of the installation, the vessel details and offsets of the antennas need to be submitted to ACP.
The first time that the vessel will call the Canal after the installation, vessel’s agent should get in contact with the ACP in order to have the unit certified.
A technician from the ACP will then board the vessel with the offsets preloaded and will crosscheck the measurements.
If measurements are correct, a vessel specific certificate will be issued by ACP.

Reference is made to the cutting-edge solution for ensuring watertight integrity on board Bulk carrier vessels – the Coltraco Portascanner Watertight Plus. In an industry where safety and efficiency are paramount, this innovative ultrasonic device revolutionizes the way you test hatch covers, providing unparalleled accuracy and reliability.

Key Features of Coltraco Portascanner Watertight Plus

• Ultrasonic Precision
  Utilizing advanced ultrasonic technology, the Portascanner ensures precise and non-destructive testing of hatch covers, detecting any leaks or weaknesses with utmost accuracy.
• Portability and Ease of Use
  Compact and portable, this device allows for hassle-free testing, enabling crew members to conduct inspections swiftly and effectively, saving both time and manpower.
• Multi-Application Capability
  Versatile in its functionality, the Portascanner can be used not only for hatch covers but also for various watertight compartments, ensuring comprehensive testing across the vessel.
• Data Logging and Analysis
  With built-in data logging capabilities, the device enables meticulous record-keeping and analysis, facilitating compliance with regulatory standards and maintenance protocols.

Advantages of Coltraco Portascanner Watertight Plus

Compared to traditional methods such as hose testing or chalk testing, the Coltraco Portascanner Watertight Plus offers several distinct advantages:

• Greater Accuracy
  Ultrasonic technology provides unparalleled accuracy in detecting even the smallest leaks, ensuring comprehensive assessment of watertight integrity.
• Non-Destructive Testing
  Unlike invasive methods like hose testing, ultrasonic testing is non-destructive, minimizing the risk of damage to the vessel and its components.
• Time and Cost Efficiency
  With swift testing procedures and minimal manpower requirements, the Portascanner offers significant time and cost savings compared to conventional methods.

 

 

Recommendation and Endorsement

Leading P&I clubs and industry authorities recommend the adoption of advanced ultrasonic technology for watertightness testing. In their guidelines, they emphasize the reliability, accuracy, and efficiency offered by devices like the Coltraco Portascanner Watertight Plus in ensuring vessel safety and regulatory compliance.

In conclusion, with its state-of-the-art features, unmatched accuracy, and endorsement by industry experts, the Coltraco Portascanner Watertight Plus stands as the ultimate solution for watertight integrity testing on Bulk carrier vessels.

As environmental protection regulations become more stringent, innovative solutions in the pump industry are essential. ALLWEILER and IMO Three Screw Pumps are engineered, manufactured, serviced and supported to meet these unique demands of the Marine business.

The challenging situation since the introduction of the new low sulfur fuels and the repeated incidents have led operators to increase their standards in terms of quality when a replacement or upgrade is necessary.

Members of CIRCOR Group, ALLWEILER GmbH and IMO AB, two of the most reputable and well established Pump manufacturers, have been vastly chosen for their superior quality and well proven reliability to meet the new requirements.

With thousands of vessels operating globally with the ALLWEILER/IMO pumps and with over 100 years of experience, ALLWEILER and IMO can provide Owners with a wide range of pumps, covering all needs onboard the ships.

Going further, and recognizing the urgency in case of a defect, we have created an adequate stock of the most common pump types (ACE 032, ACE 038) available for immediate dispatch, at our warehouse in Piraeus.

• IMO pump series

Designed for the demanding marine environment and having more than one million pumps delivered worldwide, IMO ΑΒ is an established and trusted maker in the marine industry.
Viscosity range 1.4 – 5000 cst
IMO pumps meet the requirements for low viscosity (down to 1.4 cSt @ 40 0C for DMX) according to ISO 8217:2017 and max. sulfur content of 0.1% as stated in Marpol 73/78 and 2005/33/EC while maintaining the same high reliability.

Low Power Consumption
Small peripheral diameters of the rotors and low fluid axial velocities reduce fluid shearing within the pump, resulting in a reduction of horsepower consumption.

Benefits of simplicity
IMO pumps are simple to understand and with only three moving parts, there is little that can go wrong.

Designed for efficiency
IMO Pumps are designed using internal bearings which are also hydraulically balanced so that there are no loaded bearings, neither axial nor radial. These design features mean less maintenance for re-greasing, less downtime and longer life.

Leak-free
OptiLine (Magnetic Coupling) version, eliminates leakages by incorporating a complete enclosure where there is no shaft extension into open air and thus, no need for a conventional seal. Power transmission is achieved through the magnetic coupling.

Quiet operation
Smooth and continuous output flow that greatly reduces pressure pulsations. As a result, there is lower air borne, fluid borne and structure borne noise for a wide viscosity range.

• ALLWEILER ALLFUEL® series

ALLFUEL® 3-Screw pump series with a delivery pressure up to 40 bars, is widely used for Fuel and Lubricating Oil Feed and Circulating pumps. They are capable of handling fuels with viscosities as low as 1,0 cst and having Sulfur content of 0,1% by mass.

Specifically designed for marine use, the ALLFUEL® series demonstrates the following key characteristics.

 

1. Compact Design: Less installation space is required, due to smaller overall dimension.

2. 100% Secure Change-Over: Modern valve casing, equipped with one ball valve and three clear valve positions, for secure switching to the standby pump. The non-return valve permits maintenance and dismounting of one pump without disturbing the operation of the other.

3. Fast exchange of Filter: Vertical installation of the filter allows an installation without oil drain. No risk of Dry-running after filter change. Due to the “inside-out“ perfusion the dirt particles stay in the filter.

4. Secure pump Operation: Nearly pulsation free and low noise operation.

5. Smooth pump starting: The optional heating for filters and mechanical seals guarantees a smooth pump starting with low ambient temperatures.

6. Ideal starting: A vent screw offers an ideal venting of the mechanical sealing room.

7. Additional O-Ring: For prevention of backflow of fluids with low viscosity (MGO).

8. External ball bearing: Wear protected and sealed.

9. Mechanical Seal: Wear-resistant SiC/SiC.

 

We are delighted to inform you of exceptional news regarding our newly established collaboration with the reputable Qatari-based and owned Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions (QSTS), known until recently as Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine Shipyard (N-KOM), right at the heart of the Arabian Gulf.

QSTS is a joint-venture between Nakilat, the world’s leading transporter of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Keppel Offshore & Marine, the global leader in ship repair, ship conversion & construction of offshore drilling rigs.

The yard was first established in 2007 and began executing marine repairs in 2008. Since then, several hundred vessels from a great number of owners around the world have entrusted our principals with their repairs and projects.

QSTS has thus accumulated considerable expertise and skilled manpower and can carry out a great variety of repairs and projects, such as:

• Ship repair
• Ship conversion
• Regulation related Upgrade Solutions (BWTS & Scrubber systems installation)
• Gas solutions (ME-GI conversion, ISO tank fabrication)
• Flying squad (Voyage/Anchorage repairs)

 

 

The shipyard is certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO/IEC 27001. In addition, the British Safety Council has awarded our principals yard with a Five-Star rating on Occupational Health and Safety practices at the facility.

Our principals aim to exceed expectations, offering exceptional high quality and effective services and to establish themselves as the leader in Marine & Offshore services for the region.

As environmental protection regulations become more stringent, innovative solutions in the pump industry are essential. ALLWEILER and IMO Three Screw Pumps are engineered, manufactured, serviced and supported to meet these unique demands of the Marine business.

Members of CIRCOR Group, ALLWEILER GmbH and IMO AB, two of the most reputable and well established Pump manufacturers, have been vastly chosen for their superior quality and well proven reliability to meet the new requirements.

With installations on more than 1000 vessels in the Greek Shipping industry and with over 100 years of experience, ALLWEILER and IMO can provide Owners with a wide range of pumps, covering all needs onboard the ships.

Going further, and recognizing the urgency in case of a defect, we have created an adequate stock of the most common pump types (ACD 025, ACE 025, ACE 032, ACE 038) available for immediate dispatch, at our warehouse in Piraeus.

 

 

• IMO pump series

Designed for the demanding marine environment and having more than one million pumps delivered worldwide, IMO ΑΒ is an established and trusted maker in the marine industry.

 

 

Viscosity range 1.4 – 5000 cst
IMO pumps meet the requirements for low viscosity (down to 1.4 cSt @ 40 0C for DMX) according to ISO 8217:2017 and max. sulfur content of 0.1% as stated in Marpol 73/78 and 2005/33/EC while maintaining the same high reliability.

Low Power Consumption
Small peripheral diameters of the rotors and low fluid axial velocities reduce fluid shearing within the pump, resulting in a reduction of horsepower consumption.

Benefits of simplicity
IMO pumps are simple to understand and with only three moving parts, there is little that can go wrong.

 

Designed for efficiency
IMO Pumps are designed using internal bearings which are also hydraulically balanced so that there are no loaded bearings, neither axial nor radial. These design features mean less maintenance for re-greasing, less downtime and longer life.

Leak-free
OptiLine (Magnetic Coupling) version, eliminates leakages by incorporating a complete enclosure where there is no shaft extension into open air and thus, no need for a conventional seal. Power transmission is achieved through the magnetic coupling.

Quiet operation
Smooth and continuous output flow that greatly reduces pressure pulsations. As a result, there is lower air borne, fluid borne and structure borne noise for a wide viscosity range.

• ALLWEILER ALLFUEL® series

ALLFUEL® 3-Screw pump series with a delivery pressure up to 40 bars, is widely used for Fuel and Lubricating Oil Feed and Circulating pumps. They are capable of handling fuels with viscosities as low as 1,0 cst and having Sulfur content of 0,1% by mass.

Specifically designed for marine use, the ALLFUEL® series demonstrates the following key characteristics.

 

1. Compact Design: Less installation space is required, due to smaller overall dimension.
2. 100% Secure Change-Over: Modern valve casing, equipped with one ball valve and three clear valve positions, for secure switching to the standby pump. The non-return valve permits maintenance and dismounting of one pump without disturbing the operation of the other.
3. Fast exchange of Filter: Vertical installation of the filter allows an installation without oil drain. No risk of Dry-running after filter change. Due to the “inside-out“ perfusion the dirt particles stay in the filter.
4. Secure pump Operation: Nearly pulsation free and low noise operation.
5. Smooth pump starting: The optional heating for filters and mechanical seals guarantees a smooth pump starting with low ambient temperatures.
6. Ideal starting: A vent screw offers an ideal venting of the mechanical sealing room.
7. Additional O-Ring: For prevention of backflow of fluids with low viscosity (MGO).
8. External ball bearing: Wear protected and sealed.
9. Mechanical Seal: Wear-resistant SiC/SiC.

 

It is our pleasure to inform you that our Principals Messrs. MARINESAT shall participate in 4th CSN Cyprus Shipping ICT Conference, that will take place in Limassol on October 12th from 09:00 to 15:00.

Mr. George Papadimitriou, VP Sales & Marketing Europe-MARINESAT, shall by presenting the topic “Vessels communications in Artificial Intelligent Era” at 13:30 and shall also join the panel of the “How to unlock the potential of maritime satellite technology and empower global connectivity” session.

The Conference is under the auspices of the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry and supported by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, Cyprus Marine Club, CYMEPA, WISTA Cyprus, YoungShip Cyprus, ICS Cyprus branch and AMMITEC. The event will take place at the Carob Mill Conference Centre with physical presence.

 

You may use the following link for more information and we will be looking forward to sharing this experience with you.

Click here for more information

Based on Panama Canal Authority’s Advisory to Shipping No. A-32-2022, all vessels with a beam of 109 feet (33.22 meters) or more, transiting Panama Canal from 1^st October 2023, will be required to have a fixed (non-portable) piloting unit with Real Time Kinematics (RTK) for submeter accuracy.

This measure is expected to improve the efficiency of the waterway by eliminating the delays associated with the installation of portable piloting units.
According to the Panama Canal Authorities, from October 1st 2023 the compliance of the piloting unit will become part of the vessel’s arrival inspection.

CASS TECHNAVA LTD. is the official representative of Navicom Dynamics Ltd, a well-respected manufacturer who offers a solution that is officially approved by Autoridad del Canal de Panamá (ACP).

CanalPilot
The CanalPilot is a highly accurate, independent non-portable piloting unit.
The absolute position is calculated from raw GNSS data and can be augmented with Satellite, Ground based or Internet derived corrections, depending on the system configuration.

The CanalPilot is a dual antenna heading system. It utilizes the primary antenna to derive its position and the secondary antenna to derive the heading.
A VHF antenna and UHF antenna are mounted externally to receive AIS information and receive UHF RTK corrections respectively.

• Tested and approved by the Autoridad del Canal de Panamá (ACP).
• Can be easily installed by the crew of the vessel with instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Does not require yearly fee.
• Does not require any additional services or software to be compliant with the ACP regulations.
• Utilizes Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) data to achieve positional accuracy to < 10 cm range.
• Fixed inside the vessel & powered from mains or 24V DC // Battery backup for 6 hours.
• Navicom can also provide training to the crew and provide assistance for confirmation of correct installation via remote methods.

 

We would like to inform you that Jets™ Vacuum AS is a global company that develops, manufactures and sells vacuum toilets, vacuum systems and treatment plants.

Renowned for their reliability and impeccable quality Vacuumarator™ pumps constitute the core of Jets™ system, being the most compact and reliable vacuum generator available for sanitary systems.
It is highly efficient in transporting any combination of black and grey water under vacuum.

In fact, more than 60.000 pumps are currently in operation worldwide!
More than 560 Greek newbuilding vessels are equipped with Jets™ Vacuum systems.

CASS TECHNAVA LTD offers Spares Parts & Services Facilities to support Jets™ products:

• CASS TECHNAVA in collaboration with Jets™ delivers spare parts and components globally along with field service from qualified engineers.
• Retrofit of existing Vacuum Systems on board. Jets™ has a long reference list of a Jets™ retrofit mechanism, a system fully compatible and easy to be installed to all vacuum toilet models, regardless of the brand.
• Upgrade System from Gravity to Vacuum. The upgrade guarantees design flexibility, smaller pipes, fewer installation hours with water and sewage benefits can be provided with details of vessel’s existing system.

 

Below you may find some brief information for the core products supplied by Jets™ Vacuum.

• VACUUMARATOR PUMPS

 

• 

1. They come in different sizes for use in any type of vacuum system.
2. They ensure that vacuum capacity does not decline over time. It can pump fluids directly to collecting tanks, treatment plants or sewer and can also be used for discharge or transfer.
3. In-line installation combined with a small footprint allows unique installation flexibility and weight savings. Several Vacuumarator™ pumps can be assembled in larger, modular units for higher performance, improved capacity and added redundancy.
4. Also available in small units with one or two Vacuumarator™ pumps or in modular units

 

• MODULAR UNITS

Example of a modular unit for higher performance, improved capacity and added redundancy. Available with double or triple units.

 

• VACUUM TOILETS WITH AWARD WINING DESIGN

Nothing about a sanitary system is more important than reliability but design awareness is growing.
Throughout the industry, Jets™ Vacuum toilets have earned a reputation for reliable operation. In recent years, customer requirements have shifted towards toilets that are also well-designed and visually pleasing.
In order to meet these requirements, Jets™ has successfully enlisted the help of leading Scandinavian designers in developing elegant, yet highly functional toilets.

• Water saving – Reduced water consumption of 80%.
• Reduced installation time.
• Reliable operation- continuously developing throughout the 20 years of patent and afterwards.
• Hygienic and easier cleaning.
• Piston valve: The improved Jets valve with less wear parts and less need for spares and maintenance than any of the competing mechanisms.
• Jets™ offers toilets, urinals and squat pans in high quality china porcelain as well as in stainless steel.

Reference is made to our Principals’ new LLGG temperature control valve that satisfies ANSI (American National Standards Institute) IV Requirements for 0.01% leakage rate.

 

 

   

G Valve

The G Valve along with relevant supporting equipment are designed for the control of fluid temperature by ‘diverting’ or ‘mixing’ control techniques.
The valves can be used for fresh and sea water, most lubricating oils and other liquids.
The compact construction of the G Valve enables unobstructed, full-bore flow, thus minimizing pressure losses.

Benefits of the G Valve

• Eliminates bypass leakage
  • Reduced cooling circuit capital costs and operating costs
  • Maximized cooling to support higher engine output power
  • Maximized cooling to operate in higher ambient temperatures
  • Increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions with improved LT temperature control

• Eliminates leakage to cooler
  • Faster engine warm up times
  • Minimized energy waste during pre-heat
  • Minimized heat loss at low engine load
• High efficiency heat recovery

The LLG – Engine Field Trial/ Case Study

• 3000 running hours trial
• Air cooled application in high ambient temperatures
• Standard G-Valve upgraded to LLGG
• Upgrade increased cooling capacity by 4°C
• Improved charge air temperature control resulting in significant fuel savings

 

During IMO MEPC 77, a resolution on the strategy to address marine plastic litter from ships was adopted, confirming the commitment in reducing plastic litter entering the marine environment from all ships. The aim is to strengthen the international framework and compliance with the relevant IMO instruments, targeting to achieve zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2025.

Our Principals, Messrs. URSA AS, have developed a solution that helps Shipowners to improve their environmental footprint, by reducing the plastic wastes from their vessels.
URSA Essential Drinking Water Systems provide a sustainable alternative to plastic bottled water, while helping on the improvement of working conditions onboard the ships.

URSA Essential Drinking Water System

URSA Essential DW is a four-stage ultra-filtration system, equipped also with a pre-filter, ensuring a ready-to-drink purified water out of the freshwater stored onboard. The system consists of a robust metallic cabinet, with a spare part package sufficient for up to 2 years of normal operation.
It comes in a box ready to be connected on ship´s common freshwater system, either in the galley or in the accommodation and engine room areas.

• NSF Certified (National Science Foundation)
• On-demand drinking water – always fresh and crisp with all necessary minerals
• Improvement of the environmental footprint of the vessel by reducing the plastic litter
• Enhanced sustainability commitment
• Simplification of logistics without concerns about drinking water supplies
• Save on transportation, loading and storage costs
• Simple and easy to install

 

 

* The Ultra Filtration (UF membrane) kills bacteria and filters further before finally passing through a mineral filter that adds minerals back to the water giving a TDS of around 90 to 120ppm.

URSA Essential Drinking Water System is suitable for all types and sizes of vessels, with proven records and wide reference onboard numerous ships worldwide.