Page 68: of Marine News Magazine (April 2012)

68MNApril 2012 PRODUCTSGE LM Gas Turbines Re-Emerge GE Marines LM aeroderivative gas turbines are poised to re-emerge in the commercial marine market, especially for natural gas applica-tions such as fast ferry, liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker or FPSO.GEs LM gas turbine fleet has logged more than 13 mil- lion hours in service, proving their reliability and advan- tages over diesel technology. In the mid 2000s, Marine Gas Oil (MGO) burned in gas turbines experienced a sig- nificant price increase versus the heavy fuel oil used by diesels. Today, gas turbines are worth another look. LM gas turbines are more cost effective than diesels, especially considering pending 2014 and 2016 IMO. www.ge.com/marine Weather Charts for Raytheon Anschütz ECDIS Navigation specialist Raytheon Anschütz offers an integratedweather chart overlay for the Synapsis ECDIS, developed in close cooperation with meteoro- logical experts. The new feature combines sea chart and weather chart in one display. All weather parameters are presented as values or symbols on a separate layer and can be switched on and off any time. The system can show all available weather forecasts for the next days. If individual weather values exceed the preset limits, the values are shown graphically as weather warn- ings. The Synapsis ECDIS imports the weather data via a standardized GRIB-file from a weather data provider. www.raytheon-anschuetz.com FuelTrax Provides Activity Logging Nautical Control Solutions, LP (NCS) announced that its FuelTrax system now provides the ability to enter activity codes for automaticallycoupling fuel usage numbers to loca-tion, date, and time. Wind and sea states are included. The ABS Type Approved FuelTrax sys- tem helps improve the performance of vessels through tighter management controls, accurate fuel accountability, and optimized vessel operations. FuelTrax monitors fuel flow, measures and alarms fuel tank levels, and proves bunker fuel densities and quantities. Live wheelhouse monitoring features include BestSpeed and BestEconomy for real-time throttle adjustments that can help reduce fuel consumption. www.fueltrax.com Continuous Duty DC Blower Clears the AirEven small vessels can have big exhaust issues in engine rooms and other enclosed spaces. To prevent dangerous fumes from accumulating, Delta "T" Systems offers its compact but powerful new 3" DC Blower. The 12 volt blower provides extreme air volumes at very high static pressures, rated at 125 cfm. The model is continuous duty rated for long-term relia- bility. Ideal for gasoline engine applications, it is fully ignition protected. Its rugged, marine-grade, ABS plastic housing resists corrosion. The stainless steel shaft and bronze bearings provide smooth, quiet operation and is assembled in the USA. www.deltatsystems.com Marine Exhaust Systems Quiets Panama Canal Workboats With each component selected for function and reliability, Marine Exhaust Systems was chosen to dampen sound on sixnew specialty craft for the Panama Canal Authority. The all-welded aluminum vessels are part of ALMAR by North River's Sounder designs, built to ABS high speed craft standard. These powerful propul- sion systems, often idling all day, can produce substantial noise with sound abated to 75 dB at wide open throttle. Established in 1973, Marine Exhaust Systems manufac- tures complete diesel exhaust system packages, from turbo to transom. www.marine-exhaust.com Laborde Repowers Inland Waterways Pushboat Plant Recovery Company (PRC) recently turned to Laborde Products to repower the M/V Victoria, a pushboat used for transporting barges through inland waterways. Laborde installed Mitsubishi S12R-Y1MPTA engines, rated 1,180 hp at 1,600 rpm, and Twin Disc MG 540 transmissions and new RW Fernstrum grid coolers. Excellent for heavy-duty tug and push boat applications, Mitsubishi engines offer larger displacement and more mass. Each cylinder has its own head and the engine has large inspection covers. Another advantage with Mitsubishi is that they are EPA compliant, but with mechanical governors. No complex electronics are required to meet emission standards. www.labordeproducts.com