Seven Megatrends An outlook on determining trends
in energy and related politics
Accommodating growth Living quarter module for Petrobras FPSO
travels on BBC Sapphire
Difficult routesA quality preparation for an Antarctic
mission with BBC Danube
Partner Magazine of the BBC Chartering Group
Anchored by
excellenceE
ditio
n 2
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page 2 | excellence
Content
04 A message from Svend Andersen Teamwork wins championships
06 Seven megatrends An outlook on determining trends in energy
and related politics
10 Accommodating growth Living quarter module for Petrobras FPSO travels
on BBC Sapphire
14 Prepare an impeccable project delivery An interview with technical director Jimmy Jensen
from Singapore
16 BBC = Best Business Centerfold Moving on successfully is not about what you know
18 On difficult routes A quality preparation for an Antarctic mission
with BBC Danube
22 Optimizing the “magic seven” Sneak peak on a next generation BBC Chartering vessel
24 Angolan offshore modules mobilized Mafumeira Sul topside structures move from Houston
to South Korea
26 On tour for the cure The National MS Society and BBC Chartering`s
MS 150 challenge
28 Project briefs Selected cargo transfer assignments of BBC Chartering
in the Americas
30 BBC Chartering world map Contact BBC Chartering representatives nearest to you
18
24
6
10
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 3
Dear readers
Welcome back to our summer/fall edition of the
‘excellence’ magazine, which is also our tenth issue!
Inside we take a closer look at “seven mega trends in
energy and politics”. As potential key drivers for global
project logistics, we share some observations which
may shape primary dynamics in this field for the coming
decades.
Also, we took the opportunity to look at some recent
shipments, most of which relate to projects we were
involved in the Americas. In “accommodating growth”,
we highlight the ambitious expansion plans for oil
exploitations offshore Brazil and how BBC Chartering has
the pleasure to support these. Furthermore, our technical
director from Singapore, Jimmy Jensen, talks about the
single heaviest piece ever transported onboard a BBC
vessel.
As technical innovations happen in shipbuilding, we are
also pleased to give an exclusive sneak peak on the “magic
seven” advantages our next generation multipurpose
and heavy lift vessels may bring to the market in the not
too distant future.
This tenth edition of ‘excellence’ also contains a very
unique feature for us. Our experiences may have taught
us, that it’s often “difficult routes” that lead us to beautiful
destinations; this seems to hold much truth, especially
for the BBC Danube that successfully returned from a
demanding Antarctic mission. We are also pleased to
present an interview with Sylvia Weiss as responsible
project manager from ship owners Briese on project
challenges and her personal experiences.
Starting off this issue by digesting the recent soccer
World Cup, Svend Andersen gives us some inspirational
thoughts that everyone in our industry may appreciate.
On behalf of the global team, I hope you enjoy this
magazine and stay connected until the next issue. For
ideas, comments, pictures or any feedback we may use
for future publications, please write to excellence@bbc-
chartering.com.
Warm regards,
Raymond Fisch
‘excellence’ editor
ImprintResponsible for content:
Svend Andersen
Raymond Fisch
Contact and editing:
Raymond Fisch
Suggestions to:
Published by:
BBC Chartering GmbH
Hafenstr. 10b · 26789 Leer · Germany
© BBC Chartering 2014 - All rights reserved
page 4 | excellence
Welcome back to the second ‘excellence’ issue of 2014
and an exciting summer of soccer.
“All in one rhythm” was the key theme of the World Cup
in Brazil this year, and the world has probably seen one of
the most spectacular sporting events ever. Much drama
and much pain, but not without much passion, exceptional
preparation, tactics, and spirit that finally produced a new
world champion. Congratulations to the German team for
winning this year’s cup!
When the cup started, I had a chat with a colleague where
we discussed which teams we expected for the finals. One
of his arguments was whether or not the sum of the last
trading value of each country’s players would be a good
indicator to predict major encounters of the tournament.
According to this analysis, we would have most probably
seen a final between Germany and Spain.
You may agree that we saw some surprises on this end.
And even the best planning on Earth is not worth the
paper, when exceptionally spirited and prepared teams
suddenly change the world. Who would have thought the
Spanish, the Italian and even the English team would be
sent home even before the playoffs?
If we have learned one thing from this remarkable
tournament, it is that things can change quickly and often
in unforeseeable ways. We all know there is a time to
grow, there is a time to consolidate, and there is a time to
go. And any such time requires a different mix of talent to
succeed. Without overemphasizing our own importance,
we need to realize that our individual action, be it in
soccer or elsewhere is always embedded in a social and
cultural context that allows our talents to flourish.
“Teamwork wins championships” was the slogan of the
BBC Chartering World Cup planner you may have used
this year as well; this continues to hold true after the
spectacular show.
When there are many teams with dynamic and reliable
talents, performance truly becomes a quality criterion.
It’s not limited to the soccer world, but also applies to
the project shipping world; we can only realize the many
exceptional undertakings if we team up accordingly.
We are there to deliver our part for you – and this
‘excellence’ magazine impressively shows where and
how we do this successfully. BBC vessels and services
are needed in almost any corner of the world to support
people that are building exceptional projects. This is why
we are passionate about what we do in our joint world of
project shipping!
Please enjoy this issue and we hope to see you soon. How
about at the upcoming Breakbulk Americas in Houston?
Sincerely,
Svend Andersen
Chief Executive Officer
Dear business partners
and friends
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 5
» Teamwork wins championships «
page 6 | excellencepage 6 | excellence
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 7
seven megatrendsAn outlook on determining trends
in energy and related politics
In the course of history, energy has always been
a driving force for change. Nearly no other industry
can claim having a more far-reaching effect on other
industry sectors or society at large. The world is
continually challenged to find answers to pressing
questions surrounding energy supply, energy demand,
and sustainability issues in the 21st century. In this
article, we present seven megatrends which may
continue to determine the energy political agenda in
coming decades.
Lower priority of “climate change”
It seems obvious that the discussion regarding climate
change has lost its momentum and fallen behind
economic priorities. Currently, the top challenges are
the global financial crisis, unemployment, and reforming
the banking industry. Global leaders are using the term
“climate change” less frequently and it seems this
trend will continue. Other topics taking precedence
are: economic growth, competitiveness, affordability of
energy, and the security of energy supplies.
This paradigm shift doesn’t mean that climate change
should disappear from the global agenda. It is part of our
daily reality that millions of people, both in developing
countries and developed urban areas, often reside
under unbearable conditions caused by recurring floods
and tropical storms, for example. Because of these
conditions, climate questions will not be lost in oblivion.
Climate change will likely stay on the agenda but with
lower priority compared to other energy political issues.
Growing demand for energy
Another megatrend which influences global politics
around energy is the increasing global thirst for energy.
Some studies propose that the global demand will
grow dramatically especially in developing countries;
an increase up to 45% by 2030. The estimated demand
growth in developed economies is around 2.5% for the
same time frame. The three strong trends driving short to
medium term energy demand are growth in population,
economic growth, and urbanization.
We can expect a drastic increase both in birth rates and in
economically active population in emerging economies.
This demographic trend produces more than double the
economic growth of such economies over industrialized
ones.
Strong economic growth is accompanied by higher
standards of living and prosperity; this results in
increased energy consumption. Also, the astronomical
growth of urban populations requires additional
residential buildings, public transport and infrastructure,
water supply, and disposal systems. All of these result in
an increase of energy consumption.
page 8 | excellence
Despite a green revolution, fossil energy remains indispensable
Renewable energy should be used to cover the growing
demand for energy. However, despite all efforts to beef
up renewable energy production, we are still too far away
to proclaim “the age of renewable energy.” Global energy
demand is projected to increase more than 25% by 2030.
As this cannot be supported by renewable energy alone,
this will also lead to an increase of fossil fuel production.
It is projected that about 80% of the global energy mix in
2030 will come from fossil energy sources. Past beliefs
that the world would slowly say good-bye to fossil fuels
in the coming decades can be safely set aside. Better
reclamation techniques, technical advances, and non-
conventional hydrocarbon sources such as tight oil,
tight gas, shale gas and oil bring a significant increase
of available fossil fuel sources. The phenomenon of
the American “shale revolution” explains much of this
development. For example, the Bakken shale-oil reservoir
in North Dakota and Montana is estimated to hold more
than 3.6 billion barrels of oil. This alone is comparable to
the total exploitable reserves of the state of Gabon, and
represents 13% of the current estimated US reserves. This
recent development significantly reduces US oil imports
and impacts the geopolitical situation as the US moves
towards more energy independence. Time will tell, but it
is likely this will also influence the scope and dynamic of
future US engagements in the Middle East.
Facing these developments it becomes clear, even though
we see more green energy in the future, the lion’s share
of the world’s increasing energy demand continues to be
covered by fossil fuels.
Increasing energy nationalism and imperialism
The ongoing dependency on fossil fuel sources has political
and strategic consequences. Government regimes that
possess meaningful energy resources exercise political
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 9
pressure and also seek to profit economically. State-
owned oil companies control about 90% of the global oil
reserves and 75% of the global exploitation activities.
As we know, some of the world’s largest conventional
gas reserves are geographically spread over Russia,
Qatar, and Iran. Currently the world’s largest private oil
company, ExxonMobil, only ranks fourteenth with regards
to controlled reserves. This also means it is likely that
resource rich states may further exploit their resource
power to influence foreign affairs. It is worth mentioning
that objectives of state-controlled energy companies
may differ significantly from private companies which
usually follow the laws of economics.
Other nationalistic tendencies which are observable, but
less visible, are bound to resource rich states. As we can
see from the renewable sector, especially the solar sector,
there is a “subsidy war” going on between Europe and
China. It seems China has emerged as the winner. China
engages on all fronts (e.g. in Africa, South America,
Central Asia) to secure sufficient energy supply for its
growing economy.
Looking into the future, it is likely that the political powers
of the world will continue to secure the projected scarce
resources; distorting geopolitics which may bring about
major disputes and momentous consequences if not
considered thoughtfully.
Increased risk for critical infrastructure
Although such conflicts on a global scale still seem
distant, we can already observe increasing threats to
critical energy infrastructure. Since the beginning of the
Arab Spring in January 2011, sabotage activities have
become a recurring item on global energy agendas. Oil
production plants and pipelines have become assault
targets mainly in the MENA (Mid East & North Africa)
region, which in turn leads to supply interruptions for oil
importing countries. As a most notable example of an
attack, Libyan oil production fell by 90% from 1.6 million
barrel per day to only 169,000 barrels per day within only
three months back in 2011!
Although physical attacks can have significant conse-
quences to global energy markets, a bigger threat for
critical infrastructure may be cyber espionage and cyber-
attacks. The discovery of the Stuxnet worm in 2010 had
far reaching consequences for cyber security. The virus
was able to infiltrate the SCADA-systems (supervisory
control and data acquisition systems), a standard
technology which is used to steer industrial complexes
and processing units around the world.
Ironically, the more advanced and complex the tech-
nology behind critical infrastructure becomes, the more
vulnerable it is to cyber-attacks, it seems.
An unlikely renaissance of nuclear power
Despite the increased operating risk for critical in-
frastructure, we may see an increase of nuclear power
utilization. It seems the Fukushima incident from 2011
raised doubts about the secureness of nuclear power
generation, even changing policy programs in Germany,
Belgium and Switzerland. Italy also halted plans to invest
and build new nuclear power plants.
Stronger safety regulations, delayed investments, higher
insurance premiums, and more opposition slow down
future nuclear expansion; especially in industrial nations
with a higher installed nuclear capacity. Comparably low
market prices for fossil energy, through planned high
production volumes of gas in the coming decades, and
the high building cost for nuclear power plants hardly
speak for a nuclear renaissance. This is especially true
in the indebted OECD countries. A slowdown in nuclear
power expansion can be viewed positively or negatively.
Whatever governments may decide, dealing with nuclear
power remains an unwanted challenge. However, it is a
challenge that mankind needs to deal with for the sake of
future generations.
Technical innovation and a functioning market economy drive hope
No international agreements regarding climate pro-
tection, growing energy demand, dominance of fossil
fuels, energy imperialism, infrastructure at risk, and
nuclear challenges does not really project a bright and
positive energy future. But when we consider these facts,
what might be our best option for overcoming these
challenges?
The only true hope lies in the power of innovation and
a functioning market economy that brings about the
following: higher energy efficiency, economic and
controlled use of CCS (carbon capture and storage),
new energy storage technologies, drastic advances in
the efficient use of conventional and non-conventional
energy sources and technologies, the substitution of oil
through gas or hydrogen in the transport sector, and
the deployment of smart grids combined with the ability
to market these technologies. This may bring about
solutions that are in the interest of our global civilization,
supporting healthy people, planet, and profit!
Sources:
· Roland Berger Strategy Consultants,
The Trend Compendium 2030 (2011)
· Exxon Mobil, The Outlook for Energy: A view to 2040
· IEA, World Energy Outlook (2011)
· BP Energy Outlook 2030 (2011)
· Friedbert Pflüger, European Centre for Energy
and Resource Security (EUCERS) in KAS
· Auslandsinformationen (9/2012)
page 10 | excellencepage 6 | excellencepage 10 | excellence
accommodatinggrowth Living quarter module for Petrobras FPSO travels on BBC Sapphire
We have previously reported on Petrobras; the company
is engaged in exploiting one of the largest pre-salt oil
reserves in the world, the Santos Basin located offshore
Brazil. The company can be proud of many achievements,
but it continues to face numerous challenges while
striving to keep up with its ambitious growth plans.
Petrobras is busy accommodating their significant growth;
in 2013 the identified reserves grew by a remarkable 43%
compared to 2012. The company drilled 42 new wells during
2013 in the pre-salt layer and all indicated the presence of
hydrocarbons.
In addition to the reserve increase, Petrobras’ pre-salt oil
production also reached a new high of more than 400,000
bpd by April of this year with a current average production
per well of around 25,000 bpd. On top of that, three more
declarations of commercial viability for future Santos
developments have been issued concerning the Lapa
(Carioca), Búzios (Franco) and Sul de Lula (Sul de Tupi)
fields.
This year, Petrobras is busy as the company plans to
connect 17 new wells to platforms which are already
installed in the pre-salt Santos basin hub. There are plans
to launch two new FPSOs as well; ‘Cidade de Ilhabela’ in
the Sapinhoá Norte field and ‘Cidade de Mangaratiba’ in
the Iracema Sul field. These are expected to increase the
pre-salt oil production capacity in the basin to 300,000
bpd.
Challenged by aging offshore fields and shipyard production
delays in Brazil, Petrobras decided to commission work
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 11
page 12 | excellence
What is an FPSO?
A floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO)
unit is a floating vessel used by the offshore oil and gas
industry for the processing of hydrocarbons and for
storage of oil. An FPSO vessel is designed to receive
hydrocarbons produced from nearby platforms or subsea
template, process them, and store oil until it can be
offloaded onto a tanker or, less frequently, transported
through a pipeline. FPSOs are preferred in frontier
offshore regions as they are easy to install, and do not
require a local pipeline infrastructure to export oil. FPSOs
can be a conversion of an oil tanker or can be a vessel
built specially for the application. A vessel used only to
store oil (without processing it) is referred to as a floating
storage and offloading vessel (FSO). There are also under
construction (as at 2013) floating liquefied natural gas
(FLNG) vessels, which will extract and liquefy natural gas
on board. Source: www.wikipedia.org
for four new FPSOs from Chinese shipyards; as to not
threaten the oil giant’s ambitious output expansion plans.
An estimated amount of US $2 billion is currently being
invested to convert oil tankers into the P-67, P-75, P-76
and P-77 floating, production, storage and offloading
(FPSO) units in China and Indonesia.
The conversions will be completed in Brazil, and the
FPSOs can then commence operations in the pre-
salt Santos Basin. Although a minor (but important)
component of the conversions, all FPSOs will be fitted
with large accommodation units for offshore workers. As
subjects of the FPSOs distributed production schedule,
the accommodation units for the aforementioned FPSOs
will also be fabricated in China. The units now need to
be shipped to Brazil, and therefore require adequate
transportation.
BBC Chartering was awarded the contract to bring the
first of four, six-story high housing units from Dalian, China
to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And this July, BBC successfully
delivered module No.1 for the ‘P-67’ FPSO destined for
‘Lula Norte’, a field which is expected to produce oil in
2016.
As this is not a usual piece of cargo, we are pleased
to feature an interview with Jimmy Jensen, technical
director of BBC Chartering in Singapore. He elaborates
on the challenges of this project the team faced while
preparing the exceptional transfer of this 1380mt heavy
accommodation unit.
Sources: Petrobras - at a glance (June 2014);
www.oilandgastechnology.net
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 13
Jimmy, in your long history at BBC, how does this
project’s loading operation rank for you personally?
As far as I know, the accommodation module was the
heaviest piece ever loaded on a BBC ship. We loaded a
coaster onboard the M/V BBC Leer in 2009 with a steel
weight of 1200mt, but the accommodation unit was
1380mt. Due to its size and weight, the module needed to
be loaded by a floating crane.
It was a big challenge from the
beginning, as we had to deal with
many restrictions. For example,
we were restricted by draft, both
in the loading and discharging
port, but we also needed to load
sufficient cargo to compensate
for the relative high center of
gravity for this shipment. We
were initially asked to evaluate, a
first of its kind, open hatch cover
sailing the Amber class for this reason. Special permis-
sion needs to be attained for such a sailing.
What were the core technical challenges when planning
this loading operation?
With the oversized dimensions of the module came the
challenge to find a way to secure the unit. We needed to do
the required calculation regarding weight spreading and
seafastening for different scenarios. Our naval architect,
Rahul Kangralkar, diligently made all calculations for this.
We also needed to design special stoppers that could
only be placed in certain positions.
The biggest challenge, however, was to determine the
optimal additional cargo which was required to attain
both sufficient draft and stability for the voyage. For this
we collaborated closely with the master and chief officer
who did all required vessel related calculations in a very
timely manner for any thinkable scenario; they did a great
job.
prepare animpeccableproject deliveryAn interview with Jimmy Jensen, BBC s̀ technical director from Singapore
page 14 | excellence
Jimmy Jensen
Why was an open hatch transport considered and then
discarded?
At the beginning of the planning process, the cargo was
intended to be loaded on the tank top level to lower the
actual center of gravity. In another scenario we evaluated
loading the module on the tween deck, and in a third
scenario on the hatch cover. Any scenario would have
required to cut steel components of the module to make
it fit for proper loading and stowage.
In the end the cutting effort was the least cost effective
when the module was fastened onto the hatch cover. This
only required cutting the elevator shaft underneath the
cargo to allow for a flat positioning on the hatch cover
panels. Although this led to discarding the idea of the
open hatch sailing, permission for this could be attained.
What can you tell us about the secrets of a successful
loading operation in general and specifically in this case?
I don’t think there are any secrets as such, but there is a lot
of hard work involved. To prepare any operation, we need
the most accurate drawings to work with and, wherever
possible, we inspect the loading site and cargos before a
I would like to thank the whole BBC team involved with
this project. This consisted of Rahul Kangralkar, Peter
Stenske and Manuel Saez working on the technical side
with me; Christian Johnsen working on the commercial
side; Christoph Krueder working with the vessel owner
to attain class and flag approval; and Emiel Nuninga, who
worked on the vessel operations side.
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 15
page 18 | excellence
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 19
moving on successfullyis not about what you know but rather
what you do with what you know
page 18 | excellence
It is not a usual shipping job when you are asked to
send a ship to the Antarctic, a region mostly home to
research-type vessels and usually out-of-scope for the
commercial merchant shipping world. Nevertheless, it
happened last year when BBC Chartering was asked to
bring equipment to South Korea‘s research station, Jang
Bogo, at Terra Nova Bay before it opened its doors for
scientific operation early this year.
As Korea’s second research facility on the South Pole,
Jang Bogo is one of the largest year-round bases on
the continent. The newly built complex consists of 16
buildings, 24 observatory facilities, and residences
that can accommodate up to 60 people. It is designed
to endure temperatures dropping to -40°C, and to
withstand wind speeds of up to 65 meters per second
(=234km/h). Hyundai Engineering & Construction built
the aerodynamically designed triple arm complex that
will provide sufficient resistance to the elements and
extreme conditions.
For BBC Chartering, this meant that a suitable vessel
needed to be mobilized that was able to safely navigate
Terra Nova Bay during the Antarctic summer. This is why
the shipping assignment started early in October 2013;
ensuring a proper preparation process of vessel and crew
so the valuable research equipment would arrive before
the opening of the station.
Intense cooperation with vessel owner and operator was
required to manage the preparedness of the BBC Danube
for this difficult voyage. We took this opportunity to
talk to Sylvia Weiss, designated project manager of
Briese Schiffahrt, about the experiences made on this
extraordinary voyage…
Sylvia, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. What
were the requirements for the BBC Danube to carry out
this mission?
Classification-wise we needed
a vessel with high ice class and
the BBC Danube meets the re-
quired “E3” classification stan-
dards. However, flag-state and
classification requirements were
not entirely postulated. This
required an intense clarification
process with both bodies to make
sure all critical requirements
would surface before the mission
commenced and respective insurance coverage for the
mission could be attained.
Fuel was also an issue. MARPOL states which fuel
is allowed to be burned in engines and which fuel is
allowed to be carried in Antarctic waters (south of 60°
South) in regards to density and viscosity. There are
also requirements from the technical side in regards to
the fuel which shall be burned in the main engine and
auxiliary engines.
Eventually we found a fuel which satisfied MARPOL and
technical requirements, and could be used to ensure a
safe and environmentally conscious operation under
extreme Antarctic conditions. Of course a detailed test
run of all engines was conducted with this “special fuel”
before entering Antarctic waters.
on difficult routesA quality preparation for an Antarctic mission with BBC Danube
Sylvia Weiss
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 19
page 20 | excellence
Where there any specific features of the ship that needed
to be adapted for this project? What where the factors
that made the ship appropriate for the task?
Both the cargo capacity and loading gear of the BBC
Danube needed to match the project’s requirements
set forth for cargo volumes to be shipped and loading
operations to be executed. We also needed to install extra
navigation equipment to allow for improved accuracy.
Some specific communication equipment was required
as well to ensure sufficient polar communication through
the Iridium Satellite; the existing communication system,
beyond the vessel’s planned maximum latitude position,
could have become insufficient.
Also, we needed to organize extra storage and cooling
space to manage sufficient canteen provisions for the
crew over an extended period (>100 days) without
further supply possibilities. We designed log sheets and
inventory tables for all critical consumer goods like fuel,
fresh water, lubrication oil, and provision to control the
stock.
Where there any challenges, if so what where they and
how were they overcome?
Due to the extreme remoteness of the mission’s
destination, sufficient spare parts needed to be available
in store on a preventive basis. We needed to ensure the
vessel’s full performance throughout the entire duration
of the project. Parts and spares were ordered, and an extra
container with 16,5mt of material was loaded onto the
BBC Danube prior to departure in Hobart, New Zealand.
What are your thoughts regarding lifting operations here,
and the challenges faced by heavy-lift cargo projects
operating in the Arctic in general?
The vessel’s gear was sufficient and could be safely
operated to unload the heaviest pieces. This included, for
example, two barges and a small tug boat. However, we
also arranged for spare wires for the crane just in case.
Temperature variations may lead to fast ice melting. In
our case, a large ice shelf (that also served as ice pier)
collapsed while the vessel was positioned there. Cargo,
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 21
vessel, and crew were always in safe conditions; however,
a new berthing needed to be found. One can imagine
that collisions with ice cannot always be avoided in such
situations.
What would you say are main lessons learned from
carrying out such a project?
We always increase our knowledge on such missions.
Previous Antarctic missions were made to the US
Research Base McMurdo Station, the German Neumeyer
Station, and the Spanish Juan Carlos I Base.
In general, my advice would be to always take quality
time for proper preparation! It’s a bit like a seaborne
Himalaya mission – you can’t avoid the risk, but you will
never forgive yourself if you are not prepared for what
could happen. We know how difficult it is to stay calm,
but understand that we can only master critical situations
if we face them with a cool head. In this respect, we are
grateful to our crew, for adequately responding to any
challenge and for managing such a highly demanding
mission.
page 22 | excellence
Generally speaking, a ship is a bundle of features
blended to achieve a specific objective. However,
the design parameters are not always clear-cut and
designing a ship is more than a science that can be
reduced to purely economic criteria.
In this respect, there are a few general questions that are
helpful to review when defining the particular features
an investor wants to include before a new building
gets commissioned. When evaluating a new design
for potential new BBC vessels, we first limit the options
to multipurpose vessels with heavy-lift capability. In
general such arrangements bring the advantage of
carrying a mix of general cargo in the hold; whilst
having the option to carry heavy project cargoes on
deck or a full load of other standardized cargo. Our next
generation of multipurpose vessel design addresses
seven areas of improvement, or as we call it the “magic
seven.”
The first criterion concerns the optimization of
fuel consumption of the new vessel type. This gets
achieved through specifically optimized hull lines, a
new generation 2-stroke main engine with ultra-long
stroke, the application of a low-resistance antifouling
paint system, the implementation of a ship performance
monitoring system, speed controlled cooling water
pumps, and intelligent power management systems.
optimizing the “magic seven”Sneak peak on a next generation BBC Chartering vessel
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 23
The second optimizing aspect of the new design is to
speed up cargo turnover. Here one focus was on a new
foldable weather deck hatch cover system with only two
self-driven pontoons for easy traversing. Another plus in
this respect are the vessels cranes which are approved
for continuous bulk operation, and their ability to move
tween decks with their auxiliary hoist only. Moreover, no
stabilizing pontoons are required for heavy lifts.
The third category refers to the vessel’s ability to trade
in any water. The new design is fitted for Great Lakes,
AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority), and US
trading. The vessel has GL ice class E3 and features a
shallow draft that allows the vessel to call ports which
usually limit access due to draft restrictions.
The fourth and most significant area of improvement
concerns the vessel’s optimized handling of project and
heavy lift cargo. The main cargo hold measures a length
of 76,5m and is 17,6m wide, featuring deck loads up to
25t/m2 on the tank top. Maximum deck loads are 8t/m2
on the pontoon covers and 4t/m2 on tween decks and
hatch covers. Moreover, the vessel has a wider usable
deck area compared to common designs. It can lift
up to 500mt, combining its two cranes, even with an
outreach of ~11m over the pier when using a lifting beam.
Achieving a lifting height exceeding 35m at 10m outreach
is also a new design feature which helps to handle larger
dimensioned cargoes. Additionally, the vessel now offers
a meeting room on the poop deck and up to four cabins
for guests or client representatives.
Fifth, there is additional flexibility given through the
fact that the vessel is interchangeable with other sister
vessels on order, and partially interchangeable with older,
precursor vessels in the 12,000 dwt category.
The sixth area of optimization details a focus on
operating expense savings through the use of high-
quality components from top tier makers which require
less maintenance.
Completing the “magic seven,” are ‘green ship’ char-
acteristics. The vessel carries the class extension EP-D,
which means it has an environmental passport. On top of
that, it also runs far under the maximum permissible EEDI
limit values set for 2025.
In short, the new vessel design offers a high degree of
flexibility, high operating efficiency with up to 30% fuel
savings over comparable existing designs, ‘green ship’
characteristics and the ability to trade any route and port.
With a realistic number of vessels on order, and options
to build more, BBC Chartering and its partners are
convinced this new vessel type fills an important role in
the future multipurpose and heavy lift shipping market.
This shall continue the seminal story of BBC Chartering
successfully introducing, marketing, and operating
leading MPP / HL tonnage. The first vessel of this type is
expected to join the BBC fleet by the beginning of 2016.
1. Optimization of fuel consumption
2. Speed up cargo turnover
3. Global trade-ability
4. Handling of project and heavy lift cargo
5. Flexibility and interchangeability
6. High quality equipment supporting
OPEX savings
7. ‘Green ship’ characteristics
“Magic seven” areas of optimization
page 24 | excellence
Four building units for the Mafumeira Sul offshore
project were loaded in Houston onboard the BBC Pearl
and arrived mid July in Okpa, South Korea.
With weights of 110, 199, 500 and 505 metric tons, the
two lighter and smaller structures were stowed in the
vessel’s hold and the bigger units travelled on deck of the
vessel and provided a remarkable sight of the vessel.
Due to the given dimensions and specifics of the cargo,
the lighter units could be moved using the vessel’s own
crane. The larger units required a higher clearance; hence
they needed to be lifted with external cranes. Here two
Texas based floating crane barges, the “Big John” from
Houston and “Big T” from Galveston were engaged to lift
the housing units onto the BBC Pearl’s deck.
At their destination Okpa, South Korea the modules
will become part of larger platform structures which
are destined for the second stage of the Mafumeira Sul
project, a major West African Oil development project
offshore Angola. According to field developer Chevron,
the second development stage of the project includes
the building of a central processing facility, two wellhead
platforms, approximately 75 miles (121 km) of subsea
pipelines, 34 producing wells, and 16 water injection wells.
Mafumeira Sul is expected to produce oil in 2015 and
build toward a peak total daily output of 110,000 barrels
of crude oil and 10,000 barrels of liquefied petroleum gas
at later stages. The total of potentially recoverable oil-
equivalent resources are estimated at 300 million barrels.
The project is estimated to cost $5.6 billion.
In various assignments, BBC Chartering supports this
major undertaking with its multipurpose and heavy lift
tonnage. The BBC Pearl used for this project spread is
a 14,800dwt heavy-lift vessel with 2x 400mt lifting
capacity.
angolanoffshore modules
mobilizedMafumeira Sul topside structures
move from Houston to South Korea
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 25
page 26 | excellence
You have probably heard that “everything is bigger
in Texas,” this is even true of the bike rides. Each April,
Team BBC proudly suits up for the BP MS 150 ride, the
biggest event of its kind in North America.
Team BBC joins 245 other teams, 13,000 total riders,
and 3,000 volunteers for the two-day, 180-mile ride.
The goal is to support the 2.3 million people who fight
multiple sclerosis on a daily basis worldwide, build
awareness, and raise funds for the National MS Society.
The money raised goes on to create resources for those
affected by the disease, and supports research that will
one day lead to a cure.
BP MS 150 total fundraising, in 2014: $18.9 million
BP MS 150 total fundraising, since 1985: $185 million
Since first joining the ride in 2003, BBC Chartering
has raised a total of $494,956.00. Breaking all former
team records this year, the team brought in a little over
$72,000.00. Out of the 245 teams that participated,
Team BBC had the 43rd highest average funds raised
per rider with $1,667.00.
None of this would have been possible without our
generous sponsors, friends, and partners! Thank you
for supporting Team BBC and, more importantly, the
National MS Society. The team at BBC Chartering is
passionate about this ride and the cause, it’s our hope
that you share this passion and join us in stopping MS in
its tracks!
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Team.BBC.Chartering
Source: The National MS Society, www.nmss.org
on tour for the cureThe National MS Society and BBC Chartering̀ s MS 150 challenge
ESTABLISHED 1858
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Thanks to our Sponsors!
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 27
March 2014 – The Horizon Oil Sands Project was approved in
2005, and since 2009, the project has produced and increased
its output of high quality, low-sulphur, sweet synthetic crude oil
(SCO).
In its ongoing expansion efforts, a new vacuum distillation unit
(VDU), diluents recovery unit (DRU), and a hydrogen sulphide
recovery unit (HSU) were ordered to enhance the project’s
capabilities. These three major heavy lift units were fabricated
in Ciwandan, Indonesia and required shipment to Houston,
Texas. Due to existing oversize restrictions on Canadian routes,
the HSU column, the VDU, and DRU vessel had to be railed to
their final destination in Canada from Houston. Other, smaller
supplies for the project were directly delivered to Vancouver
and then transported overland to the project’s site in Bitumount,
Alberta.
The 2006–built BBC Queensland was selected to deliver this
job. She is one of four vessels with a cargo intake of 8,000dwt
and a combined lifting capability of 500mt.
April 2014 – The Venezuelian “La Perla” field is South
America’s biggest ever gas discovery, and one of the largest
LNG finds in the world.
Since the discovery in 2009, a total of five gas wells have been
drilled. They are put into production using offshore platforms
and underwater connections to carry the gas onshore, from
where it is to be processed and sent through the Venezuelan
distribution network.
Three BBC vessels provided offshore storage and feeding
solutions for the venture to build a 67-kilometres-long offshore
export pipeline. Marine construction works of this spread were
performed by the offshore construction vessels Saipem 3000
and Castoro 7.
Horizon Oil Sands Project
BBC feeds „La Perla“ pipes
page 28 | excellence
project briefs / americas
May 2014 – The Port of Arica in Chile has set new standards over
the past five years, facilitating both domestic and international
trade. Ongoing investment programs aim at increasing the port’s
efficiency, safety, and environmental protection. As part of this,
a Liebherr LHM 600 crane, the port’s fourth crane unit, was
ordered to expand the port’s terminal services and improve its
cargo handling capabilities.
Coming from Liebherr’s yard in Rostock, Germany, the BBC Congo
delivered the crane on May 18. According to Dante Battaglia,
Chief of Maritime Operations of the Arica port, the discharge of
the LHM 600 crane was “impeccable”. The 400mt heavy main
unit and additional components were discharged by the vessel
crew and local stevedores in only four 4 hours, and ready for their
full assembly in the following days.
The BBC Congo is a 17,000 dwt multipurpose and heavy lift vessel
with 2x 250mt lifting capacity. BBC Chartering operates seven
vessels of this type. The series was built between 2010 and 2013.
June 2014 – The heavy lift vessel BBC Asia recently delivered
two new Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) Buoys for
PEMEX REFINACION in Mexico, for the Tuxpan and Salina Cruz
marine terminals.
With more than 500 systems installed globally, CALM buoys
are the most popular and widely-used type of offshore loading
terminal. Fluid product is transferred via the CALM to or from
tankers by floating and subsea hose systems. CALMs have
been deployed for a variety of applications, water depths, and
vessel sizes ranging from small product carriers to Very Large
Crude Carriers (VLCC). The Tuxpan and Salina Cruz buoys are
designed to transfer gasoline, diesel, MTBE and/or TAME via
tankers up to 60,000 DWT. Each buoy is capable of transferring
up to 15,000 bbl/hr of cargo. Weighing up to 250mt, the buoys
were successfully discharged using the BBC Asia’s own cranes.
The BBC Asia is a compact 7,500 dwt heavy lift vessel with 2 x
250mt lifting capacity. BBC Chartering operates ten vessels of
this type.
Mobile cranes for Puerto Arica
CALM buoys
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 2529purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 29
worldwide offices
page 30 | excellence
Liverpool
Phone +44 151 600 5390
Bremen
Phone +49 421 330 75 0
Leer, Headquarters
Phone +49 491 9 25 20 90
Istanbul
Phone +90 216 4632 322
New Orleans
Phone +1 504 830 3900
Bilbao
Phone +34 94 410 550
Genoa
Phone +39 010 899 0950
Houston
Phone +1 713 668 4020
Antwerp
Phone +32 3540 5645
St. Petersburg
Phone +7 812 448 3714
Rouen
Phone +33 2 32 18 27 37
Montreal
Phone +1 514 904 0484
purpose. conviction. quality attitude. | page 31
Rio de Janeiro
Phone +55 21 3550 4451
Quito
Phone +593 2 381 7630
Seoul
Phone +82 2 795 0008
São Paulo
Phone +55 11 5542 7446
Guayaquil
Phone +593 4 236 5585
Tokyo
Phone +81 3 6228 6433
Shanghai
Phone +86 21 6336 9901
Bogota
Phone +57 1 300 4227
Buenos Aires I
Phone +54 11 4331 4643
Brisbane
Phone +61 407 965 502
Dubai
Phone +971 4 386 0829
Santiago de Chile
Phone +56 2 2847 3900
Lima
Phone +51 1 616 5100
Melbourne
Phone +61 3 9510 8410
Singapore
Phone +65 6576 4130
Buenos Aires II
Phone +54 11 4871 8533
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