The maritime world is expanding its horizons with an increasing wave of demand coming in every day. Ever since the pandemic has hit us, the competition in e-commerce and dry cargo chartering services is becoming tight. While these sectors are growing in quantity, there is also substantial growth in the quality of these services. Safety regulations are becoming more stringent and a need for absolute precision when it comes to vessel inspections and compliance with International standards is more urgent than ever.
Ship inspection and surveys are a crucial factor for every vessel out there, may it be a cargo ship, passenger ship, or a warship. The vessel is audited intricately to check whether all technical, as well as practical aspects of the vessel, are working properly. There is no space for negligence when it comes to shipping inspections as even if a minor fault or failure goes unnoticed, it can lead to catastrophic events. When the safety of life and property is at stake, you need to make sure you hire a well-established and seasoned Ship Inspection partner. If you fail to comply with all the laws and regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the penalties can be a harsh cost to bear. Hence, it’s better to go with a reputable organization like Alphard Maritime that has ample experience in the inspections domain.
Ship inspection can be a time-consuming and complex process. To check each technical parameter using manual labour is not the most efficient way to go. Thanks to numerous time-saving technological innovations, the efficacy of inspections have improved exponentially. Not just in terms of accuracy, but these technologies have made inspections possible remotely. Technological innovations like drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), crawlers, remotely operated vehicles, wearable technologies, etc have made the process of ship inspection smarter.
Drones and UAVs can make remote surveys and inspections plausible with an increased amount of efficiency. High-quality drones can reach far-off distances to provide video footage of areas to be inspected while maritime experts can monitor the complete scan and build the right conclusions.
Alphard Maritime is committed to minimizing risks involved with all maritime voyages, to keep crew and cargo secure. Their research on ship inspection technologies is giving birth to new and innovative solutions for pre-voyage vessel inspection techniques. To improve the overall efficiency of inspection operations and to provide hassle-free survey methodologies is a mission Alphard has undertaken.
Companies today need an advanced and professional service to ensure safety in all parameters that concern maritime operations. Alphard is one of the best vessel inspection service providers that are not only reliable but is keen on embracing all the latest technological changes. With operations supervised by master mariners and trained marine professionals, the safety of your vessels, crew, and cargo is guaranteed.
Maritime business is becoming diverse. With rising demands for offshore activities and shipping, maritime service offerings are becoming more advanced and efficient. Technological developments are accelerating, giving birth to new skills and jobs. But one of the most underrated fields in the maritime industry is underwater diving services. Just like any other vehicle we drive, all vessels also need inspections and maintenance. Especially the parts that are usually submerged underwater need special attention. Here comes the commercial diving part, where divers actually go underwater and carry out any inspection, maintenance, or repair work.
Commercial diving services is a big sector in the maritime industry with a wide array of offerings. Different types of requirements need specialized forms of expertise. From underwater photography of a marine platform or vessel to underwater welding and repairs, underwater diving services cover everything. There are obvious risks involved with underwater operations, and hence, safety considerations and compliances with all regulations are vital.
Here are some basic types of underwater diving services –
1) UWILD Inspections –
The submerged part of the vessel is inspected thoroughly to prevent any serious damage to the vessel, life, and goods aboard the ships. As opposed to the typical dry docking methodology, the UWILD inspection is done using commercial divers at sea to save time and cost. UWILD inspections act as a major preventive maintenance step, indicating if a vessel is complying with all the safety standards and is or not prepared for a voyage.
2) Maintenance and repair –
Long voyages, the weather, and the passing time can take a toll on the vessel. Just like any other infrastructure or vehicle, maintenance work is essential for it to last longer. This particular service is carried out by a commercial diving team. It can include all kinds of underwater repairing work, salvage in water removal of wire chain and line from the running gear, etc.
3) Hull cleaning –
Hull fouling is perhaps the most common problem in regards to the submerged structures of the vessels. It is caused when the marine plants and animals get tangled with propellers or the hull of the ship. This can affect the performance and fuel efficiency of the vessels. Hull cleaning is done to undo the hull fouling by teams of commercial divers having respective expertise.
4) Other activities –
Underwater services can be needed for multiple possibilities and purposes. Some other things that commercial diving is used for are, loss Anchor search, bow thruster cleaning and polishing, side sonar scan and recovery, cutting & welding services, propeller polishing, sea chest cleaning.
Underwater diving is a field that requires immense expertise, safety measures, and experience. Pick a reputable and seasoned underwater service provider like Alphard Maritime to carry out your commercial diving requirement.
The modern world is evolving fast. We are headed towards a technologically advanced future, especially when it comes to the maritime industry. Means and methods of maritime operations are changing rapidly. But some traditional and vital things remain constant i.e. the need for absolute safety and compliance with all the safety regulations. While there are multiple ways to ensure safety, doing thorough inspections for any possible damage, leaks, or faults in the structure of the vessels, the most commonly used technique is Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM).
It is crucial to perform all the necessary testing and safety inspections before the vessel departs from a port, to ensure a smooth voyage. Even the smallest undetected fault or damage to the vessel can lead to unfortunate disasters. UTG/NDT testing is one of the most important inspections when it comes to maritime shipping. Essentially a non-destructive way of checking for any faults, failures, damage or leaks in the hull or structures of the vessels. This form of testing can effectively act as a preventive measure, to avoid accidents or any other damages to the vessel.
Each maritime operation involves numerous human lives, tons of cargo worth huge sums of money & the vessel itself. The slightest negligence can sacrifice it all, which is why it becomes very important to choose a seasoned and reputable partner for performing UTG/NDT services on the vessel. New technologies allow technicians and marine engineers to increase the efficacy of these tests and derive precisely accurate results so that corrective measures can be carried out. Choosing the right company to facilitate UGT/NDT services is just as significant as actually getting these tests done & hence, pick a global maritime services brand like Alphard Maritime.
Alphard Maritime is a reputed name in the maritime industry. They have been providing maritime services and logistics solutions for more than a decade and continually deliver quality service. Alphard is a one-stop solution for all your shipping or logistic requirements. You can save the hassle of finding multiple service providers for different services and just get in touch with Alphard for a trust-worthy and excellent service. UGT/NDT was Alphard’s first maritime service when the company was incepted in 2009. For years, Alphard has offered UTM services for analyzing the thickness of hulls and NDT services to check for any damage or leaks to different kinds of vessels and even pipes and other maritime structures. The UGT/NDT experts have tested all kinds of vessels including LNG, LPG, Oil/Chemical tankers, bulk carriers, passenger ships, rigs, and support vessels. Alphard’s UGT.NDT Service is ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2004 certified and has respectfully earned approvals from all major classification societies. Over the years, Alphard has extended its services to some of the biggest commercial projects on a global level.
There is no place for ignorance when it comes to safety. To ensure there are no hiccups in the voyage and the complete safety of the vessel, crew, and cargo, opt for UGT/NDT services by Alphard Maritime.
The shipping industry is evolving, with huge amounts of cargo shipping demands having new challenges. New ways to carry out trade are coming forward with technological advancements. You woulDry
Dry cargo is nothing but cargo that is not gas or liquid but in a dry and solid form. The dry cargo can include items such as iron ore, steel rods or plates, sand, rocks, grains, coal, etc. Dry bulk commodities are needed for various purposes all over the world. Hauling these dry bulk commodities using huge vessels from one place to another is called Dry Cargo Chartering. It has become one of the biggest, complex, and diverse markets across the world. Over 3 billion tonnes of cargo are shipped each year. Without dry cargo shipping, none of the trade is possible. Not just that but you can see the link between dry cargo shipping and the things you use in day-to-day life. Your everyday kitchen wares made out of steel wouldn’t have been here if it wasn’t for Dry cargo shipping.
Be it project cargo, household utensils, industrial metals, or anything else, time-to-time delivery of dry bulk commodities has become essential. Entire projects and companies are dependent on the resources that Dry Cargo carriers procure. It has become vital for the shipping companies to be efficient, safe, and proactive in the Dry bulk trade to succeed in the cutthroat market. Companies need their shipping partners to be proactive, to present the shipping schedules and details well in advance, plan for all delays and risks to ensure the goods are delivered on time. Choosing your dry bulk chartering partner is perhaps the most important task to ensure business proceeds smoothly.
Choose a company like Alphard Maritime, a company that has carried out some of the biggest global projects and offers all kinds of maritime solutions. Alphard’s dry cargo chartering division is supervised by master mariners and a team that has all the relevant experience in this field. Alphard has successfully shipped more than 12 million tons of cargo. The professionals of Alphard are continually trying to meet all client requirements and deliver efficient dry cargo chartering services. It’s absolutely necessary to choose a reliable and proactive dry cargo chartering partner. Alphard Group is a company that can customize its service to match your needs and assist you throughout the voyage.
The maritime world is sailing towards a greener tomorrow. Maritime shipping already causes the least amount of pollution when compared to other means of transport, but new regulations levied by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are helping greatly to make the trade environmentally friendly. The IMO’s decision to levy new compliances regarding the transition to a Low-sulphur fuel was one of the turning points for the maritime industry. In late 2019, maritime companies were clouded with questions like – – Will the transition to VLSFO get postponed? – Would the modifications of ships be complete by 2020? – Would the new VLSFO be available globally? – How much would it cost? – What would be the quality issues caused by transitioning to VLSFO
Fortunately, the transition to VLSFO was quite successful all over the globe. The maximum sulfur content in the new VLSFO fuel was only 0.50% mass. The compliant fuel mandated in 2020 is widely available, at around USD 80. It’s safe to say that the transition to VLSFO was smooth. The only exception was the quality changes that vessels might have to tackle. No matter how much suppliers and oil refiners try, adulteration happens and this can potentially cause damage to the vessel. Some VLSFO suppliers are allowing tests to be performed before selling the fuel to detect any contaminants present in the fuel.
Shipowners have to be careful in their bunker management operations, especially when it comes to VLSFO. In order to minimize commercial losses and operational difficulties due diligence should be given to ensure that the VLSFO bunker has been tested for WAT (Wax Appearance Temperature) / WDT (Wax Disappearance Temperature) prior to commencing use of this fuel. Here are some factors vessel operators should examine without fail –
1) Changing viscosity between stems –
The purification temperature should be examined properly. There is no ISO standard for the viscosity of VLSFO and this can result in viscosity dropping below what is considered acceptable. Too low of viscosity can lead to wax formation and too high a temperature can result in sludge accumulation. Hence, it is essential to keep accurate injection and purification temperature.
2) Density –
When it comes to VLSFO, the gravity disc to be checked on a nomogram can vary from 0.85 to 0.96, which could be a lot. This can increase the volumetric size of the stem to be ordered. With lower-end density, the volume is bound to increase. Hence, it’s vital to keep density in check, or it can lead to insufficient storage space and financial losses.
3) Total Sediment Potential (TSP) –
Total Sediment Potential levels vary from situation to situation. If the TSP is high, the amount of sludge formation increases in the purifier. Due to this, the purifier requires to be cleaned more frequently.
Despite these compliance issues, the transition to VLSFO is going to be a big step towards protecting our environment. Alphard Maritime always ensures they use Low Sulphur Fuel to lower environmental pollution. We are dedicated to taking all measures to make sure our environment is protected. The transition from traditional fuel to VLSFO was indeed an impactful measure by IMO, but wondering what’s coming next is exciting!
The Maritime business is booming! Big projects and companies completely rely on maritime trade. Companies today need a maritime services partner that is efficient, reliable, and proactive. The competition in the maritime world is becoming tighter as new maritime companies are entering the business. But the ideal choice of a company will always be to choose a one-stop maritime services company that can cater to every requirement they have by closely working with them through every situation.
Alphard Maritime is just the maritime company you require to excel in your business. Alphard has a diversified portfolio, a set of services that will cater to all your maritime and logistic needs. On top of that, all departments of the company are managed by master mariners and seasoned marine professionals that ensure all client expectations are met efficiently and cost-effectively. Read on to know in detail about the services offerings of Alphard Maritime –
1.Main/Offshore Shipping Services –
Offshore shipping services are one of the biggest shipping requirements in the current time. Alphard’s offshore shipping services division was launched in October 2015. For half a decade, the Offshore services team of Alphard has catered to various projects for a plethora of clients. Alphard owns 18+ Tugs and Barges with a bollard pull ranging from 22 – 64 metric tonnes. Our team of experts has been successfully able to deliver over 4 million tons of cargo in the Persian Gulf.
2.Dry Cargo Chartering Services –
Dry Cargo Shipping involves shipping of dry bulk commodities that do not involve anything liquid or gaseous. Alphard’s Dry Cargo Chartering division was started in 2017 and has since carried out some of the biggest projects globally. Alphard provides customized cargo-hauling solutions as per the client’s needs. Alphard has moved more than 12 million tons of cargo to date. We are committed to delivering efficiently without any compromises on safety.
3.Commercial Diving Services –
The submerged part of the vessels often needs maintenance or repair work. Alphard’s commercial diving services cover a wide array of services. The professionals of underwater diving at Alphard can effectively deliver services like Hull Cleaning, Propeller Polishing, Tug Inspections, UWIL Survey, etc. Alphard’s diving managers have extensive experience of more than 25 years and know every in and out commercial diving.
4.UGT/NDT Services –
UGT/NDT services were one of the most initial sets of services Alphard extended to their clients in 2009. This involves Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement of ship hull and ship structures to ensure there are no leaks or damage to the ship. This is one of the most important preventive services that Alphard offers. Alphard’s professionals have hands-on knowledge and experience of doing non-destructive tests on many kinds of vessels including bulk carriers, LNG/LPG tankers, passenger ships, rigs, support vessels, etc.
5.Radio & Survey Equipment –
Communication safety is vital while heading out on a long voyage. The vessel needs to be closely connected with the on-shore sites for support and navigation. Alphard’s Radio & Equipment services test all radio and communication-related equipment on the vessel to ensure seamless communication is maintained. We provide a ‘service on request’ for our clients, striving to align our services to their expectations.
6.Ship Inspections –
Before a vessel departs from the port, it’s crucial to perform all the essential inspections to avoid any accidents or dangers during the voyage. Alphard’s ship inspection team has experience in executing vessel inspections on a variety of ships. They are led by leaders with immense expertise to ensure no fault, failure or damage goes undetected.
Alphard Group is your go-to maritime company that commits to delivering a service that provides value and meets all client expectations. We are a reputed and proactive maritime company, happy to tailor our services according to your specific needs. Now you don’t have to find different maritime partners for different services, just get in touch with Alphard Maritime!
In recent years, the global maritime industry has embarked on an intensive journey of transformation. The maritime market analytics suggest that the industry valued at US$ 894.28 million in 2019, is expected to reach US$ 1,833.50 million by 2027 and it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.0% during 2020-2027.
With rising globalization, the demand for goods transportation is growing substantially over the years. Hence, the demand for predictive analytics, advanced solutions, and services such as Offshore vessel services has also been growing at an impressive pace among maritime companies.
Alphard Maritime is the world’s leading marine contractor in international offshore services. Their vision to look clearly into the future has given them a dependable, seamless, and highly efficient marine transportation and logistics network. They provide solutions to some of the continent’s most complex and large-scale projects. Alphard Maritime utilizes high bollard pull dynamic, positioning tugs and large high deck barges up to 400 by 130 feet, and other specialized marine assets. With 40 tugs & barges, including 4 marine assets located in Singapore, Alphard Group owns and operates one of the largest fleets of Tugs & Barges in the GCC region. Alphard Maritime has Tugs with Bollard pull ranging from 22 – 64 metric tons & Barges with DWT from 7500 – 14000 MT.
Alphard Maritime fleets have catered to various types of cargo such as:
Aggregates ( both Limestone & Gabbro),
Rocks ( various sizes up to 4T ),
Clinkers
Sand
It offers customers a complete portfolio of maritime solutions. With a team of highly qualified and experienced maritime professionals, Alphard Maritime will be able to offer competitive freighting and logistic solutions.
The Suez Canal is one of the most important sea routes in the world. Recently, garnered attention globally. That’s because a container ship named Ever Given blocked the Suez Canal for almost a week.
On 23rd March 2021, the 400-meter-long container ship was caught in a sandstorm, dislocated from its course and its bow and stern logged itself on the canal banks. It took six days for Ever Given to be freed. Images of it being stuck went viral online and the ship became the centre of memes and global debate on the state of affairs of the shipping industry. Moreover, this blockage had severe implications on the maritime industry as well as on the economy. According to Bloomberg, this blockage halted 10% of all global trade. Additionally, over 369 ships had queued up in the canal waiting to pass through.
Here are Alphard’s top key takeaways from the Suez Canal Blockage:
1. The need for better infrastructure
The Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, is one of the busiest routes in the world of global trade. The canal, which was built in the 19th century, has only a capacity of 50 vessels each day. However, with demands rising globally, the Suez Canal infrastructure is not equipped to handle the burgeoning pressure. A global effort needs to be undertaken to update the Suez Canal to accommodate the current and future rise in traffic and worldwide trade.
2. A single delay in shipping impacts the world
On the surface, it may seem as simply the grounding of a container ship, however, the Suez Canal Blockage has implications beyond causing a maritime ‘traffic jam’. The Suez Canal is responsible for most of the world’s oil and raw material transport. Owing to the delay caused by Ever Given, consumers will now end up paying 5% higher for oil all over the world. Thus, a key moral of the Suez Canal Blockage is that Maritime activities, though seemingly invisible, are crucial to the functioning of the world and issues plaguing the industry need to be taken seriously.
3. Shipping Disaster Management needs to up its strategy
The Suez Canal is prone to strong gusts of winds and sandstorms. Every ship that sails through it should now have a strategy ready in case a blockage is to occur or in case they encounter any unforeseen circumstances. These plans need to be designed keeping in the consequences a blockage can cause global economies.
Those were our two top takeaways. While we’ve sailed past this blockage, let’s anchor it as a lesson that we need industry-wide support to make sure global supply chains and trade flows smoothly.
Alphard Maritime has been a well-known name in the Maritime industry for over 12 years. Now, we’re bringing our expertise in the field to care for ships and their crew with Alphard Marine Services.
Alphard Marine Services will offer best in class services. From the moment your ship docks it shall be nestled in the care of our Port Agency services. We provide everything from port agency services, underwater/diving operations and bunker quantity survey services. Moreover, we go above and beyond to care for every ship’s crew with our Husbandry services.
Along with Alphard Maritime’s expertise, Alphard Marine Services brings a touch of care and trust to the table that’s unparalleled. Helmed by Capt. Alok Kumar and Capt. Ajay Bhandari, Alphard Marine Services aims to set the best standard for Port Agency and Diving Services and has established its presence in Singapore, Fujairah, and Gibraltar.
Based on values to transparency, trust, Integrity and care, Alphard Marine Services aims to be a partner to its clients and not just their agents. To know more about Alphard Marine Services, click here: https://alphardmarine.com/
Discover how shipping with Alphard can improve your company’s efficiency
When it comes to business, its supply chain is its lifeline. That’s precisely why shipping plays such a crucial role in the success of every business. As a result, when an organization enhances its shipping and supply chain, it automatically boosts its revenue. At Alphard Maritime, we understand how crucial shipping and freight solutions are. Due to this, we have tailored our services and solutions in a manner that will help your business sail new tides of efficiency. Here are top ways how shipping with us can increase your business and its efficiency:
1. Timely deliveries
At Alphard Maritime, we understand how crucial time is to every organization. Moreover, as industry thought-leaders, we are cognizant of how timely deliveries, especially of Dry cargo can make or break a project. That’s why we always ensure every shipment with us reaches its destination on time committed.
2.Open communication
At Alphard, we don’t just sign contracts. We build lasting relationships. With us every conversation is a two-way street. Our ears and our hearts are always open so we can unlock new possibilities together as partners.
3. Strong Leadership
Alphard Maritime does more than just bring bespoke shipping services to the table. We also onboard decades of shipping experience and mariners who’ve championed the industry for over 12 years.
4. Diversify your economic portfolio
Alphard Maritime has a host of services and solutions under its umbrella. By making the most out of these, any business could expand not just its offerings but also its reach.
Together, these features make a collaboration with Alphard a rewarding opportunity for any business that wants to grow on a global level. Ready to make your business more efficient? get in touch with Alphard Maritime to ship your business to the next level today!
