We’re pleased to present insights from Chris Smith, the Applications Engineering Manager at Orga BV / Tideland Signal. An industry expert in navigational aids, Chris shares insights on the evolution and benefits of upgrading Tideland Systems.
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Navigational aids have been crucial in ensuring the safe operations of marine vessels for centuries. Just as ships and seafaring techniques have evolved, so have the technologies and solutions used to guide them. Today, I am pleased to shed light on the evolution of Tideland Signal’s navigational aids and the immense benefits that come with upgrading these systems.
Tideland’s Legacy: 6 Decades of Reliability
For over 60 years, Tideland Signal, now an integral part of the Orga group, has stood as a pillar of innovation and reliability. With a commitment to safety, we have ensured that ports, harbours, and offshore structures worldwide are marked with efficient, high-quality solutions. Working together with Orga BV, we can now showcase our solutions in addition to Orga’s own well established Aids to Navigation product range.
Harnessing Advanced Technologies for Navigational Aids
Tideland’s suite is not only a collection of devices but a testament to technical innovation and industry expertise. With offerings ranging from marine lanterns and foghorns to racons and AIS AtoN, our solutions are continually evolving to meet the challenging demands of the marine environment.
Efficiency and Sustainability: Our newest systems are designed with sustainability in mind. They boast significantly lower power consumption rates, giving them increased autonomy, are cost-effective and environmentally responsible.
Enhanced Performance: With cutting-edge technology, our navigational aids offer unparalleled performance and reliability, ensuring they remain visible even in the most challenging conditions. This clarity is paramount for safety, especially in bustling marine environments.
A prime example of Tideland’s evolving technology is the MLED-150Ex -10NM External powered marine lantern:
Smooth Upgrades: Embracing the New While Respecting the Old
One of the many advantages of our newer solutions is the ease with which they can be integrated. Those utilising existing Tideland Systems need not worry about a complete overhaul.
Adaptable Systems: Upgrading doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Operators can seamlessly integrate newer systems, like our efficient Marine Lanterns, into their existing Tideland infrastructure, achieving enhanced performance without the need for complete replacement.
No-Hassle Implementation: Our dedication is to ensure an easy transition for our customers. As such, upgrading with Tideland is now quicker, more straightforward, and failsafe.
Consider this recent project as a prime example:
A Jackup, originally built in the Far East, incorporated both 15- and 10-mile Incandescent Tideland Light Stations, along with 3 Mile Subsidiary Lights, all tied to an older control panel and charger.
Recognising a need for modernisation, Tideland collaborated with the client, laying out a phased upgrade plan tailored to their budget and timeline. This strategy allows for individual upgrades of both Main and Secondary Stations using state-of-the-art, adaptable LED light stations. Importantly, these changes won’t disrupt the existing system during the transition.
By the end of this overhaul, all Main, Secondary, and Subsidiary light stations will shine brilliantly with the advanced MLED-180 Hi EX/MLED-150EX LED lights. The result? Superior performance, enhanced reliability, and notably reduced power and maintenance needs. This ensures the rig’s smooth operations for years to come. What’s more, Tideland offered insights into potential enhancements for the control and charger system, guaranteeing its support in the long run.
Offshore Decommissioning: Shining Light on a Growing Need
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As the offshore sector evolves, decommissioning gains prominence. In this regard, the role of our lighting systems cannot be understated:
Wellhead Electrical Supplies: A Trusted Distributor
Wellhead Electrical Supplies (WES) has been instrumental in distributing Orga Tideland products, ensuring that our cutting-edge solutions reach a wide audience. WES shares our commitment to quality, innovation, and safety, making them a perfect partner in our journey. For 25 years, Orga BV and Wellhead have been collaborating closely. Our partnership goes beyond mere business:
Tailored Solutions: Together, we offer solutions specifically tailored to meet unique operational requirements. This ensures that clients receive a product and service that fits their exact needs.
Shared Vision: Our collective emphasis on safety, innovation, and quality ensures that we stay ahead of the curve, offering the very best to the marine and offshore sectors.
Upgrading your Tideland Systems is more than just embracing new technology. It’s a commitment to enhanced safety, efficiency, and operational excellence. Whether you’re operating in ports, harbours, or offshore environments, now is the perfect time to take the next step in navigational aids evolution.
Ready to make the transition and experience the benefits first hand? Get in touch with Wellhead Electrical Supplies today and our range of Orga Tideland products. Upgrade to the future of marine safety.
As an island nation, the UK relies on maritime trade for up to 95 per cent of its imports and exports. With any industry, success is inextricably linked to the people employed in it — meaning their welfare should be of paramount importance.
In addition to supporting the mental health of seafarers, tackling maritime safety issues is a key concern. The harsh realities of the marine environment mean there is an ever-present risk for seafarers. Fishing, in particular, remains the most dangerous industry in the UK.
These risks have only increased over time due to the sheer size of ships today and the growing complexities of operations. Ensuring seafarers are safe and healthy at work is, therefore, a fundamental component of a thriving maritime sector.
For all seafarers — whether they are leisurely yachtsman or sailing large cargo and passenger vessels — rivers, coastal waters and open oceans are inherently dangerous places.
Waterways are constantly changing and demand a high level of skill, attentiveness and adaptability. Even the most experienced navigators must keep their wits about them and remain alert for potential dangers.
Marine aids to navigation, such as buoys and lights, are essential to mark safe lines of passage and help mariners determine their position with respect to land. The guidance and aids to navigation in place in the UK help to enable safe and effective decision making and minimise navigational risk and preventable accidents, ensuring that our waters are some of the safest in the world.
That being said, evolving traffic patterns, the intensification of developments like offshore renewable energy and the proliferation of larger vessels have all placed new demands on aids to navigation. In the future, changes in shipboard practices, training, skills and experience could also affect the design and use of navigational aids — meaning manufacturers must continuously review the level of requirements and delivery to ensure the continued safety of seafarers.
Of course, safe navigation is only possible with accurate and current information. Out at sea, there are countless variables to contend with — from gale-force winds to strong currents and gigantic waves. Closer to shore, conditions can be equally treacherous without adequate aids to navigation and up-to-date information that allows seafarers to make informed and safe decisions.
Emerging technologies such as data buoys and monitoring and control systems are rapidly changing and improving the way ships navigate waters and ports. For example, the Port-Log data system provides live data on wind speed and direction, which can then be shared with any incoming vessels to ensure maximum safety in the harbour area.
In many locations, such as the north coast of Scotland where conditions are often extreme, this type of remote, real-time monitoring is key to ensuring the safety of seafarers navigating surrounding waters as well as harbour masters and onshore workers.
Combined with visual aids to navigation like buoys and lights, these technological advances provide a comprehensive solution for maritime safety.
However, the safety of seafarers is not just a concern when they are sailing. Mooring can also be a perilous task, especially in rough conditions — causing problems for both large vessels and smaller boats. According to the European Harbour Masters’ Committee, 95 per cent of personal injury incidents are caused by ropes and wires, and 60 per cent of these injuries happen during mooring operations.
As a result, mooring standards and practices need to be upgraded — driven by crucial changes in the industry such as larger ships, innovative materials and new dynamic mooring solutions. With the current COVID-19 crisis and restrictions on fleet operations, safe and robust lay-up mooring solutions have also been necessary to support out-of-service ships.
Automatic mooring terminals also have the potential to enhance mooring safety by reducing mooring time and human involvement. Many harbours are now starting to implement this technology; however, in the short term, it will not be possible to eliminate the need for shipboard mooring equipment completely.
Hydrosphere is the UK and Ireland’s leading supplier of aids to navigation, providing high-quality, reliable and cost-effective solutions to improve the safety of seafarers and all those working in the maritime industry. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
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