Steerprop helped futureproof Alfons Hakans’ ASD tug Artemis

Apr 2, 2022 | Uncategorized

Back in 2019, the technical department at Alfons Hakans noticed a need to modernise and upgrade the propulsion control system on its Azimuth Stern Drive tug Artemis. It was no longer possible to get spare parts for its original control system; and although it was still reliable, for safety reasons the company decided to look for reasonable solutions for a full-scale upgrade.

“We noticed pretty quickly that it made sense to renew all parts related to the control of the propulsion units,” says technical manager Tuomas Raumanen. “Basically, everything between the master’s hands and propulsion units had to be replaced, including things like control levers, cables, computer units, and feedback sensors.”

Alfons Hakans began to look for suppliers, and Steerprop, located near Hakans’ headquarters, promptly gave a quotation. Raumanen notes that Hakans particularly appreciated the ease of communication and rapid responses, and this, topped with fast delivery and a reasonable price, made Steerprop an obvious choice.

Minimal downtime

The final order was confirmed at the end of 2020. First, Steerprop paid a few visits to get to know Artemis and its operations. During these visits, a timetable was set to ensure the downtime of the tug was kept to a minimum.

To decrease the amount of downtime, Hakans’ own workers and subcontractors started preliminary works, such as installing new cables and manufacturing foundations for electric cabinets, whilst the tug was still operating normally. Meanwhile, Steerprop was building the entire control system at their workshop.

“This way the installation time onboard would be as short as possible,” Raumanen says.

The installation began at the end of August. First, the old control system was dismantled, and the team ensured that all necessary cables had been installed. Next, all-electric cabinets related to the new system were installed, which was an easy process thanks to all the preliminary work.

Connecting the new cables to different units was the most time-consuming part, and it was completed on schedule. After seven days of work, it was time to run a test. During the sea trials, the adjusting of the final parameters was easily done as it had been considered already when planning the software.

Increased reliability

From the beginning of the installation to final approval from Alfons Hakans, installing the new control system took nine days in total.

“After sea trials and final adjustments, our masters and chief engineers were satisfied and also surprised how well the whole process went,” Raumanen says. “Of course it takes a while before masters and others get used to the new type of control levers, but that’s common when changes are made to older vessels.”

The biggest advantages in comparison to the old system are, in Raumanen’s view, that all adjustments are very easy to make, and the new system is significantly more reliable. The information the system provides about the status of the propulsion units is also much easier to understand.

In total, Raumanen estimates the upgrade to add 10 to 15 years to the lifecycle of the vessel.

“All in all, we’ve been satisfied with the new control system and will continue our good relationship with Steerprop in the future,” he notes.

Remote service diagnostics streamline maintenance

From Steerprop’s point of view, the co-operation with Alfons Hakans went extremely well. Technical Sales Manager Esa Peltomaa tells that Steerprop designers were in frequent contact with the personnel on board to ensure that the new system fitted existing spaces and locations as well as fulfilled the wishes of end-users.

Steerprop delivered a control system modified to existing propulsion, as well as a bridge control system with control levers, control panels, and relevant touch screens. Like Raumanen, Peltomaa says that the new system is more user-friendly than the old one, and it also conveys detailed information that makes service operations, changing settings, and calibrations easy and reliable.

Steerprop was also able to make customisations based on the customer’s wishes. For example, bridge control panels were customised to fit existing cabinets, and touch screen views, control panel buttons, and indications fit existing vessel functionalities and desired functions.

“By modernising the system, Steerprop also provided a capability for remote service diagnostics, which gives Steerprop’s service department the ability to diagnose faults and status of the system remotely,” Peltomaa explains. “This makes better service assistance possible by diagnosing possible faults even before the first service engineer’s visit on board.”

Essentially, the vessel has now been future-proofed. For example, should Alfons Hakans want to replace existing units with Steerprop’s azimuth propulsors, the existing control systems can be fully utilised with minimal changes to further improve cost-effectiveness.

“Steerprop guarantees the serviceability for our products for decades by using and selecting components that are not becoming obsolete as well as designing the system well enough that future upgrades are possible with minimal work,” Peltomaa concludes.

 

Steerprop

Steerprop is a leading designer and manufacturer of azimuth propulsion systems for the most demanding applications and toughest conditions. Since its founding in Finland in 2000, the company has delivered fit-for-purpose units for hundreds of vessels, including every third icebreaker in operation around the world. Steerprop’s unrivaled arctic experience and fit-for-purpose solutions are a testament to the company’s commitment to continuous development, steadfast dedication to meet the customers’ needs, and an unwavering resolve to perform.

 

Contacts

Esa Peltomaa
Technical Sales Manager
+358 44 281 8079
esa.peltomaa@steerprop.com

www.steerprop.com

ETMONEY CEO reaction | Budget 2022-23

Feb 2, 2022 | Finance, Uncategorized

It was a well-rounded budget with a continued focus on growth in different sectors like education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture. The announcement of the setting up of 75 digital banks across 75 districts of the country gives an additional boost to digital payments and the fintech ecosystem in the country. With this budget, India’s tax regime on virtual assets like cryptocurrency is also finally here with the government introducing taxation on crypto at 30% along with 1% TDS. This higher taxation rate puts cryptocurrencies at a disadvantage against equity investments like stocks and Mutual funds that attract an LTCG of 10%. However, there was no big break/ relief for taxpayers in this budget, which is a bit disappointing considering the high expectations of the middle classes. A relief like an increase in the Section 8C limit which was last revised around 8 years ago would have worked as an incentive for people to invest more in financial assets like ELSS funds and NPS.

Ujjivan SFB achieves 50,000 vaccinations amongst low-income urban, remote rural communities, aims 100,000 vaccinations by March 2022

Jan 27, 2022 | Uncategorized

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank today announced that it had achieved landmark of 50,000 vaccinations amongst the low-income population residing in urban, semi-urban and remote rural geography in just less than 5 months, organizing vaccination camps for the general public coming within the purview of the Bank’s Operational areas and those in the vicinity across 434 branches in 18 states and union territory of Puducherry. The bank now aims to achieve another 50,000 vaccinations within these lower-income groups, including those residing in remotest locations to achieve overall 100,000 vaccinations by March 31,2022.

Ujjivan SFB has attributed the success in achieving landmark vaccination to its own employees who contributed in creating awareness about the importance of vaccination and in persuading the bottom of the pyramid low-income group people to get vaccinated. About 30 per cent of those vaccinated were getting inoculated for the first time, and the remaining large segment of 70 per cent, completed double vaccination.

The Bank also announced its contribution of INR 10,00,000 to the Prime Minister’s Care Fund, which is channelizing efforts to help eradicate the virus that had spread the pandemic across the country.

Following the Government of India’s directions on mandated vaccine guidelines, the staff of Ujjivan SFB branches collaborated with local hospitals and community centres to create vaccine confidence, through trusted partnerships with healthcare facilities, emphasising on the importance of vaccination and getting themselves protected from the threat of the dreaded global pandemic.

Speaking on the initiative and achievement of 58,000 vaccinations amongst the low-income group in about 5 months, Mr. Ittira Davis, MD&CEO, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, said, “At Ujjivan SFB, we are committed to ensuring the welfare of our employees, customers and the community. With active involvement of our employees, support from our partners and medical fraternity, we have tried to overcome the barriers against vaccination, and got individuals living in remote rural areas to get vaccinated.”

“Enthused by the success, we now have set a target of achieving another 50,000 vaccinations in double quick time to achieve overall 100,000 vaccinations by March 2022 amongst the low-income fraternity within our society, Mr. Davis added.

Ujjivan SFB has successfully transformed itself into one of the leading mass-market banks to serve the vast unserved and under-served customer base outside the formal banking system. Ujjivan SFB started its banking operations in February 2017. With 575 branches, Ujjivan SFB has established its presence across 24 States and Union Territories.

About Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ujjivan Financial Services Ltd. The bank commenced operations as a Small Finance Bank with effect from February 1, 2017, post-transfer of business undertaking by Ujjivan Financial Services Ltd. The Reserve Bank has issued a license to the bank under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, to carry on the business of small finance banks in India. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Ltd. is also included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

Apollo Hospitals Announce International Second Opinion Services for Patients

Jan 24, 2022 | Uncategorized

A first in India, Apollo Hospitals Group has announced a collaboration with ‘The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic’, to bring international second opinion services to their patients. “At Apollo, we strive to break all barriers that come in the way of patients getting nothing but the best care. Empowering our doctors with global peer support in ratifying the diagnosis and exploring innovative management plans is one step in that direction,” said Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group.

Through this programme, doctors at Apollo will be able to collaborate with leading medical experts at Cleveland Clinic to review complex cases and devise the most appropriate treatment plan. According to Dr Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director at Apollo Hospitals, “this association aims to bring together world-class medical and surgical opinions, so that patients at Apollo may get the best possible treatment, promptly.”

“We’re excited to collaborate with Apollo Hospitals on this initiative, which acutely supports The Clinic’s vision of expanding access to the world’s best clinical expertise,” said Frank McGillin, CEO of The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic. “This new collaboration will help empower Indian patients to work closely with their physician at Apollo Hospitals who can tap into the expertise of Cleveland Clinic’s physicians in a way that can enhance patient outcomes and care coordination.”

Anyone looking to seek an international second opinion can consult an Apollo consultant, and express interest in the service. The patient’s medical records will then be shared with The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic under appropriate consent and a conference call will be scheduled between the international medical expert and Apollo consultants, in presence of the patient. Based on the patient’s health history and case discussion with the Apollo consultant, the international doctor will share insights in the form of a written opinion with the Apollo consultant, who will further discuss and decide the best course of treatment for the patient.

About Apollo Hospitals:

It was in 1983, that Dr Prathap C Reddy made a pioneering endeavour by launching India’s first corporate hospital – Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. Now, as Asia’s foremost trusted integrated healthcare group, its presence includes over 12,000 beds across 72 Hospitals and 4100 pharmacies, over 120 Primary Care clinics and 650 Diagnostic centres, 700 plus Teleclinics, over 15 medical education centres and a Research Foundation with a focus on global Clinical Trials. The most recent investment was the commissioning of South East Asia’s very first Proton Therapy Centre in Chennai.

Every four days, the Apollo Hospitals Group touches a million lives, in its mission to bring healthcare of international standards within the reach of every individual. In a rare honour, the Government of India had issued a commemorative stamp in recognition of Apollo’s contribution, the first for a healthcare organization. Apollo Hospitals Chairman, Dr Prathap C Reddy, was conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2010.

For 38 years, the Apollo Hospitals Group has continuously excelled and maintained leadership in medical innovation, world-class clinical services and cutting-edge technology. Its hospitals are consistently ranked amongst the best hospitals in the country for advanced medical services.

For more details log onto: www.apollohospitals.com

About The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic

The Clinic is a transformative joint venture between Cleveland Clinic and Amwell that brings digital health solutions to a new level with unparalleled ease of use, advanced technologies and powerful outcomes. This first-of-its-kind initiative opens the door to Cleveland Clinic’s deep and comprehensive medical expertise, with 3,500 clinical specialists in more than 550 advanced subspecialties. Powered by Amwell’s leading connectivity technologies, which are currently deployed by over 2,000 hospitals and 55 health plan partners with over 36,000 employers, The Clinic offers fully secure video consultations, digital record collection and concierge-level service to health plans, providers, employers and healthcare consumers. Solutions are available as a health plan benefit, an employee benefit or a consumer service. For more information about The Clinic, visit www.theclinic.io

Adding Yet Another Feather in the Cap, eWheelers Mobility Opens New EV Fulfillment Centre in Bangalore

Jan 24, 2022 | Uncategorized

eWheelers Mobility, the largest marketplace for electric vehicles in India, has accelerated its journey towards EVs by unveiling a new EV Fulfillment Centre in Bangalore. The Fulfillment Centre is located at VGP Layout road, Kudlu, and is well equipped. The wheelers EV Fulfillment Centre makes it easier for electric vehicle manufacturers to overcome the many challenges they face when trying to scale their business up. At the same time, it will play a huge role in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in India.

Vasu Deva Reddy Beerala, Founder and CEO of eWheelers Mobility said, “In the current scenario of air pollution and regular increase in fuel prices, consumers have become environmentally conscious and are shifting towards electric vehicles. Demand for EVs encouraged many companies to enter the electric vehicles market. The biggest challenge for EV manufacturers is maintaining an inventory and fulfilling customer orders where they don’t have dealers. eWheelers EV Fulfillment Centres help EV companies to maintain an inventory at our Fulfillment Centres for very low cost and deliver vehicles to the customers faster.”

He also added, “We had opened the first EV Fulfillment Centre in the national capital. After that, demand for EV Fulfillment Centres is growing continuously. To meet the demand we have opened EV Fulfillment Centres in Hyderabad and Bangalore and are opening two more in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh soon. Our aim is to establish EV Fulfillment Centres in every state by September 2022 to help the EV companies sell more during the festival season that starts from October.”

Electric vehicle manufacturers face several challenges when it comes to moving their products into the market. Some of the major challenges that EV manufacturers face are in warehousing, packaging, and handling processes. Developing a dealer network and preparing for the last mile delivery are also challenging.

eWheelers EV Fulfillment Services eliminate these obstacles by providing EV manufacturers with both warehousing facilities, as well as an advanced local delivery network that allows them to prepare efficiently for the projected orders they will receive. The Fulfilment Centre is a fully integrated warehouse facility and is the one-stop solution for electric vehicle manufacturers to help them grow their business. eWheelers EV Fulfillment Services allow the manufacturers to enter the market sooner by making only one model for customers to order. The eWheelers EV Fulfillment Centre will have a significant part in the faster adoption of electric vehicles. The company has already committed to working with many leading electric vehicle manufacturers and is planning to make significant efforts in the industry as it continues to grow within the next decade.

About eWheelers Mobility

eWheelers.in, owned and operated by eWheelers Mobility Solutions Pvt. Ltd., is working on integrated technology solutions that allow faster adoption of electric vehicles to encourage eMobility. Since our founding in 2015, we have dedicated ourselves to the concept of electric mobility. Our previous projects in eMobility motivated us to further pursue our goal so that eMobility soon becomes a reality.

www.ewheelers.in

Perfecthomepros Partners with Groupon to Offer home Service Deals

Dec 24, 2021 | Business, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Perfecthomepros announces Partnership with Groupon to offer home services deals to local homeowners.

Partnering with Groupon a leading ecommerce marketplace will allow Perfecthomepros to add to its suite of features that are geared towards helping homeowners in all their home servicing related needs.

The addition of the Groupon api for getting local deals, complements the other tools provided by Perfecthomepros, that allow home service professionals to upload coupons and discount codes that homeowners in their area can download or copy and present to the service professional for a service discount.

The simplicity of the Groupon api integration on is commendable. Homeowners that visit the site do not have to do any searches see local deals, as soon as a homeowner visits the site, their location is auto detected and deals that are related to home services offered by businesses in the homeowner’s city, are shown to the homeowner.

“The objective of Perfecthomepros is to continually find ways to make it easy for homeowners and local service professionals to communicate to each other and to offer homeowners services that would save them both in terms of service cost and time in getting a qualify home service professional to their doorstep for a service. And I believe we are on our way to achieving that objective through innovation and with the tools that we continually put out for homeowners and service professionals” explained Joe Miller, Marketing manager at Perfecthomepros.

Joe also mentioned that Perfecthomepros is also working on service cost related tools that would help homeowners determine the estimated service cost for Home-related services in their area. The tool will allow homeowners to enter a service category such as drain cleaning and the city they live in. It then will show the homeowner an estimate of how much on average homeowners in that specific city should expect to pay for that service. This data will be generated through a combination of research, questionnaires, and entries by local service professionals on their service cost.

About Perfecthomepros.com

Perfecthomepros is a marketplace that connect homeowners with top local home service professionals, and that help home service professionals grow their businesses by providing them local leads and marketing services that help them grow their revenue by increasing the number of customers that call them for service on a daily basis. The company is located in Grand Blanc. Michigan.