Arctic FoxTail, a new oil spill response device, capable of cleaning up spills in the Arctic passed the testing as stated by H Henrisken’s press release. The device is a winterised version of the company’s Foxtail mop skimmer and contributes to Norway’s preparedness when it comes to oil spills.
Specifically, Norway from the past makes efforts to protect its marine environment from oil spills.
That’s why, the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO) and Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) launched its ‘Oil spill Response 2015’, attracting stakeholders to develop equipment on managing oil spill in arctic conditions.
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Moreover, H Henriksen’s Arctic FoxTail proposal was accepted and development of the protype began in 2016.
In addition to the ‘Oil Spill Response’, the testing that was recently conducted, onboard MS Polarsyssel in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, resulted to the company publishing its new device. Mainly, the new device consists of the redesign of its basic Vertical Adhesion Band, VAB, model with integrated transfer pump, insulated cover and a hydraulic heating system.
According to H Henriksen, during testing, the new device proved to be capable of steady and continuous operation in sub-zero arctic conditions.
As stated by Trygve Egenes, Managing Director of Tonsberg-based H Henriksen
Operating in the arctic conditions is a challenge in any segment of the maritime industry, as these regions are both inhospitable and environmentally sensitive.
The new device is able to filter out oil spills from the seawater using its sorbent mops and it is already popular throughout the maritime industry and capable of salvaging large quantities of oil after a spill.
The goal of Henriksen’s project, according to the company’s press release, was to widen the weather widow in which oil can be taken from the water with skimmers.
Also, the old skimmers are very redundant to the sea state and weather and have proven their ability. Yet, cold weather will limit their efficiency when ice starts growing on the machines. This ice-growth mainly comes from sea-spray.
Concluding, the standard FoxTail operates in -6°C, compared to the new Arctic Foxtail which can operate -21°C under the same sea temperature and wind conditions.
