Latest news with #BlueDolphin
CNA
12 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
SCDF launches latest marine vessel to handle major incidents in Singapore's waters
The Singapore Civil Defence Force's latest marine rescue vessel features sharper video analytics for missions and quicker deployment of inflatable boats for rescues. The Blue Dolphin is also going green, tapping solar power and using environmentally friendly fuel. Nikhil Khattar reports.
Straits Times
18 hours ago
- General
- Straits Times
SCDF launches rescue vessel to tackle major incidents in Singapore waters
SINGAPORE - A new marine rescue vessel equipped to deal with fires and other emergencies in Singapore's waters has been commissioned, as larger ships with more passengers such as the Disney Cruise Line are expected here in the near future. It will be based at West Coast Marine Fire Station when it is operational from October. The 38m-long Blue Dolphin is a second-generation marine rescue vessel that is 3m longer than its predecessor, the Red Dolphin, and will be the primary vessel for major incidents such as fires, rescues and chemical incidents. The increased space on the boat allows for a heli-winch, where casualties can be evacuated by helicopters from the Singapore Armed Forces. This feature was not available on the Red Dolphin. Built by SCDF, Penguin Shipyard International, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency and Defence Science and Technology Agency, the Blue Dolphin can travel at a speed of up to 30 knots, and accommodate up to 30 seated casualties. Another of its features not available on the Red Dolphin is an integrated command post, which can draw information from the ship's cameras, detectors and operation logs to coordinate emergency responses. The new vessel's cameras provide clearer footage of surrounding waters to the operating crew, and are equipped with video analytics to help them identify potential targets in the water during search-and-rescue operations. The integrated command post can draw information from the ship's cameras, detectors and operation logs to coordinate emergency responses. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Since 2012 when SCDF's Marine Division took over the maritime firefighting function of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), it has expanded from two vessels and a single fire station to a fleet of seven vessels (including the Blue Dolphin), operating two marine fire stations and two marine fire posts. Building on the search-and-rescue capabilities of the Red Dolphin, the new vessel has an enhanced rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), which can now be used to fight fires on small stationary boats. The RHIB can also search coastlines with its sonar system, which uses sound waves to locate people and objects up to 7m underwater. The enhanced rigid hull inflatable boat can now be used to fight fires on small stationary boats. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Since 2017, the Marine Division has taken on an additional role handling marine chemical, biological and radiological incidents. If needed, it supports MPA in oil and chemical spill incidents. To deal with chemical emergencies, the Blue Dolphin is equipped with a hazmat sensor that can detect and identify most chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals and volatile organic compounds in the water up to 5km away. Its chemical, biological, and radiological system can then monitor and demarcate hazardous boundaries before responders are deployed. Speaking at the vessel's commissioning ceremony at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club on June 25, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong said: 'SCDF Marine Division's capability, I would say, is critical amid a rapidly evolving maritime landscape. Singapore's cruise industry itself is expanding, with more cruise ships calling port in Singapore. 'For example, the Disney Cruise Line will soon launch its maiden voyage from the Singapore Cruise Centre at the end of 2025, and this itself means larger vessels, with more passengers, will appear in Singapore waters. 'In addition, the Tuas Mega Port's first phase of operations has commenced. By 2040, it will be one of the largest container ports in the world, and the resulting high vessel throughput will make Singapore one of the busiest waterways globally.' Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong participating in a tour of the marine rescue vessel on June 25. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG The Disney cruise ship can carry 6,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members. By 2030, the Marine Division will operate 10 vessels, and will be supported by the new Marine Division Headquarters in Brani, which is slated to open in 2026. Another marine fire post at Northshore Crescent in Punggol is expected to be ready by 2028. Claudia Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times covering the crime and court beat. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
a day ago
- Science
- CNA
SCDF unveils Blue Dolphin, its latest marine rescue vessel
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) unveiled its latest marine rescue vessel, the Blue Dolphin, on Wednesday (Jun 25), marking a significant upgrade to Singapore's maritime emergency response capabilities. The second-generation vessel will serve as SCDF's primary response asset for major incidents at sea, including fires, rescues, and chemical, biological or radiological emergencies. It will be based at the West Coast Marine Fire Station. It is approximately 3m longer than its predecessor, the Red Dolphin, which was commissioned in August 2019. Both vessels have a top speed of 30 knots, or about 56kmh. The Blue Dolphin houses three fire monitors, capable of discharging up to 4,800 cubic metres of water per hour – equivalent to nearly two Olympic-sized swimming pools. Both vessels also have a crew capacity of four navigational crew and 10 marine specialists. The new vessel was jointly developed by SCDF, Penguin Shipyard International, Home Team Science and Technology Agency and Defence Science and Technology Agency. Key upgrades include an integrated command post that can receive information from onboard cameras, detectors and operation logs. The vessel is also equipped with a chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) system, upgraded with advanced sensors. These sensors can analyse infrared signatures emitted by various chemicals and detect most chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals from up to 5km away within line of sight. The CBR system also enables the vessel to conduct hazardous material monitoring operations – a process that demarcates hazardous boundaries of an incident site to assess whether responders should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). A virtual anchoring system enhances navigational precision and minimises operator fatigue during extended missions. Meanwhile, upgraded search-and-rescue tools include a launch-and-recovery mechanism for a rigid hull inflatable boat. The boat is also fitted with a firefighting system that can help with missions in shallow coastlines. The increase in size of the vessel allows for more spacious PPE and rescue rooms, improving operational flow, SCDF said. In addition, the extra space allows for a heli-winch for heli-evacuation operations In line with sustainability goals, the Blue Dolphin also has an integrated solar panel charging system and is powered by biofuel-compatible engines. EVOLVING MARITIME LANDSCAPE The commissioning ceremony for the vessel, held at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, was officiated by Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong. His wife christened the vessel in a symbolic ceremony. Religious leaders from the Inter-Religious Organisation were also present to bless the new vessel. SCDF's marine division's capability is critical amid a rapidly evolving maritime landscape, said Mr Tong. The cruise industry has expanded with more cruise ships calling port in Singapore. The Disney Cruise Line, for example, will launch its maiden voyage from the Singapore Cruise Centre at the end of 2025. "This means larger vessels, with more passengers, will appear in Singapore waters," he said. Additionally, Tuas Mega Port has commenced its first phase of operations. By 2040, it will be one of the largest container ports in the world, making Singapore one of the busiest waterways globally, he said. "At the same time, the maritime industry is shifting towards greener operations. The use of alternative fuels such as LNG, ammonia and methanol brings new challenges for maritime response," he added. The Blue Dolphin represents SCDF's first step in its commitment to strengthening their capabilities in safeguarding Singapore's waters, he said. GROWING FLEET SCDF's marine division has expanded rapidly since its inception with only two vessels in 2012, Mr Tong said. Excluding the newest vessel, the SCDF has six mission-centric boats today. They include a rapid response fire vessel for swift deployment, a heavy marine rescue vessel for mass casualty evacuation and a heavy marine fire vessel which is capable of sustaining firefighting operations continuously for 96 hours. Mr Tong said there are plans to add three new vessels by 2030, bringing the total fleet size to ten. Additionally, the new Marine Division Headquarters at Brani will be ready by early 2026, and a new Marine Fire Post will be built at Punggol's Northshore Crescent by 2028. Assistant Commissioner Ryan Ong, the commander of SCDF's marine division, said the Blue Dolphin is the first of four vessels that the SCDF is developing over the next few years to bolster its capabilities to safeguard Singapore's waters. "The Blue Dolphin is equipped with advanced navigational and firefighting systems so that we are able to respond to maritime emergencies with greater efficiency and safety," he said.
AsiaOne
a day ago
- AsiaOne
Advanced navigational system, better rescue tools: SCDF unveils next-gen marine rescue vessel, Singapore News
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has officially unveiled their new second-generation Marine Rescue Vessel (MRV2G) named Blue Dolphin on Wednesday (June 25). Blue Dolphin operates from West Coast Marine Fire Station, strengthening SCDF's coverage and readiness on the western seaboard, said the agency. Built for major maritime emergencies, this vessel is equipped with modern command systems, chemical detection sensors, improved rescue tools, and green technology like solar panels and biofuel engines. Minister for Law and Second Minster for Home Affairs Edwin Tong was at the commissioning ceremony for this vessel at Republic of Singapore Yacht Club on Wednesday. 'Blue Dolphin represents the culmination of months of planning, of designing, careful construction, and testing. Every bolt, every weld, every system onboard carries the dedication and bears the hallmark of expertise of a highly capable team," he said. This vessel is a joint development between SCDF, Penguin Shipyard International, HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency), and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA). Combating crew fatigue Blue Dolphin has an Integrated Command Centre with the Bridge, an Advanced Navigational System which includes a station-keeping feature to reduce crew fatigue, and an advanced Launch and Recovery System for quick deployment of its firefighting-equipped RHIB in shallow waters. In support of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, Blue Dolphin will also be equipped with a solar charging system for its support equipment and biofuel-compatible engines, enhancing the vessel's overall sustainability. SCDF said that the Marine Division will operate a total of ten vessels by year 2030, and it will be supported by the new Marine Division Headquarters at Brani, scheduled to be operational by early 2026. In addition, a new Marine Fire Post at Punggol's Northshore Crescent to improve maritime coverage will be ready by 2028. Expansion of maritime sector Summing up, Tong pointed out that SCDF Marine Division's capability is "critical amid a rapidly evolving maritime landscape". The Singapore's cruise industry, for example, is expanding with more cruise ships calling port in Singapore. This includes the Disney Cruise Line which will launch its maiden voyage here at the end of 2025, meaning larger vessels, with more passengers, will appear in Singapore waters. In addition, the Tuas Mega Port's first phase of operations has started and it will be one of the largest container ports in the world by 2040, which will make Singapore one of the busiest waterways globally. The marine industry, he added, is also shifting towards greener operations and the use of alternative fuels such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), ammonia and methanol will bring new challenges for maritime response. He said: "So in order to meet these challenges, SCDF is committed to strengthening its capabilities to continue making sure we actively, effectively safeguard our waters. The Blue Dolphin represents the first step in this next phase of development." [[nid:719385]]
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Dolphin Stock Surges 63% Despite Sharp Y/Y Earnings Fall in Q1
Shares of Blue Dolphin Energy Company BDCO have surged 63.4% since reporting results for the first quarter of 2025. This compares with the S&P 500 index's 1.7% decline over the same time frame. Over the past month, the stock has gained 6.6% compared with the S&P 500's 5% rise. For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, Blue Dolphin reported net income of $2.2 million, or 15 cents per share, plummeting 66% from the $6.6 million, or 44 cents per share, earned in the prior-year period. Revenues from operations also fell 8% to $83.7 million from $91 million in the prior-year quarter. Gross profit dropped 45.7% to $6.1 million from $11.2 million, and consolidated EBITDA decreased 52% to $5.1 million from $10.5 million in the prior-year quarter. Blue Dolphin Energy Co. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Blue Dolphin Energy Co. Quote The company's refining segment generated $82.9 million in revenues, down from $89.9 million in the year-ago quarter, while tolling and terminaling revenues declined to $824,000 from $1.1 million. Refining EBITDA plummeted 52% to $4.9 million from $10.2 million, reflecting narrower refining margins and lower sales volumes. The tolling and terminaling segment posted a stable EBITDA of $1.2 million compared with $1.18 million in the year-ago period. Corporate and other expenses expanded modestly, leading to an overall EBITDA contraction. Inventory levels slightly increased to $37.8 million from $35.7 million at the end of 2024, but a $0.3-million impairment charge was recorded in the quarter due to the reduced realizable value of stored products. CEO Jonathan P. Carroll emphasized the company's commitment to fundamentals amid a 'cloudy and volatile' macroeconomic landscape. He stated that Blue Dolphin is focusing on optimizing operations through targeted maintenance, refining product selection and maintaining cost discipline. This strategic approach aims to preserve and improve refining margins in the face of market headwinds. The decline in both net income and gross profit can be largely attributed to less favorable refining margins and reduced throughput. The cost of goods sold was at $77.6 million versus $79.8 million in the year-ago period, but the drop in revenues compressed profit margins. General and administrative expenses rose 37.8% year over year to $1.36 million from $983,000, further pressuring operating income. Interest expenses were $1.46 million, up slightly from $1.37 million a year ago, indicating ongoing debt servicing costs. Notably, the company continued to grapple with debt-related challenges, including default statuses on several secured loans. Blue Dolphin improved its cash position to $2.3 million from $1.1 million at the end of 2024. The working capital deficit narrowed to $14.5 million from $19.1 million, aided by increased cash and accounts receivable from related parties. Management noted their intent to maintain operational stability and continue focusing on margin optimization and cash preservation amid a challenging macro environment. In the quarter, Blue Dolphin made progress in resolving legacy legal and environmental matters. It completed a $1-million settlement with RLI Corp. related to surety bonds, which had been escalated due to obligations to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The company also finalized a $0.4-million administrative penalty with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality over alleged waste violations. Conversely, it still faces several unresolved civil penalties from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, with an aggregate proposed liability of $2.5 million related to decommissioning failures offshore. These legal and regulatory issues, if not resolved favorably, could pose material risks to liquidity and operational flexibility, especially given the company's ongoing working capital constraints and high leverage profile. In sum, while Blue Dolphin's stock has surged post earnings on market sentiment or speculative interest, the underlying financial results point to a tougher operating environment, marked by margin compression, legal risks and liquidity pressures. The company's performance in the upcoming quarters will likely hinge on its ability to execute its margin-centric strategy while navigating regulatory and financial challenges. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Blue Dolphin Energy Co. (BDCO): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
