PARTNERING WITH THE AUSSIES… NEW WASTEWATER SOLUTIONS
Choosing the best pump for pumping wastewater, means taking the time and trouble to analyse performance and types of pumps required. The choices are submersibles, long column sump pumps and more recently, the introduction of Aussie’s bog GMP robust self-priming centrifugal pumps.
Aussie Pumps believe that the big self-priming pump concept works better, not just because of its ease of maintenance but also for its ability to withstand the issues that pumps in applications like this experience.
Corrosion is one consistent problem, particularly for cast iron submersible pumps where a two-year life cycle is often normal. The pumps also need to be robust enough to handle the job and have that indispensable “self-priming” feature. Self-priming means that the pump is mounted outside the pit or tank, and draws its water through a suction line connected into the front of the pump.
In a normal installation, the discharge is through an elbow mounted on the top of the pump, but the key feature is the design of the pump body itself. For a self-priming pump, the body will include the capacity for it to hold enough water to prime the pump. The priming process is simple, virtually foolproof.
“To prime, there are three simple steps,” says Aussie Pumps’ chief engineer, John Hales. “Step one, fill the pump bowl with water through the priming plug mounted in the top of the pump body. Step two, make sure the suction hose or fittings going into the pump body are completely airtight so no danger of air leaks in the suction line. Step three is to start the motor or engine, depending on the drive system involved. What happens next is just basic physics.
“The water in the pump body is expelled to the discharge. That in turn creates a vacuum inside the pump that allows the check valve mounted in the pump suction port to open, allowing water to be sucked into the pump body through the suction hose or pipe assembly. It’s easy and provides real advantages of convenience,” says Hales.
Aussie’s 2” through to 6” pumps are all designed around a trash or semi trash configuration concept. The smaller pumps, 2” to 4” are regarded as semi trash, because they have big open non-clog style impellers and feature silicon carbide seals and a stainless steel wear plate. For extreme applications, 316 stainless steel cast impellers can be provided as an option.
Best of all, semi trash and trash pumps from the Aussie GMP product range all include a front opening port that enables the pump to be cleared out in the event of blockages.
“Imagine, being able to clean out the pump without having to disconnect pipework, as you do in the case of an end suction pump,” says Hales. “Ear tags, bones, pieces of hoof, particles of meat or flesh will pass straight through the pump without effort.”
Aussie’s semi trash pump range now includes a 3” pump that not only has the capacity to move over 1,000 litres per minute but, can also deliver heads up to 70 metres.
“That’s a breakthrough product for. It means that the liquid can be pumped further, or higher, depending on the application.”
Experience has shown Aussie Pump engineers that using submersibles in applications like this and long column sump pumps can create real difficulty.
“We hear about the inconvenience of lifting pumps out of the pit for service. A self-priming pump mounted outside the tank or pond means service can be carried out with a minimum of mess and inconvenience. It’s the new way, and every day we find more customers moving to our self-priming centrifugal pumps for these difficult wastewater applications,” says Hales.
Aussie is currently looking for distributors in New Zealand for their range of self-priming pumps. Further information, including a new catalogue on Aussie GMP pumps, is readily available from Australian Pump Industries, visit aussiepumps.com.au.
INDUSTRY 4.0 IS KEY TO SECTORAL TRANSFORMATION – WHERE TO START?
By Dr Troy Coyle, HERA CEO
I previously shared the findings of HERA’s 2021 research report, with research conducted by BERL. It established the potential economic impact of Industry 4.0 uptake in the New Zealand construction sector could be as much as $8 billion over the next five years.
The potential for individual businesses and the wider industry is clear – if we can take advantage of digital and data-driven technologies. At HERA, we are focusing on tools and methodologies to help members and other manufacturing organisations with their transition to Industry 4.0.
As a starting point, we use the SIRI Assessment. SIRI, short for Smart Industry Readiness Index, is an Industry 4.0-focused global assessment scheme which uses benchmarks for 12 different manufacturing industries.
Developed out of Singapore and now available in New Zealand, we know over 300 companies worldwide – and multiple manufacturers such as Red Steel in New Zealand – have used the SIRI Assessment to formally evaluate their facilities and processes and kick-start their Industry 4.0 transformation.
It is designed to establish where a company should invest to progress innovation within the Industry 4.0 context.
HERA’s SIRI Assessment takes 1.5 days, and is done by the company with the support of an assessor as a guide or facilitator. The objective is that the organisation’s leadership and relevant internal experts have buy-in and commit the necessary resources to complete the assessment.
A company can then build their holistic innovation roadmap – from management to products, processes, R&D, and integration with suppliers and customers – to achieve company-wide improvements and efficiencies.
For HERA as an industry body, this also gives us a picture of where Aotearoa’s industry is in relation to global standards. New Zealand companies tend to cover a wide spectrum of industry 4.0 maturity, with some advanced in innovation (such as many fabricators) and others still in relative infancy.
What they have in common is that without an innovation roadmap, there is a risk of being left behind; something the assessment addresses by giving companies a view of where they are and where they can go next.
If you’re interested to learn more about the SIRI Assessment, how to access it or the additional support HERA offers, get in touch with the team: https://www.hera.org.nz/industry40/ .
Dr Troy Coyle brings more than 20 years’ experience in innovation management across a range of industries including materials science, medical radiation physics, biotechnology, sustainable building products, renewable energy, and steel. She is a scientist with a PhD (University of NSW) with training in journalism and communications.
When can you reclaim items in a subsequent payment claim?
By Alice Newell, solicitor and Victoria Bortsova, solicitor
In the recent case of George Developments Ltd v Canam Construction Ltd the Court has held that contractors can claim the same or similar items in subsequent payment claims. The Court of Appeal held that a contractor could reference work done previously or the overall completion of work in cumulative style payment claims.
In this case, George Developments Ltd (‘George’) engaged Canam Construction Ltd (‘Canam’) to demolish a building and build apartments. The dispute centred around payment claim number 15 (‘PC-15’). George argued that PC-15 was not a valid payment claim under the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (‘CCA’) because it included amounts from previous periods, did not identify the work done in each period and it included amounts in respect of extension of time costs.
Ultimately, George argued that a contractor cannot ever re-present a previously declined or ignored claim, even if it wanted to resubmit the claim or support it with further information. The Court disagreed and found that PC-15 was a valid payment claim. This was on the basis that:
- a claim submitted by a contractor would be somewhat artificial if it had to only include work that in that particular month with no reference to any work previously done or for the overall completion; and
- it would be arbitrary to prevent a subcontractor from including amounts it may have overlooked in an earlier month in a payment claim or to prevent a late claim.
The Court also held that because s 17(1)(b) refers to “the value of the construction work carried out, or to be carried out, during that period”, (emphasis added) it does not mean that a payment claim can only refer to work carried out in that particular period. The interpretation favoured by George was too “formalistic” and would undercut Parliament’s intention for the CCA that cash flow be maintained. While Canam had failed to itemise the amounts from different periods this did not render the payment claim void.
Key takeaways:
- Payment claims are not solely limited to work carried out in the particular time period that is stated on the claim;
- the Courts will not permit a Principal to arbitrarily prevent a contractor from claiming amounts in subsequent payment claims;
- keep in mind that the CCA’s purpose is to facilitate regular and timely payments between parties to a construction contract.
Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter. No warrant or guarantee whatsoever is given as to the accuracy of any information contained in the article, nor is any liability accepted for any actions taken based on this information.
UNDER THE METAL: UNDERSTANDING NEW INDUSTRY
Automation trailblazers – collaborative robots, or cobots – are unleashing their potential across an array of applications commonly carried out on the factory floor. The top five applications for collaborative robots are a guide to know how they can help manufacturers and suppliers.
Cobots can be used to automate millions of tasks – from detailed work right through to palletising.
“Each cobot model is better suited to certain tasks and it’s our job to work alongside our customers to determine what will work best for them,” says Masayuki Mase, country manager for Universal Robots Oceania.
“For instance, a UR3e is a tabletop model that will suit a business looking to automate non-load-bearing tasks, while a larger cobot arm such as the UR10e can be used to automate heavier jobs.”
Versatility all the way
For a small business, the fact that cobots have many uses remains one of their biggest assets. They can be reprogrammed to fill gaps that emerge in virtually any area of the business, from palletising to production line, in very little time. And one core component is responsible for cobots’ versatility: their end effectors.
Mase says: “End effectors, also known as end of arm tooling (EOAT), are a vital component of all cobots. They are attached to the end of the robotic arm and allow it to carry out specific tasks. One cobot could handle upwards of a dozen tasks over the course of a working week – depending on a business’s needs.”
Other reasons to opt for cobots
Compared to the large and bulky industrial machines, cobots are designed to safely operate near humans to complete tasks. Traditional industrial robots are often mammoth-sized machines that are static and difficult to repurpose and reprogram. By contrast, cobots are compact and flexible and can operate without safety cages or fencing directly alongside people (upon risk assessment), thereby reducing footprint and space usage.
Cobots, unlike humans, do not suffer from fatigue and can work 24/7, 365 days per year, repeating each task in the same way. Therefore, with none of the human errors caused by fatigue, cobots provide higher business productivity, efficiency, and product quality. Cobots are highly flexible, allowing them to be reprogrammed for different tasks if manufacturing processes change, making them more investment worthy.
Top five cobot applications unpacked
While cobots can be used for everything from soldering to screwing and sanding, 70% of the applications fall within three categories, namely: ‘pick and place’, assembly and material handling – closely followed by welding and palletising.
Masa helps to unpack these applications as follows:
Forming part of material handling, cobots performing pick and place tasks work quickly and accurately and can be programmed to select the right parts and reject unsatisfactory pieces. “Commonly used in the electronics industry to solder parts onto printed circuit boards (PCBs), cobots work with great speed and accuracy – 24/7. This helps to boost capacity whilst keeping production costs low,” says Mase.
While some tasks on an assembly line require skills, attention to detail and the careful eye of a human, others are monotonous or even dangerous.
“Using cobots on an assembly line can increase the pace of production, protect workers from harm and ensure the irreplaceable people in your business are being utilised in the most effective way.
In manufacturing, material handling refers to the movement, protection, storage and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. This is often one of the most dangerous jobs in manufacturing as materials such as metals, plastics, and other substances can pose a great risk to human workers. Additionally, many material handling tasks are repetitive, which can give rise to repetitive strain injury and errors due to fatigue.
“Interestingly, manufacturing plants that use robots see significantly fewer workplace injuries.”
Universal Robots has cited a recent uptick in welding application demand.
“A cobot adds flexibility, efficiency, and freedom to welding processes. In addition, when the task is completed, it can be easily redeployed to other areas where it can add value.”
Palletising applications take place at vast majority of manufacturers across the globe and require many final products be moved onto a palette as quickly and efficiently as possible. “The demand to automate palletising tasks has increased exponentially over the years, largely due to the strain and overexertion that it places on workers.
Mase says that cobots are growing in presence and popularity around the globe.
“This is largely driven by their budget-friendly price tag, easier programming which reduces implementation and training time, and safety qualities.”
CAMINSTRUCTOR ONLINE MASTERCAM TRAINING COURSES
The technology training experts at camInstructor are offering their proven Mastercam training courses online. Each CNC programming training course includes high quality video instruction, step-by-step printable instructions, and quizzes and exams. By completing all courses students and employees will have learned how to machine more than 30 real world parts in Mastercam Mill 2D, Mill 3D, Lathe, Solids, 4-Axis, 5-Axis and Wire.
“Our customers achieved great success with our online courses during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Sheila Weidinger of camInstructor. “Their ability to continue instruction despite shutdowns and mandated quarantines helped them keep operations on track and achieve Mastercam certifications without missing a beat. They were also able to train new and existing employees to use the software, filling open positions and keeping their machines running optimally.”
Successfully implemented in shops throughout North America, camInstructor’s online courses played an integral part in keeping CNC programming instruction on track during the Covid-19 pandemic by allowing students to learn remotely for uninterrupted training. Now, these courses can be offered in a hybrid format for the ultimate in flexibility as more workers head back to the shop or office.
For instance, the company’s Mastercam Premium Bundle subscription includes a full version of Mastercam Home Learning Edition software licensed for educational use with more than 200 hours of Mastercam training contained in seven courses. For those times when students are stumped, they can ask an unlimited number of questions to a Certified instructor for up to a year. This is especially helpful during online-only instruction.
Additionally, four camInstructor Mastercam certificates are available and awarded after passing interactive hands-on camInstructor tests for Mastercam Mill 2D, Mastercam Mill 3D, Mastercam Lathe and 4-axis. These certificates confirm that the student has passed and can draw and toolpath a part similar to the part examples in the course. Because camInstructor is a third-party partner of CNC Software, LLC, the developers of Mastercam, certifications in these courses are recognised by them.
In addition to the Mastercam instruction, other courses available by camInstructor include, manual programming courses for CNC mill and lathe, how to setup and operate a Haas 3-Axis, 4-Axis, 5-Axis CNC mill and lathes in addition to comprehensive SolidWorks courses which include sketching, modeling, assemblies and drawings.
The camInstructor courses are designed for students who want or need to learn at their own pace. All include step-by-step instructions and coordinating videos so that each step is demonstrated for all types of learners. Each task is short and easy to accomplish, encouraging the student to use the software to learn rather than reading lengthy tutorials. In fact, more than 75% of a student’s time is spent working on projects, building up from simple CAD drawings to more complex parts and toolpaths by the end of the course. The end of each lesson includes exercises to help reinforce what the student has already learned.
Employers can track and review employee progress every step of the way on both computers and their smart phones, providing a real-time report on their investment. Further, in hybrid operations, employers can offer the online courses on-site at a time and place that works best for their own situation.
“Our online learning format has had proven success both before and during the pandemic. Now that companies are calling some employees back to the shop, they can incorporate camInstructor into on-site continuing education programs and train new employees to fill open positions. Mastercam certification is the icing on the cake,” says Weidinger. For more details, including cost and course details visit https://caminstructor.com/mastercam-training-corporate.
WOMEN IN ENGINEERING…THE PATH TO INSPIRING KIDS INTO STEM
BY LAUREN PUGH – With the world rapidly changing, industries across New Zealand are too. The modern workforce calls for people who are not just proficient with core skills but also capable of solving complex problems. With innovative startups, scientific discoveries and technological industries being the wave of the future, are our young people experiencing STEM early enough?
As a young girl growing up in a small town in New Zealand, the worlds of Science, Technology and Innovation did not always permeate my everyday life. Instead, I was surrounded by The Spice Girls, Calf Days, Harry Potter pre-orders and my most ‘techy’ moment was recording songs off the radio onto my mum’s old mixtapes. It has been 20 years since the first Harry Potter film, and we have come a long way from cassettes – streaming platforms give me instant access to every Spice Girls album!
As a ’90s kid, I hit the sweet spot in the technology takeover – I was born in the age of landlines and pen pals and watched technology evolve into smartphones and Zoom calls.
Challenging the stereotypes
I had my first cellphone at age 13, I took Biology in high school, passed my exams and emerged a successful 18-year-old, ready to contribute to society. Many of my friends were already completing apprenticeships in a variety of trades while others like myself signed up for more ‘school’ in the form of University.
What did I want to do? 13 years of schooling prepared me for this decision. There was pressure to ensure that the path I chose, and the student debt accrued, would benefit me in the future. Did I pick the right subjects? Could I picture my workplace five years from now? My role?
Eventually, I completed my teacher training and discovered a passion for STEM within education. I started looking at the next generation. Were the 10-13 year olds in front of me being exposed to the roles of the future? If I had been when I was their age, before things like gender bias and stereotypes subconsciously influenced my decisions, would my path have been different? Hindsight is 20/20.
Research shows that a child’s career aspirations are narrow and often influenced by their surroundings. In this digital age, students want to become famous on YouTube or be a TikTok influencer. Many students in rural communities look towards careers in primary industries and trades. Why? Because this is what surrounds them and is a large part of their daily interactions.
With STEM industries becoming increasingly dominant in the recruitment market and the rapid growth of technology, will we have enough passion and talent emerging from our schools to fill the need?
Children aspire to careers they have seen performed or have personal connections to.. If not, they either don’t know it exists or they regard it as lofty. When looking at the research on students’ aspirations, lack of representation influences them. Students in low decile schools are less likely to be interested in jobs in science and technology. Math and engineering fields are still male-dominated, and Māori and Pasifika students are reluctant to pursue a career in STEM. Many of our tamariki are making up their minds much earlier and ifthey are not seeing themselves represented in these fields it is perceived as unattainable.
From my time in the classroom teaching STEM, I saw this firsthand.
Now, there is an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between children’s career aspirations and the worlds of science and technology. By exposing students to homegrown kiwi who have ‘been there and done that’, we broaden horizons and inspire our young people to think,“If they can do it, so can I”.
Science Alive Mātauranga
This led me to my current role with Education Perfect (EP) and Science Alive Charitable Trust. Helping to create engaging online resources that inspire 8-12 year olds to explore science, technology and innovation, and interact with role models in STEM fields. With a large focus on inclusivity and connectedness, showcasing relatable experts and concepts of mātauranga Māori, children see themselves and the possibilities of their own journey in STEM.
Hosted on the EP platform, Science Alive Mātauranga is completely free to use and over 400 schools have joined in the past year.
‘Te ao o Mātai Pūhanga’ – The World of Engineering
Our latest resource, ‘Te ao o Mātai Pūhanga’ – The World of Engineering, is a collection of 12 lessons spanning 12 fields of engineering.
Our character Pūtaiao brings students along as they tackle real-world problem-solving opportunities and client briefs that engineers face in their roles. From developing a new app that tells the story of our Tūpuna, designing an allergen-friendly conveyor belt for school lunches, to helping native birds get a better night’s sleep with a new street light system, students imagine, design and justify new solutions while learning about the variety and innovation a role in engineering entails.
Australia: When differences matter
By Daniel Taylor, head of manufacturing, NZTE
It might be the one market of scale where we enjoy geographic advantage, but we still see too many New Zealand manufacturers making the mistake of assuming just because New Zealand and Australia share a common language (more or less) and a love of sport that our markets are also the same.
Manufacturing is a key industry for Australia with national growth and investment focused on defence, food production, medical technology, clean energy, critical mineral processing, agriculture and space sectors to name just a few. This creates significant opportunities for New Zealand manufacturers to tap into sophisticated value chains, but these opportunities can’t be taken for granted.
While there are undoubtedly commonalities that we should absolutely leverage, it’s the differences that can trip businesses up. Whether it’s tax regimes, employment law or State and Federal legislation, being across the detail matters. As with all export markets, those thinking about Australia as a target need to do their research in order to get a real feel for the market, the competition and the potential customer set.
Once the opportunity has been validated, companies need to invest and commit – this means placing people in market, having a clear value proposition and strategy – and being patient! It can often take a couple of years to feel like you are making headway in this competitive but rewarding market.
It’s worth remembering, too, that Australians are a parochial bunch, and prefer to buy Australian goods and services. Ideally, they’d prefer to buy from their own State rather than look further afield. There has been an extensive campaign over a number of years to ‘Buy Australian,’ in support of local manufacturers and producers, so the challenge, and the opportunity, is to have an offer that can’t be replicated locally.
Our Australia Market Guide is packed with useful info for exporters, covering Australia’s business culture, compliance and tax requirements, employment law and an assessment of each state’s economic strengths and weaknesses. Check it out: Australia Market Guide – myNZTE.
Transport Engineer or Graduate Engineer
The Dunedin City Council’s Transport Group is responsible for the planning, development, operations, and maintenance of the City’s transport network. We are offering you the opportunity to grow your career working in the Transport Maintenance Team at Dunedin City Council. You will get to work within a supportive and professional environment and be part a team which contributes to improving Dunedin’s road network. We have a great collaborative ‘one team’ relationship with our contractors and this opportunity immerses you into that team.
The Roading Engineer’s role is to conceive, develop and deliver physical works projects that contribute to the safe and resilient operation of the transport network in Dunedin. This will be achieved through the management of professional services and physical works contracts throughout the city. Additionally, they will provide technical expertise in roading, geotechnical, structural and stormwater engineering for the Transport Group.
The successful applicant will have a relevant qualification in civil engineering. Experience with contract management, road design, traffic engineering, road construction, road maintenance or other utility environment role would be great; but if not, you’ll get it here!
Maybe you’ve been in construction for a while and want to get some experience from the client-side? Maybe you’re a new graduate or soon-to-be graduate? If you’re a good fit for our team then we want you. We can provide you with great learning environment, career growth, a good support network and a fantastic work/life balance.
So, if you want to further your career, are eager to be part of a great team, work well with others, and have the drive and motivation to succeed, then we look forward to hearing from you.
All applications must come through the online portal, to obtain a copy of the position description for this role and to apply online, please go to: https://dcc.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies/
The closing date for this role is 15 August 2022, however, applications will be considered as they are received, and any suitable candidates may be progressed through the recruitment process prior to the closing date.
NZ underspending on cyber security
NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says it was great to see an increase in spending on cyber security in the Budget but more is needed as the economy rapidly becomes more digital.
The risk of not investing enough in cyber security is an increasing amount of financial loss by businesses, risk of catastrophic infrastructure shutdowns, like the Waikato hospital last year, and identity theft of Kiwis, he says.
The government agency tasked with providing cyber resilience support to private sector organisations and individuals, Cert NZ, was provided $30 million in the Budget.
This funding, over four years, will support the completion of work on the cyber resilience measurement framework, uplift the cyber smart programme, pilot a victim remediation service and fund the development of a technology solution to make it easier for individuals and organisations to report and respond to cyber incidents.
Cert NZ has just released its first quarterly report for 2022 providing an overview of the 2333 reported cyber security incidents impacting New Zealand.
The report shows that phishing and credential harvesting continue to grow and be the most common means of entry for cyber attacks.
Phishing (pronounced: fishing) is an attack that attempts to steal your money, or your identity, by getting you to reveal personal information, such as credit card numbers, bank information, or passwords, on websites that pretend to be legitimate.
There were seven incidents where people were scammed out of more than $100,000, including unauthorised access to business emails, a romance scam and an investment scam.
The Budget also included cyber security investment of $18 million over four years for the government communications security bureau (GCSB) to allow the national cyber security centre to maintain and improve its cyber security and information security services that help protect New Zealand’s most significant information infrastructures from the increasing frequency and severity of cyber attacks.
Other government agencies also received multiyear budget funding to increase cyber security including the Ministry of Education ($27 million), the Ministry of Justice ($12 million), the Department of Corrections ($59 million), the New Zealand police ($24 million) and the Serious Fraud Office ($1 million).
In comparison, the Australian government announced a $9.9 billion investment in cyber security in their federal budget and the US president’s budget request lifted cyber security spending 11% for 2022, spending $10.9 billion on civilian cyber security alone, Muller says.
“While you could argue that they are much larger countries, our cyber security investment is in millions not billions.
New ferries’ electric propulsion system will help KiwiRail meet emission goals
KiwiRail has selected Siemens Energy to supply the integrated Electric Propulsion System (EPS) for Interislander’s new rail-enabled, more environmentally-friendly ferries.
The EPS includes the alternators, switchboards, batteries, azimuth thrusters, power and battery management systems and integrated alarm system. In addition, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and Siemens Energy entered into a contract to design, supply, install, and commission the EPS for the two new Interislander ferries.
The Interisland Resilience Connection (iReX) project is a $1.45 billion investment which will see two new, rail-enabled ferries coming into service in 2025 and 2026. The project also includes modernised ferry precincts in Waitohi Picton and Kaiwharawhara in Wellington, including ferry berths, terminals and both rail and road connections.
Selecting Siemens Energy as the maker for the EPS is another step towards the 40 per cent reduction in emissions that the new fleet will bring to Interislander operations and KiwiRail’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Massimo Soprano, iReX ships programme manager, says the Siemens Energy system selected will deliver performance improvements in safety, manoeuvrability as well as in reducing environmental impact for the Interislander operations.
The hybrid technology selected to drive the new ferries will use electrical propulsion from generators fuelled by diesel and batteries recharged by electrical shore power.
Batteries will power 30% of the three-hour journey. Under normal conditions the ferries will be operating on batteries only while manoeuvring and in port, using a combination of battery and shore power. Any surplus energy produced by the generators during sailing can also be battery stored.
The selected propulsion system uses ‘pods’, which are mounted outside the hull of the vessel, and contain an electric motor which drives the external propellor. The pods can rotate through 360 degrees independently or working together providing greater manoeuvrability, particularly during berthing, and greater fuel efficiency, compared to the current ferries which use a conventional shaft line/twin propellors to drive the ships.
Podded propulsion can deliver power to any direction, which enables a much higher level of control in prevailing conditions. They are quieter under water and create little or no vibrations. The pods are powered by electricity and the combination of diesel generators and hybrid battery systems means operators have more control over consumption, power supply options, redundancy, and resilience.
Other significant makers selections by KiwiRail to date include the selection of Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan to supply four 2800 Kw bow thrusters for each of the new ferries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan to supply fin stabilisers.
PARTNERING WITH THE AUSSIES… NEW WASTEWATER SOLUTIONS
Choosing the best pump for pumping wastewater, means taking the time and trouble to analyse performance and types of pumps required. The choices are submersibles, long column sump pumps and more recently, the introduction of Aussie’s bog GMP robust self-priming centrifugal pumps.
Aussie Pumps believe that the big self-priming pump concept works better, not just because of its ease of maintenance but also for its ability to withstand the issues that pumps in applications like this experience.
Corrosion is one consistent problem, particularly for cast iron submersible pumps where a two-year life cycle is often normal. The pumps also need to be robust enough to handle the job and have that indispensable “self-priming” feature. Self-priming means that the pump is mounted outside the pit or tank, and draws its water through a suction line connected into the front of the pump.
In a normal installation, the discharge is through an elbow mounted on the top of the pump, but the key feature is the design of the pump body itself. For a self-priming pump, the body will include the capacity for it to hold enough water to prime the pump. The priming process is simple, virtually foolproof.
“To prime, there are three simple steps,” says Aussie Pumps’ chief engineer, John Hales. “Step one, fill the pump bowl with water through the priming plug mounted in the top of the pump body. Step two, make sure the suction hose or fittings going into the pump body are completely airtight so no danger of air leaks in the suction line. Step three is to start the motor or engine, depending on the drive system involved. What happens next is just basic physics.
“The water in the pump body is expelled to the discharge. That in turn creates a vacuum inside the pump that allows the check valve mounted in the pump suction port to open, allowing water to be sucked into the pump body through the suction hose or pipe assembly. It’s easy and provides real advantages of convenience,” says Hales.
Aussie’s 2” through to 6” pumps are all designed around a trash or semi trash configuration concept. The smaller pumps, 2” to 4” are regarded as semi trash, because they have big open non-clog style impellers and feature silicon carbide seals and a stainless steel wear plate. For extreme applications, 316 stainless steel cast impellers can be provided as an option.
Best of all, semi trash and trash pumps from the Aussie GMP product range all include a front opening port that enables the pump to be cleared out in the event of blockages.
“Imagine, being able to clean out the pump without having to disconnect pipework, as you do in the case of an end suction pump,” says Hales. “Ear tags, bones, pieces of hoof, particles of meat or flesh will pass straight through the pump without effort.”
Aussie’s semi trash pump range now includes a 3” pump that not only has the capacity to move over 1,000 litres per minute but, can also deliver heads up to 70 metres.
“That’s a breakthrough product for. It means that the liquid can be pumped further, or higher, depending on the application.”
Experience has shown Aussie Pump engineers that using submersibles in applications like this and long column sump pumps can create real difficulty.
“We hear about the inconvenience of lifting pumps out of the pit for service. A self-priming pump mounted outside the tank or pond means service can be carried out with a minimum of mess and inconvenience. It’s the new way, and every day we find more customers moving to our self-priming centrifugal pumps for these difficult wastewater applications,” says Hales.
Aussie is currently looking for distributors in New Zealand for their range of self-priming pumps. Further information, including a new catalogue on Aussie GMP pumps, is readily available from Australian Pump Industries, visit aussiepumps.com.au.
INDUSTRY 4.0 IS KEY TO SECTORAL TRANSFORMATION – WHERE TO START?
By Dr Troy Coyle, HERA CEO
I previously shared the findings of HERA’s 2021 research report, with research conducted by BERL. It established the potential economic impact of Industry 4.0 uptake in the New Zealand construction sector could be as much as $8 billion over the next five years.
The potential for individual businesses and the wider industry is clear – if we can take advantage of digital and data-driven technologies. At HERA, we are focusing on tools and methodologies to help members and other manufacturing organisations with their transition to Industry 4.0.
As a starting point, we use the SIRI Assessment. SIRI, short for Smart Industry Readiness Index, is an Industry 4.0-focused global assessment scheme which uses benchmarks for 12 different manufacturing industries.
Developed out of Singapore and now available in New Zealand, we know over 300 companies worldwide – and multiple manufacturers such as Red Steel in New Zealand – have used the SIRI Assessment to formally evaluate their facilities and processes and kick-start their Industry 4.0 transformation.
It is designed to establish where a company should invest to progress innovation within the Industry 4.0 context.
HERA’s SIRI Assessment takes 1.5 days, and is done by the company with the support of an assessor as a guide or facilitator. The objective is that the organisation’s leadership and relevant internal experts have buy-in and commit the necessary resources to complete the assessment.
A company can then build their holistic innovation roadmap – from management to products, processes, R&D, and integration with suppliers and customers – to achieve company-wide improvements and efficiencies.
For HERA as an industry body, this also gives us a picture of where Aotearoa’s industry is in relation to global standards. New Zealand companies tend to cover a wide spectrum of industry 4.0 maturity, with some advanced in innovation (such as many fabricators) and others still in relative infancy.
What they have in common is that without an innovation roadmap, there is a risk of being left behind; something the assessment addresses by giving companies a view of where they are and where they can go next.
If you’re interested to learn more about the SIRI Assessment, how to access it or the additional support HERA offers, get in touch with the team: https://www.hera.org.nz/industry40/ .
Dr Troy Coyle brings more than 20 years’ experience in innovation management across a range of industries including materials science, medical radiation physics, biotechnology, sustainable building products, renewable energy, and steel. She is a scientist with a PhD (University of NSW) with training in journalism and communications.
When can you reclaim items in a subsequent payment claim?
By Alice Newell, solicitor and Victoria Bortsova, solicitor
In the recent case of George Developments Ltd v Canam Construction Ltd the Court has held that contractors can claim the same or similar items in subsequent payment claims. The Court of Appeal held that a contractor could reference work done previously or the overall completion of work in cumulative style payment claims.
In this case, George Developments Ltd (‘George’) engaged Canam Construction Ltd (‘Canam’) to demolish a building and build apartments. The dispute centred around payment claim number 15 (‘PC-15’). George argued that PC-15 was not a valid payment claim under the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (‘CCA’) because it included amounts from previous periods, did not identify the work done in each period and it included amounts in respect of extension of time costs.
Ultimately, George argued that a contractor cannot ever re-present a previously declined or ignored claim, even if it wanted to resubmit the claim or support it with further information. The Court disagreed and found that PC-15 was a valid payment claim. This was on the basis that:
The Court also held that because s 17(1)(b) refers to “the value of the construction work carried out, or to be carried out, during that period”, (emphasis added) it does not mean that a payment claim can only refer to work carried out in that particular period. The interpretation favoured by George was too “formalistic” and would undercut Parliament’s intention for the CCA that cash flow be maintained. While Canam had failed to itemise the amounts from different periods this did not render the payment claim void.
Key takeaways:
Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter. No warrant or guarantee whatsoever is given as to the accuracy of any information contained in the article, nor is any liability accepted for any actions taken based on this information.
UNDER THE METAL: UNDERSTANDING NEW INDUSTRY
Automation trailblazers – collaborative robots, or cobots – are unleashing their potential across an array of applications commonly carried out on the factory floor. The top five applications for collaborative robots are a guide to know how they can help manufacturers and suppliers.
Cobots can be used to automate millions of tasks – from detailed work right through to palletising.
“Each cobot model is better suited to certain tasks and it’s our job to work alongside our customers to determine what will work best for them,” says Masayuki Mase, country manager for Universal Robots Oceania.
“For instance, a UR3e is a tabletop model that will suit a business looking to automate non-load-bearing tasks, while a larger cobot arm such as the UR10e can be used to automate heavier jobs.”
Versatility all the way
For a small business, the fact that cobots have many uses remains one of their biggest assets. They can be reprogrammed to fill gaps that emerge in virtually any area of the business, from palletising to production line, in very little time. And one core component is responsible for cobots’ versatility: their end effectors.
Mase says: “End effectors, also known as end of arm tooling (EOAT), are a vital component of all cobots. They are attached to the end of the robotic arm and allow it to carry out specific tasks. One cobot could handle upwards of a dozen tasks over the course of a working week – depending on a business’s needs.”
Other reasons to opt for cobots
Compared to the large and bulky industrial machines, cobots are designed to safely operate near humans to complete tasks. Traditional industrial robots are often mammoth-sized machines that are static and difficult to repurpose and reprogram. By contrast, cobots are compact and flexible and can operate without safety cages or fencing directly alongside people (upon risk assessment), thereby reducing footprint and space usage.
Cobots, unlike humans, do not suffer from fatigue and can work 24/7, 365 days per year, repeating each task in the same way. Therefore, with none of the human errors caused by fatigue, cobots provide higher business productivity, efficiency, and product quality. Cobots are highly flexible, allowing them to be reprogrammed for different tasks if manufacturing processes change, making them more investment worthy.
Top five cobot applications unpacked
While cobots can be used for everything from soldering to screwing and sanding, 70% of the applications fall within three categories, namely: ‘pick and place’, assembly and material handling – closely followed by welding and palletising.
Masa helps to unpack these applications as follows:
Forming part of material handling, cobots performing pick and place tasks work quickly and accurately and can be programmed to select the right parts and reject unsatisfactory pieces. “Commonly used in the electronics industry to solder parts onto printed circuit boards (PCBs), cobots work with great speed and accuracy – 24/7. This helps to boost capacity whilst keeping production costs low,” says Mase.
While some tasks on an assembly line require skills, attention to detail and the careful eye of a human, others are monotonous or even dangerous.
“Using cobots on an assembly line can increase the pace of production, protect workers from harm and ensure the irreplaceable people in your business are being utilised in the most effective way.
In manufacturing, material handling refers to the movement, protection, storage and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. This is often one of the most dangerous jobs in manufacturing as materials such as metals, plastics, and other substances can pose a great risk to human workers. Additionally, many material handling tasks are repetitive, which can give rise to repetitive strain injury and errors due to fatigue.
“Interestingly, manufacturing plants that use robots see significantly fewer workplace injuries.”
Universal Robots has cited a recent uptick in welding application demand.
“A cobot adds flexibility, efficiency, and freedom to welding processes. In addition, when the task is completed, it can be easily redeployed to other areas where it can add value.”
Palletising applications take place at vast majority of manufacturers across the globe and require many final products be moved onto a palette as quickly and efficiently as possible. “The demand to automate palletising tasks has increased exponentially over the years, largely due to the strain and overexertion that it places on workers.
Mase says that cobots are growing in presence and popularity around the globe.
“This is largely driven by their budget-friendly price tag, easier programming which reduces implementation and training time, and safety qualities.”
CAMINSTRUCTOR ONLINE MASTERCAM TRAINING COURSES
The technology training experts at camInstructor are offering their proven Mastercam training courses online. Each CNC programming training course includes high quality video instruction, step-by-step printable instructions, and quizzes and exams. By completing all courses students and employees will have learned how to machine more than 30 real world parts in Mastercam Mill 2D, Mill 3D, Lathe, Solids, 4-Axis, 5-Axis and Wire.
“Our customers achieved great success with our online courses during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Sheila Weidinger of camInstructor. “Their ability to continue instruction despite shutdowns and mandated quarantines helped them keep operations on track and achieve Mastercam certifications without missing a beat. They were also able to train new and existing employees to use the software, filling open positions and keeping their machines running optimally.”
Successfully implemented in shops throughout North America, camInstructor’s online courses played an integral part in keeping CNC programming instruction on track during the Covid-19 pandemic by allowing students to learn remotely for uninterrupted training. Now, these courses can be offered in a hybrid format for the ultimate in flexibility as more workers head back to the shop or office.
For instance, the company’s Mastercam Premium Bundle subscription includes a full version of Mastercam Home Learning Edition software licensed for educational use with more than 200 hours of Mastercam training contained in seven courses. For those times when students are stumped, they can ask an unlimited number of questions to a Certified instructor for up to a year. This is especially helpful during online-only instruction.
Additionally, four camInstructor Mastercam certificates are available and awarded after passing interactive hands-on camInstructor tests for Mastercam Mill 2D, Mastercam Mill 3D, Mastercam Lathe and 4-axis. These certificates confirm that the student has passed and can draw and toolpath a part similar to the part examples in the course. Because camInstructor is a third-party partner of CNC Software, LLC, the developers of Mastercam, certifications in these courses are recognised by them.
In addition to the Mastercam instruction, other courses available by camInstructor include, manual programming courses for CNC mill and lathe, how to setup and operate a Haas 3-Axis, 4-Axis, 5-Axis CNC mill and lathes in addition to comprehensive SolidWorks courses which include sketching, modeling, assemblies and drawings.
The camInstructor courses are designed for students who want or need to learn at their own pace. All include step-by-step instructions and coordinating videos so that each step is demonstrated for all types of learners. Each task is short and easy to accomplish, encouraging the student to use the software to learn rather than reading lengthy tutorials. In fact, more than 75% of a student’s time is spent working on projects, building up from simple CAD drawings to more complex parts and toolpaths by the end of the course. The end of each lesson includes exercises to help reinforce what the student has already learned.
Employers can track and review employee progress every step of the way on both computers and their smart phones, providing a real-time report on their investment. Further, in hybrid operations, employers can offer the online courses on-site at a time and place that works best for their own situation.
“Our online learning format has had proven success both before and during the pandemic. Now that companies are calling some employees back to the shop, they can incorporate camInstructor into on-site continuing education programs and train new employees to fill open positions. Mastercam certification is the icing on the cake,” says Weidinger. For more details, including cost and course details visit https://caminstructor.com/mastercam-training-corporate.
WOMEN IN ENGINEERING…THE PATH TO INSPIRING KIDS INTO STEM
BY LAUREN PUGH – With the world rapidly changing, industries across New Zealand are too. The modern workforce calls for people who are not just proficient with core skills but also capable of solving complex problems. With innovative startups, scientific discoveries and technological industries being the wave of the future, are our young people experiencing STEM early enough?
As a young girl growing up in a small town in New Zealand, the worlds of Science, Technology and Innovation did not always permeate my everyday life. Instead, I was surrounded by The Spice Girls, Calf Days, Harry Potter pre-orders and my most ‘techy’ moment was recording songs off the radio onto my mum’s old mixtapes. It has been 20 years since the first Harry Potter film, and we have come a long way from cassettes – streaming platforms give me instant access to every Spice Girls album!
As a ’90s kid, I hit the sweet spot in the technology takeover – I was born in the age of landlines and pen pals and watched technology evolve into smartphones and Zoom calls.
Challenging the stereotypes
I had my first cellphone at age 13, I took Biology in high school, passed my exams and emerged a successful 18-year-old, ready to contribute to society. Many of my friends were already completing apprenticeships in a variety of trades while others like myself signed up for more ‘school’ in the form of University.
What did I want to do? 13 years of schooling prepared me for this decision. There was pressure to ensure that the path I chose, and the student debt accrued, would benefit me in the future. Did I pick the right subjects? Could I picture my workplace five years from now? My role?
Eventually, I completed my teacher training and discovered a passion for STEM within education. I started looking at the next generation. Were the 10-13 year olds in front of me being exposed to the roles of the future? If I had been when I was their age, before things like gender bias and stereotypes subconsciously influenced my decisions, would my path have been different? Hindsight is 20/20.
Research shows that a child’s career aspirations are narrow and often influenced by their surroundings. In this digital age, students want to become famous on YouTube or be a TikTok influencer. Many students in rural communities look towards careers in primary industries and trades. Why? Because this is what surrounds them and is a large part of their daily interactions.
With STEM industries becoming increasingly dominant in the recruitment market and the rapid growth of technology, will we have enough passion and talent emerging from our schools to fill the need?
Children aspire to careers they have seen performed or have personal connections to.. If not, they either don’t know it exists or they regard it as lofty. When looking at the research on students’ aspirations, lack of representation influences them. Students in low decile schools are less likely to be interested in jobs in science and technology. Math and engineering fields are still male-dominated, and Māori and Pasifika students are reluctant to pursue a career in STEM. Many of our tamariki are making up their minds much earlier and ifthey are not seeing themselves represented in these fields it is perceived as unattainable.
From my time in the classroom teaching STEM, I saw this firsthand.
Now, there is an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between children’s career aspirations and the worlds of science and technology. By exposing students to homegrown kiwi who have ‘been there and done that’, we broaden horizons and inspire our young people to think,“If they can do it, so can I”.
Science Alive Mātauranga
This led me to my current role with Education Perfect (EP) and Science Alive Charitable Trust. Helping to create engaging online resources that inspire 8-12 year olds to explore science, technology and innovation, and interact with role models in STEM fields. With a large focus on inclusivity and connectedness, showcasing relatable experts and concepts of mātauranga Māori, children see themselves and the possibilities of their own journey in STEM.
Hosted on the EP platform, Science Alive Mātauranga is completely free to use and over 400 schools have joined in the past year.
‘Te ao o Mātai Pūhanga’ – The World of Engineering
Our latest resource, ‘Te ao o Mātai Pūhanga’ – The World of Engineering, is a collection of 12 lessons spanning 12 fields of engineering.
Our character Pūtaiao brings students along as they tackle real-world problem-solving opportunities and client briefs that engineers face in their roles. From developing a new app that tells the story of our Tūpuna, designing an allergen-friendly conveyor belt for school lunches, to helping native birds get a better night’s sleep with a new street light system, students imagine, design and justify new solutions while learning about the variety and innovation a role in engineering entails.
Australia: When differences matter
By Daniel Taylor, head of manufacturing, NZTE
It might be the one market of scale where we enjoy geographic advantage, but we still see too many New Zealand manufacturers making the mistake of assuming just because New Zealand and Australia share a common language (more or less) and a love of sport that our markets are also the same.
Manufacturing is a key industry for Australia with national growth and investment focused on defence, food production, medical technology, clean energy, critical mineral processing, agriculture and space sectors to name just a few. This creates significant opportunities for New Zealand manufacturers to tap into sophisticated value chains, but these opportunities can’t be taken for granted.
While there are undoubtedly commonalities that we should absolutely leverage, it’s the differences that can trip businesses up. Whether it’s tax regimes, employment law or State and Federal legislation, being across the detail matters. As with all export markets, those thinking about Australia as a target need to do their research in order to get a real feel for the market, the competition and the potential customer set.
Once the opportunity has been validated, companies need to invest and commit – this means placing people in market, having a clear value proposition and strategy – and being patient! It can often take a couple of years to feel like you are making headway in this competitive but rewarding market.
It’s worth remembering, too, that Australians are a parochial bunch, and prefer to buy Australian goods and services. Ideally, they’d prefer to buy from their own State rather than look further afield. There has been an extensive campaign over a number of years to ‘Buy Australian,’ in support of local manufacturers and producers, so the challenge, and the opportunity, is to have an offer that can’t be replicated locally.
Our Australia Market Guide is packed with useful info for exporters, covering Australia’s business culture, compliance and tax requirements, employment law and an assessment of each state’s economic strengths and weaknesses. Check it out: Australia Market Guide – myNZTE.
Transport Engineer or Graduate Engineer
The Dunedin City Council’s Transport Group is responsible for the planning, development, operations, and maintenance of the City’s transport network. We are offering you the opportunity to grow your career working in the Transport Maintenance Team at Dunedin City Council. You will get to work within a supportive and professional environment and be part a team which contributes to improving Dunedin’s road network. We have a great collaborative ‘one team’ relationship with our contractors and this opportunity immerses you into that team.
The Roading Engineer’s role is to conceive, develop and deliver physical works projects that contribute to the safe and resilient operation of the transport network in Dunedin. This will be achieved through the management of professional services and physical works contracts throughout the city. Additionally, they will provide technical expertise in roading, geotechnical, structural and stormwater engineering for the Transport Group.
The successful applicant will have a relevant qualification in civil engineering. Experience with contract management, road design, traffic engineering, road construction, road maintenance or other utility environment role would be great; but if not, you’ll get it here!
Maybe you’ve been in construction for a while and want to get some experience from the client-side? Maybe you’re a new graduate or soon-to-be graduate? If you’re a good fit for our team then we want you. We can provide you with great learning environment, career growth, a good support network and a fantastic work/life balance.
So, if you want to further your career, are eager to be part of a great team, work well with others, and have the drive and motivation to succeed, then we look forward to hearing from you.
All applications must come through the online portal, to obtain a copy of the position description for this role and to apply online, please go to: https://dcc.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies/
The closing date for this role is 15 August 2022, however, applications will be considered as they are received, and any suitable candidates may be progressed through the recruitment process prior to the closing date.
NZ underspending on cyber security
NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says it was great to see an increase in spending on cyber security in the Budget but more is needed as the economy rapidly becomes more digital.
The risk of not investing enough in cyber security is an increasing amount of financial loss by businesses, risk of catastrophic infrastructure shutdowns, like the Waikato hospital last year, and identity theft of Kiwis, he says.
The government agency tasked with providing cyber resilience support to private sector organisations and individuals, Cert NZ, was provided $30 million in the Budget.
This funding, over four years, will support the completion of work on the cyber resilience measurement framework, uplift the cyber smart programme, pilot a victim remediation service and fund the development of a technology solution to make it easier for individuals and organisations to report and respond to cyber incidents.
Cert NZ has just released its first quarterly report for 2022 providing an overview of the 2333 reported cyber security incidents impacting New Zealand.
The report shows that phishing and credential harvesting continue to grow and be the most common means of entry for cyber attacks.
Phishing (pronounced: fishing) is an attack that attempts to steal your money, or your identity, by getting you to reveal personal information, such as credit card numbers, bank information, or passwords, on websites that pretend to be legitimate.
There were seven incidents where people were scammed out of more than $100,000, including unauthorised access to business emails, a romance scam and an investment scam.
The Budget also included cyber security investment of $18 million over four years for the government communications security bureau (GCSB) to allow the national cyber security centre to maintain and improve its cyber security and information security services that help protect New Zealand’s most significant information infrastructures from the increasing frequency and severity of cyber attacks.
Other government agencies also received multiyear budget funding to increase cyber security including the Ministry of Education ($27 million), the Ministry of Justice ($12 million), the Department of Corrections ($59 million), the New Zealand police ($24 million) and the Serious Fraud Office ($1 million).
In comparison, the Australian government announced a $9.9 billion investment in cyber security in their federal budget and the US president’s budget request lifted cyber security spending 11% for 2022, spending $10.9 billion on civilian cyber security alone, Muller says.
“While you could argue that they are much larger countries, our cyber security investment is in millions not billions.
New ferries’ electric propulsion system will help KiwiRail meet emission goals
KiwiRail has selected Siemens Energy to supply the integrated Electric Propulsion System (EPS) for Interislander’s new rail-enabled, more environmentally-friendly ferries.
The EPS includes the alternators, switchboards, batteries, azimuth thrusters, power and battery management systems and integrated alarm system. In addition, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and Siemens Energy entered into a contract to design, supply, install, and commission the EPS for the two new Interislander ferries.
The Interisland Resilience Connection (iReX) project is a $1.45 billion investment which will see two new, rail-enabled ferries coming into service in 2025 and 2026. The project also includes modernised ferry precincts in Waitohi Picton and Kaiwharawhara in Wellington, including ferry berths, terminals and both rail and road connections.
Selecting Siemens Energy as the maker for the EPS is another step towards the 40 per cent reduction in emissions that the new fleet will bring to Interislander operations and KiwiRail’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Massimo Soprano, iReX ships programme manager, says the Siemens Energy system selected will deliver performance improvements in safety, manoeuvrability as well as in reducing environmental impact for the Interislander operations.
The hybrid technology selected to drive the new ferries will use electrical propulsion from generators fuelled by diesel and batteries recharged by electrical shore power.
Batteries will power 30% of the three-hour journey. Under normal conditions the ferries will be operating on batteries only while manoeuvring and in port, using a combination of battery and shore power. Any surplus energy produced by the generators during sailing can also be battery stored.
The selected propulsion system uses ‘pods’, which are mounted outside the hull of the vessel, and contain an electric motor which drives the external propellor. The pods can rotate through 360 degrees independently or working together providing greater manoeuvrability, particularly during berthing, and greater fuel efficiency, compared to the current ferries which use a conventional shaft line/twin propellors to drive the ships.
Podded propulsion can deliver power to any direction, which enables a much higher level of control in prevailing conditions. They are quieter under water and create little or no vibrations. The pods are powered by electricity and the combination of diesel generators and hybrid battery systems means operators have more control over consumption, power supply options, redundancy, and resilience.
Other significant makers selections by KiwiRail to date include the selection of Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan to supply four 2800 Kw bow thrusters for each of the new ferries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan to supply fin stabilisers.
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