USCG to review WSF plan to handle LNG at terminals

Last year on June 27, the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound had received a Letter of Intent (LOI) and a Waterway Suitability Assessment (WSA) from Washington State Ferries to modify their marine terminals to handle LNG. In accordance with regulation and policy guidance, the Captain of the Port (COTP), Coast Guard Puget Sound Sector, in cooperation with key stakeholders, will review and validate the information in the WSA. Once the COTP reviews the WSA, he will issue a Letter of Recommendation to the Washington Department of Transportation recommending the suitability of the Puget Sound waterways the will be used for LNG marine traffic as it relates to safety and security.

Public comments received last November regarding WSF’s proposal will be considered in the development of the COTP’s Letter of Recommendation. Some of the comments received expressed concern about the exposed location of the LNG tanks on the top deck of the converted ferries posed a security threat. Other comments thought that LNG poses a pollution threat to the environment. The Coast Guard will examine WSF’s Emergency and Operations Manuals covering the LNG transfer system and transfer procedures.

Proposed conversion

Once WSF receives the Letter of Recommendation from the Coast Guard, it will be able to move forward with the retrofit of the first Issaquah Class ferry, which will serve as a proof of concept for the remaining vessels in the class. The diesel-powered ferries carry about 1,200 passengers and 124 vehicles.

The state’s ferries, says WSF, are the largest single source of marine carbon emissions in the state. It expects to cut CO2, particulate matter, SOx, and NOx emissions significantly with the use of LNG s a marine fuel.

The WSDOT also expects to reap some cost savings, although the picture is not as compelling as it was last year when oil was at $100 per barrel. During testimony this past January before a State Senate Energy, Environment and Telecommunication Subcommittee, Lynne Griffith, Assistant Secretary of Transportation, Ferries Division, said there would be a $1 per gallon savings when burning LNG as compared with burning Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. WSF burns about 18 million gallons of fuel annually. The cost of fuel now represents about 23 percent of the Fiscal Year 2013-2015 operting budget as compared with 11 percent in Fiscal Year 2000-2001. Any ferries that would burn LNG would have to be refueled by tanker truck every seven to 10 days.

 

Incat Tasmania wins contract for new Sydney ferries

Announcing the result of the competitive tender for the contract, NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance called the ferries “a major step forward in the NSW Government’s plans to modernize and expand the ferry network. “

 

Externally, the ferries have a traditional design to look similar to the Sydney First Fleet vessels, however the 35 m, 400 passenger boats have greater capacity than the current fleet.

The interior will be more spacious with comfortable inside seating, outdoor viewing areas, a large walk around deck and additional features for passengers; including Wi-Fi access and real-time journey information, and charging stations for electronic devices.

The Sydney Ferries will service commuter and tourist travel on the inner harbor routes from Watsons Bay in Sydney’s east to Cockatoo Island in the west, stopping at the new Barangaroo wharf.

With the contract secured, the Incat team’s next task is to take the concept design to detailed construction drawings and vessel models, with construction of the first ferry to start early in 2016. The six will be delivered progressively from late 2016 and throughout 2017.

The Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd shipyard at Prince of Wales Bay in Hobart Tasmania has around 250 staff.

“This is a great opportunity for Incat’s highly skilled and experienced workforce to participate in the construction of ferries for the iconic Sydney fleet,” said the yard’s Managing Director, Simon Carter. ” An order such as this, where six identical vessels are to be built, is welcomed by the existing staff and provides an excellent opportunity for training new personnel.”

Incat has recently completed two fast ferries for London, England, operator Thames Clippers. They are currently on their way to London and due to enter service in October. Four fast ferries — two 24 m and two 33 m boats — are also under construction for Sydney company Manly Fast Ferry.

Southwest Shipyard to build diesel electric ferry for TxDOT

Two of this class of ferries were delivered in 2011 and construction of the latest vessel, which is a diesel-electric version, will begin this fall. EBDG will serve as the owner’s representative.

TxDOT is a long-time EBDG client, and the firm has provided support to the agency since 2008. Following the successful completion of a multi-phased design effort for the first two 28-car ferries to offer service between Port Aransas and Harbor Island, EBDG was selected by TxDOT in 2014 to provide four years of on-call support. The first project under the new contract was for the design of the diesel-electric version of the 28-car ferry.

The new ABS-classed diesel-electric ferry has a length of 161 feet overall, a beam of 52 feet, a depth of approximately 11 feet and a draft of 8 feet.

Design updates to the interior, including the propulsion system, will translate into a vessel that has greater built-in redundancy and requires less maintenance over its lifetime.

The new ferry is set to enters service in February 2017.

“EBDG is pleased to be providing the new generation of ferries for Port Aransas,” stated EBDG VP of Engineering, Brian King. “It’s nice to be once again working with TxDOT and Southwest Shipyard for the construction of another ferry. I am confident that Southwest Shipyard will do an excellent job.”

Deltamarin unveils design for 80 m LNG fueled ferry

The ready-to-apply DeltaLinx design uses existing technologies to its full potential and integrates them into the smallest possible package, enabling the ferry to operate in small ports and congested harbors. The propulsion system utilizes LNG as fuel to eliminate SOx and to reduce NOX and CO2 in exhaust gases.

A large LNG tank below the car deck is designed for weekly refueling.

The vessel length of approximately 80 meters allows easy operations between smaller towns and congested ports. High-lift rudders and a bow thruster make maneuvering easy.

Reduced resistance and low wash are ensured by streamlined hull lines. To cope with rough weather along the route, an extensive freeboard in the bow area is provided. Additionally fin stabilizers ensure smooth sailing.

The spacious multipurpose passenger facilities allow for seasonal adjustments by operators. They are arranged on two decks and include a spacious restaurant and pub, a children’s area and small spa corner.

Inside and outside seating combined with an exclusive SkyRoom mean that the ferry is an exciting place in all weather conditions.

To make the vessel suitable for disabled persons, a passenger lift from the car deck is provided.

The main car deck can accommodate up to 82 cars (incl. partial mezzanine deck) or 16 trucks. The bow and stern ramp arrangement enables easy drive-through loading and unloading operations. The unobstructed main deck (exhaust casings at sides) also helps to smooth the cargo operations.

The ship’s main dimensions and watertight subdivision ensure compliance with SOLAS 2009 and the Stockholm Agreement. Lifeboats and Mass Evacuation System (MES) are installed onboard for full international as well as domestic voyages. A Man Overboard Boat (MOB) and rescue boats are also provided. Fire safety is ensured by proper fire zone arrangement and state-of-the-art fire-fighting equipment.DeltaLinx main dimensions

Length     Lpp     73.10 m
Loa     80.40 m
Breadth     B     18.00 m
Draft     T     4.00 m
Height (car deck)     H     6.75 m
Deadweight     dwt     1,220 t
Cargo capacity     lane meters     360 lm
cars only     82
trucks only     16
Passengers     no.     800 persons
Service speed     V     15 kn.
Total propulsion     P     6,000 kW
Class notation: DNVGL 1A1 Car Ferry A MCDK COMF-C(2)V(2) E0 F-M NAUT-AW CLEAN DESIGN DG-P GAS FUELLED TMON PWDK

Philippine Red Cross to buy Susitna from Alaska borough

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Valmet automation picked for LNG fueled Tallink ferry

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LaNaval poised to ink order to build two LNG fueled ferries

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World’s longest cable ferry to go in operation this fall

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RoPax aborts delivery voyage to get new engine installed

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Entries sought for Safe Affordable Ferry competition

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