New U.S.-flag cargo vessel for Western Alaska trade

FEBRUARY 28, 2016—The first brand new U.S.-flag, U.S. built to enter the Western Alaska trade was recently delivered by Dakota Creek Industries, Anacortes, WA, to Coastal Transportation, Seattle, WA. The 242 ft x 54 ft freighter MV Coastal Standard has a refrigerated cargo capacity of 120,000 ft3, and it replaces two 50-year-old vessels in the company‘s fleet of cargo vessels that sail from Seattle to ports throughout Western Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, delivering cargo such as construction equipment, fishing supplies, household goods and refrigerated perishables.

The Coastal Standard’s highly efficient design, completed by NaviForm Consulting & Research, of Vancouver, BC, Canada, incorporates entirely enclosed cargo holds, which are accessed through a waterproof door in the hull’s port side. This prevents rain and snow from entering cargo areas, and increases cargo-handling efficiency. Palletized cargo is loaded and offloaded by forklifts on an elevator that connects the upper and lower cargo areas as well as the main deck.

The molded hull was designed for fuel efficiency and incorporates a bulbous bow and a canoe stern, and is fitted with a high-efficiency rudder. The Standard is powered by a 3,084 horsepower C280-8 Tier 2 Caterpillar engine, which enables an exceptionally fast service speed of 14 knots.

The propulsion is supplied by a 2,300 kW Schottel Controllable Pitch Propeller SCP 77/4-XG that provides a high free running speed and excellent manoeuvrability and operability, with no need for a reversing gear – contrary to conventional shaft line solutions. The pitch of the propeller blades can be adjusted for maneuvering and to adapt to changing operating conditions. The Reintjes LAF 2355 reduction gear is supplied by Karl Senner, LLC, Kenner, LA.

The SCP is supported by two 360 kW Schottel Pump Jets SPJ 85 RD. The two SPJs are fully capable azimuth thrusters, enclosed completely in the vessel’s hull. They are maneuvering aids and, at the same time, redundant take-home devices.

The 2,200 dwt cargo ship has nine single cabins for crew and one cabin with four crew berths for extra crew or guests.

In Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Coastal Transportation maintains efficient dock and cold storage facilities. Here, cargo moves quickly across the dock into one of Coastal Transportation’s vessels, to be transported to Seattle. From Coastal’s Seattle terminal cargo can be distributed to other destinations in Seattle, North America, or around the world via truck or rail connections.  For these services, fast and reliable vessels are needed with excellent maneuvering properties for various Alaskan and Aleutian ports.