Page 53: of Marine News Magazine (October 2020)

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VESSELS

Blount Delivers Icebreaking Tug Breaker II ter conditions in which it works, it has a bow made with high grade steel for ice breaking capability. Together with the ice boom, the boat will help to diminish the probability of large- scale ice blockages in the river which can cause ? ooding, dam- age to docks and shore structures on the Niagara River and reductions of ? ow to the hydro-electric power plant intakes.

Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA President and CEO, said, “With special features that are especially designed for the unique and dangerous work of the icebreaker tug, we are con? dent this versatile boat will make the work easier on our crews.”

The ability to generate hydropower is dependent on keep- ing the Niagara River running. During the winter months when sub-zero temperatures produce an ice cover on Lake

Erie, keeping the river running can be challenging. Win- ter winds on Lake Erie frequently push chunks of ice into

Blount Boats

A new icebreaking tugboat built by Blount Boats in the upper Niagara River where they ? ow downstream and

Rhode Island has been delivered to the New York Power tend to jam and can obstruct water intakes for the region’s

Authority (NYPA) to work in the Niagara River to help hydroelectric projects. To maintain river ? ows, NYPA and alleviate shoreline ? ooding and reduce the likelihood of ice Ontario Power Generation (OPG) conduct a carefully co- limiting the power production at large hydro plants along ordinated ice management operation that includes regular the Niagara River. The Breaker II joins a ? eet of three boats icebreaker patrols, continual surveillance of river conditions that work every winter to install the Lake Erie—Niagara and the use of the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom. The

River Ice Boom—a series of 22 spans of steel pontoons cost of the vessel is shared by NYPA and OPG.

that straddle the mouth of the Niagara River and work to John R. Koelmel, NYPA Chairman, said, “The Breaker prevent large ice formations from traveling up river. II has important work before her, to keep the river ? owing

The Breaker II was custom designed by the Bristol Har- so that NYPA can facilitate clean power production. This bor Group, Inc. for the NYPA for the unique role that it little boat has a big job and we, at NYPA, are very pleased will play in controlling ice buildup in the Niagara River. to have her join our ? eet.”

In August, the boat traveled from the Blount shipyard, “The Breaker II tugboat will play a vital role in generat- through the New York State Canal System and recently ing power and mitigating the impacts of shoreline ? ooding arrived at its permanent Buffalo home. along the Niagara River,” said New York Governor An-

The diesel powered 56- by 18.5-foot shallow draft twin- drew Cuomo. “In just a few short months, this boat will screw tug is powered by two Caterpillar Tier III series C-9 help install the region’s iconic ice boom, which will help engines, each producing 375HP at 1,800 RPM. Ship’s prevent large ice ? ows from inhibiting the generation of service power comes from twin Caterpillar Tier III C2.2, clean hydro electricity to power our state, and limit ice 27eKW at 1,800 RPM marine generator sets. build-ups that can cause shoreline ? ooding.”

Steel hull plating thickness’ range from 3/4 inch, 5/8 “It’s been a tough couple of years for our waterfront com- inch and 1/2 inch with 1 inch and 2 inch thick skeg plates. munities with ? ooding last year and the impact of COV-

Ice Belt plating and plating to 1/3 abaft of the stem is ABS ID-19 this year,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.

Grade “D” including the 1 inch and 2 inch skeg parts. All “We are committed to ? nding smart solutions to help miti- other plating is ABS Grade “A” steel. gate ? ooding and help our shoreline communities build

The vessel’s hull, machinery, electrical systems and safety back better. The new Breaker II tugboat will be used for equipment complies with the new USCG Subchapter M ice-cutting operations in the Niagara River to keep the river – Towing Vessels. This is the ? rst Subchapter M certi? ed free from ice and prevent ice jams and ? ooding. This is part vessel built at the Blount shipyard. of our overall efforts to prepare for future high-water events

The Breaker II’s primary job will be to install and remove and help to ensure our communities have the resources they the Niagara Ice boom, but in consideration of the harsh win- need to be more resilient and sustainable in the future.” 53 www.marinelink.com MN