Third ARS Keel Laying At Peterson Builders

The detail design and construction contract Peterson Builders Inc., of Sturgeon Bay, Wise., previously signed with the U.S. Navy has led to a succession of ARS keel layings at PBI. First the ARS-50 Safeguard in 1982; then the ARS- 51 Grasp earlier this year, and a third keel was recently laid for ARS-52.

The ARS Class vessels are being constructed for the U.S. Navy to replace an aging class of rescue/ salvage vessels and to upgrade the mission-essential equipments and systems found onboard vessels of this type. The mission of these ships is fourfold: (1) Debeaching of stranded vessels, (2) Heavy lift capability from ocean depths, (3) Towing of other vessels with wire or synthetic hawsers, and (4) Manned diving operations.

For rescue missions the ship is equipped with fire monitors amidships and on the forward kingpost that can deliver both foam and seawater. The salvage holds of the ships are outfitted with portable equipment to effect assistance to other vessels in dewatering, patching, electrical power and other essential services required to return a disabled ship to an operating condition. The ships will have the finest diver life support air system in the Navy fleet.

The rugged construction of these steel-hulled vessels, combined with their speed and endurance, make the ARS ships well suited for rescue/ salvage operations on behalf of Naval and commercial shipping throughout the world. The versatility of these ships will add immeasurably to the capabilities of the U.S. Navy with regard to rendering assistance to those in peril on the high seas.

The lead ship of the series will be launched in early November at Peterson Builders. A fourth ARS is also under contract with PBI.

Dimensions of the ARS Rescue/ Salvage vessel are as follows: 255 feet length overall, 51-foot beam, 15-foot draft. The ship has a 2,725- ton displacement and a sustained cruising speed of 14 knots.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 12, Nov 1983

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.