Page 32: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 1995)

Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA90), and the first commercial ship delivered by Avondale since 1984. Attending the ceremonies were represen- tatives from AHL, the Maritime Administration (MarAd), the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and Avondale.

The keel modules were some of the first mod- ules that were produced in Avondale's new "Factory" — a 575,000-sq.-ft. steel processing facility. The facility is part of a $20 million modernization effort that was supported by the

MarAd Title XI program.

Construction of the new tankers will incorpo- rate the sterns of AHL's existing fleet. The existing sterns, which will have extensive enhancements, will be joined to the new fore- bodies in one of Avondale's floating drydocks.

AHL, one of the leading tanker operators in the U.S., was a recent runner-up for the first

William M. Benkert Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements that exceed compli- ance with industrial and regulatory standards.

For more information on Avondale

Circle 126 on Reader Service Card

A.T.I. Debuts Zero-Low Lift With

Automatic Height-Sensing Capability

Air Technical Industries (A.T.I.) of Mentor,

Ohio, has added an automatic height-sensing capability to its Zero-Low-Lifts. The lift now reportedly lowers flat to ground level, and then rises to the desired height. As the parts or sheets lifted are removed, the unit will auto- matically lift to bring the next piece to the same place. The operation can also be reversed for automatic lowering. The lifting and lowering can be manually controlled with a push button or foot pedal.

The standard Zero-Low-Lift tables are avail- able in capacities from 250 lbs. up to 50,000

Avondale Lays Keel For AHL

Product/Chemical Tanker

Left to right: Julius Laurent, Avondale's assistant program man- ager; Jim Noyes, Avondale's engineering project administrator;

Alan Anderson, MarAd; Barry Heaps, Avondale's Boat Division vice president; Rene Meric, Avondale corporate vice president of

Industrial-Commercial Group; Tom Doussan, Avondale vice pres- ident of commercial ship construction; Larry Lindvall, American

Heavy Lift; Ronald McAlear, Avondale vice president of advanced programs and marketing; Bruce Wismar, Avondale's

AHL program manager; Gene Rodrigue, Avondale's AHL lead production engineer; Grant Gooding, American Bureau of

Shipping; and Sujit Ghosh, MarAd.

On Sep. 18, 1995, Avondale Industries laid the keel for Avondale Hull Number 2380, the first of four double-hulled product/chemical carriers for

American Heavy Lift Shipping Company (AHL) of New Orleans, La. This event occurred four months after contract signing. Delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 1996.

When delivered, the vessel is expected to be the first Jones Act vessel qualified under the lbs., and platform sizes from 26 ft. x 36 ft. (7.9 m x 10.9 m) to 72 ft. x 192 ft. (21.9 m x 58.5 m), and lifting heights up to 144 ft. (43.8 m). A.T.I, believes this new feature will improve safety and reduce worker fatigue, saving time and increasing productivity.

For more information on A.T.I.

Circle 24 on Reader Service Card

Zero-Low-Lift with automatic height sensing capability. [frwfcen i!»'j IS SifjKg Ca tOlL N.256G F-.ni tiYUC

SflT.RWS X8tS«K

Single Pt. level

Bilge level switch Panel mounted pressure gauges

NORTH AMERICAN SENSORS CORP. 72731 Fifth Ave.

Abita Springs, LA 70420 Submersible Pressure

Ph. 1 -800-259-6874 / Fax 1 -504-893-0807 Transmitter

Multi-level switches

Pressure Gauges, full range of styles

THE MARINE INDUSTRY LEADER FOR ALL SENSORS AND GAUGES.

We are presently stocking a complete line of switches, transmitters and gauges for: Temperature, Level, & Pressure.

Pressure Switches

Pressure Transmitters 34

Circle 303 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter/Engineering News