Page 60: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (December 1997)

MRS Pioneer

Main Particulars

Length, o.a 551 ft. (168 m)

Length b.p 523 ft. (159.5 m)

Breadth molded 75.4 ft. (23 m)

Depth 43.3 ft. (13.2 m)

Design draft 31.5 ft. (9.6 m)

DWT 21,900

Gross tonnage 17,10

Sugar capacity 22,050 cu. m.

Trial speed 15.3 knots

Main engine Wiirtsila 550-tons/hour for both intake and discharge, compared with conven- tional, bagged cargo distribution.

Hold volume can, of course, be more effectively utilized with bulk, since bags require greater space per unit ton, while transportation in bulk better enables the refined sugar to be kept under requisite temperature and humidity condi- tions.

In addition, the arrangements in

MRS Pioneer circumvent the prob- lem of bag damage associated with the loading, stowage and conven- tional-type discharge of bagged sugar cargoes.

The concept is a development on the BIBO (bulk in, bags out) sys- tem incorporated in two vessels,

CHL Innovator and CHL

Progressor, transformed in 1985 and 1989, respectively, from con- ventional bulk carriers. In the case of the latest, purpose-designed ship, operating potential has been widened by offering self-discharg- ing capabilities in bulk as well as bagged form.

ED&F Man and Australian com- pany Thomas Nationwide

Transport (TNT) were the two leading international companies responsible for the development of the pioneering BIBO method, ini- tially used to place sugar refined in northern France on to outlets in

Africa and the Middle East. The systems employed in MRS Pioneer reflect special considerations of the nature of granulated sugar, not least of which is its natural ten- dency to cliff when being loaded into a hold, the propensity of its crystalline structure to degrada- tion and dust creation if dropped from a height of more than 2 m, and the liability to damage through inadequate hold ventila- tion.

While special measures have been taken to suppress dust, all electrical systems in the potential- ly hazardous areas are designed to be spark-free, and explosion hatch- es have been incorporated in the structure to direct the force in such a way as to minimize damage to the ship and reduce danger to per- sonnel.

The sugar carrier provides a new reference on the Australian coast for Finnish-developed medium- speed machinery, in the form of a nine-cylinder, Wartsila 46 series main engine.

The well-proven design develops 8,145 kW at 500 rpm, power being transmitted to a Lips controllable pitch propeller through a

Lohmann+Stolterfoht reduction gearbox, off which a Somer shaft generator is driven.

Pioneer has put down an impor- tant marker for the industry in northern Europe, underscoring its abilities in highly specialized, one- off projects. — David Tinsley

BALTIMORE MARINE INDUSTRIES. INC

The management and skilled workforce of

BALTIMORE MARINE INDUSTRIES, INC. are pleased to announce that, effective October 1, 1997, our company began operations at the former

BethShip, Sparrows Point Yard facility.

The organization and facilities at

BALTIMORE MARINE INDUSTRIES, INC. have remained intact. We will continue to serve the marine and heavy industries with unsurpassed repair, manufacturing and conversion services at one of the largest and best equipment facilities on the U.S. east coast.

BALTIMORE MARINE INDUSTRIES, INC. is dedicated to becoming your preferred shipyard and manufacturing facility. Our goal is to win your repeat business.

To discuss your next project or to learn more about our new company:

PLEASE CALL (410) 388-7701 OR FAX (410) 388-6687.

BRLTIMDRE MARINE INDUSTRIES. INC.

ISO 9002 CERTIFIED formerly

BethShip

Sparrows Point Yard

Your Shipyard for the New Millennium 600 Shipyard Road Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21219-2599 Tel (410)388-4630 Fax (410)388-6687

December, 1997 Circle 293 on Reader Service Card 59