Page 8: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (January 2006)

8 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News

News

Institutions through out North

America are paying a lot of attention to the University of Delaware's new research vessel, Hugh R. Sharpe, recent- ly delivered from Dakota Creek

Industries of Anacortes Wash. The ves- sel is fitted with retractable transducer pod, articulating stern gantry, wet lab, dry lab, forward gear deployment boom and CTD handling system. It incorpo- rates in one vessel many of the most sought after features found on scientific research vessels around the world. But it is the propulsion system that is setting the new standard in American research vessels.

The 146 x 32-ft. (44.5 x 9.75-m) diesel electric vessel is powered by four

Cummins KTA19 -D(M1)-powered electric generators. The generators power two 483 kW, 600v dc propulsion motors mounted to a pair of Schottel Z- drive stern-mounted propulsion units.

Although the vessel has a 12-knot cruis- ing speed it can be operated in "quiet mode" at eight knots. Shutting down the two outboard generator sets and using only the two middle sets accomplish this quiet mode. While all four engines have

Christie and Grey resilient mounts, the two inboard engines are also mounted on a 9,275-pound floating deck that is also resiliently mounted. In addition to the Cummins-powered "quiet mode" gensets, the vessels contain extensive hull insulation, dampening tiles and cus- tom built piping isolation hangers have been incorporated to prevent radiated hull noise, and to limit sound pressure levels within the vessel. "This has been my biggest challenge since I worked on submarines," said Dakota Creek

Industries' project engineer Elwood Ide, going on to explain that the resilient mounting and sound dampening sys- tems on the vessel are the commercial equivalent of what is put onto modern submarines. Even the bowthruster is resiliently mounted.

Tankage includes 2,320 gallons (8.78 cu. m.) for water, 13,590 gallons (51.44 cu. m.) for fuel, 375 gallons (1,420 liters) for lube oil, 635 gallons (2,366 liters) for dirty oil, 725 gallons (2,744 liters) for oily water, 834 gallons (3,157 liters) for black water and 834 gallons (3,157 liters) for grey water. Aft of the engine room and forward of the Z-drive room is a winch room that will accom- modate two winches leaving the main deck clear or with space for containers to be installed.

The large wheelhouse includes an aft facing control center, communication console and a desk for research comput- ers in addition to a comprehensive set of navigational aids.

Accommodation is provided for 8 to 10 crewmembers, up to 12 live aboard scientists and up to 30-day trip scien- tists. The vessel is load lined and will carry a stability letter for unrestricted

Ocean Service as an oceanographic research vessel. It is being delivered to the east coast by heavy lift ship through the Panama to off load in Florida in

December.

Circle 1 on Reader Service Card

Circle 223 on Reader Service Card

A New Standard of Quiet

Aker Yards and ALSTOM will join forces in ship- building, seeking to create a shipbuilding leader focused on high value added ships, including cruise ships. The companies plan to establish a new compa- ny consisting of the shipyards in Saint-Nazaire and

Lorient. Aker Yards will own 75 percent of the new company, and ALSTOM will keep the remaining 25 percent until 2010. Aker Yards currently has 13 yards in five countries.

The new company will offer some unique syner- gies, particularly on the cruise market segment, where Italy's Fincantieri has dominated in recent years.

The combined French and Finnish builders have produced a number of world class cruise ships through the years, including icons such as SS France,

Queen Mary 2, the Voyager class and the Freedom class ships. Aker Yards will be in a position to fully leverage Chantiers de l'Atlantique's large industrial capacity in cruise ships and naval vessels in Saint-

Nazaire. "By joining the forces of Chantiers de l'Atlantique and Aker Yards, we can create a unique position in the shipbuilding industry, ready to meet the ever increas- ing needs of tomorrows' demanding cruise passen- gers," said Karl Erik Kjelstad, President & CEO of

Aker Yards.

Aker Yards will pay $60.4 million for the 75 percent stake. Depending on the financial performance, the remaining 25 percent will be sold to Aker Yards for up to $151 million in 2010.

An estimated $423 million will be injected by

ALSTOM into the newly formed company. "The yard in Saint-Nazaire has a long tradition in building complex and specialized vessels, with state of the art technology, modern facilities and a very competent staff," said Patrick Boissier, President of

ALSTOM Marine. "I do believe that a strong and fruitful combination between Chantiers de l'Atlantique and Aker Yards can be achieved."

The proposed transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including finalization of the agreement between the parties, the effective setting-up of the new company, the requisite financing for the new company's activities, the authorization of the

European authorities, the information/consultation of the work councils, confirmatory due diligence and other relevant conditions. It is expected to be con- cluded by the end of March 2006.

The transaction would be carried out as a "Sale of

Assets" from Chantiers de l'Atlantique to Aker Yards.

The LNG tankers under construction at Saint-Nazaire are not a part of the transaction. The LNG vessels would be completed by the new company as a sub- contractor to Alstom. Apart from the LNG vessels, the current order book, mainly consisting of four cruise vessels would be included in the transaction.

Aker Yards to Buy Alstom Marine

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