Bristol Harbor Marine Design News

Construction is progressing for the new Subchapter “K” passenger ferry vessels, M/V Isleño at Blount Boats, Inc. (BBI), Warren RI and M/V Caribeña at VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VTHMI), Pascagoula, MS. Bristol Harbor Marine Design (BHMD) is serving as a liaison for the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA), providing construction oversight for the vessels servicing the Fajardo-Vieques-Culebra Ferry Line. On July 15th, 2003, BBI signed a contract with the PRPA to construct a 155-ft. cargo/passenger ferry similar to a previous design by the yard. The construction of this vessel will be similar to the M/V Cayo Norte, built by Blount Marine in 1995. Four (4) MTU DD12V2000 engines coupled to 2.9:1 Twin Disc 5202 gears will provide 3220 BHP.

Bristol Harbor Marine Design (BHMD) was recently awarded the contract from Blount/Barker Shipbuilding, of Warren R.I., to modify the design of an 85 ft. tug. The new tug is based on an 85 ft. tug currently under construction at the yard, the design of which was developed by BHMD and based on a classic Blount design. BHMD will take advantage of Computerized Numeric Controlled (CNC) cutting for the hull and deckhouse modification. Two CAT 3512 engines and 4:1 Twin Disc gears will power the tugboat. Two 65kW generators will supply the ship’s service power. The tug will be keel cooled and equipped with two, four-blade stainless steel propellers measuring 76-in. in diameter. In August, Blount Barker Shipbuilding signed a contract with Sea Wolf Marine of Bayonne, N.J.

The 85-ft. tug, Sea Bull built by Blount-Barker Shipbuilding was delivered to its port of Bayonne, NJ, on April 21, 2002. The vessel will be used for marine towing in the greater New York area. The Sea Bull is powered by a pair of 12-cylinder, 3512B diesel engines, which produce 1,100 hp at 1,200 rpm. The Caterpillar engines run through Twin Disc 4.03:1 reduction/reversing gears which turn Aquamet shafts and two Kahlenburg, stainless, 4-blade 76-in. propellers. The vessel can maintain a free running speed of 12 knots. The Sea Bull has a Timberland Almon Johnson electric towing winch and a pair of Caterpillar 65 kW diesel generators to supply service power for the winch and other on-board uses. The tug is rated for forward bollard pull of 25 tons.

Blount/Barker Shipbuilding signed a contract with Buchanan Marine, New Haven, Conn., for the construction of an 85 ft. (25.9 m), 2,400 hp all welded, Twin Screw tug. Powered by twin CAT 3512 engines, twin disc gears and two 65 kW generators, the tug's hull and superstructure plans have been contracted via Bristol Harbor Marine Design, which will utilize CAD/CNC technology for all lofting and cutting. The tug will be keel cooled and equipped with two, four-blade stainless steel propellers measuring 70-78-in., as well as two pushing winches and an Almond Johnson towing machine. Used for harbor and ocean towing of bulk material barges, the tug is scheduled to commence construction in early April for a November completion.

Bristol Harbor Marine Design (BHMD), a division of Bristol Harbor Group, Inc., has completed the advanced concept phase of a new fast ferry design that is targeted for construction by small to medium size U.S. shipyards. The 125-ft. (38-meter) aluminum vessel will have a passenger capacity in excess of 300. It will be powered by twin diesel engines coupled to water jets, with a design speed greater than 30 knots. The vessel will be designed from the keel up to U.S. Coast Guard Sub-Chapter K regulations for medium to large size passenger vessels. Additional design features will make use of new advances in technology for production, as well as for ship propulsion, control and navigation. The BHMD design will be an all U.S. design/build effort originated by a U.S.

Blount-Barker Shipbuilding signed a contract on April 15th with Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) to convert the M/V Essex to passenger only service. The 100 ft. open deck passenger/auto ferry with single ended propulsion will be converted to increase the maximum capacity from 149 to 600. Modifications include a conversion to double ended propulsion, enclosing the main deck and providing a steel canopy to cover the upper deck. The vessel will be converted for inspection and certification as a small passenger vessel in accordance with the requirements of 49CFR Subchapter K. The M/V Essex was originally built by Blount Marine Corporation in 1981 for the Lake Champlain Transportation Company.

An invitation to bid on the construction of a new Passenger Only Ferry and a new Cargo / Passenger Ferry for Puerto Rico Maritime Transportation Administration (PRMTA) of Fajardo, Puerto Rico is expected later this month. the vessels. A Request For Proposals (RFP) for both vessels is expected. one (1) Subchapter K Passenger Only Ferry; and one (1) Subchapter K Cargo / Passenger Ferry. Passenger Ferry for Puerto Rico Maritime Transportation Authority (Fajardo, Puerto Rico)”.

An invitation to bid on the construction of a new 60,000 BBLS Double Hull Oil Barge for Harbor Bunkering Corporation of San Juan, Puerto Rico is expected this quarter. Bristol Harbor Marine Design (BHMD) is currently designing the vessel for the San Juan based bunkering company, while the 30,000 BBLS Double Hull Oil Barge that BHMD designed for the company last year is being completed at Orange Shipbuilding, Orange, Texas. BHMD is also working on a tug design for the client, which will go out to bid later this year. Harbor Bunkering Corporation’s Operations Manager, Eric Rivera, is excited about the new tug and barge. “Although not an Articulated Tug and Barge (ATB), we are specifically designing the two vessels to work together hand in glove,” said Mr. Rivera.

A contract for the Hector P., a new 4,200 hp Z-Drive harbor tug to be built by Orange Shipbuilding for South Puerto Rico Towing Corporation was signed last month. Bristol Harbor Marine Design assisted in the harbor tug contract negotiations along with the acting buyer’s agent, Eric Rivera from Harbor Bunkering Corporation of San Juan, Puerto Rico. “The HECTOR P. is going to raise the bar for tugboats in Puerto Rico,” said Mr. Rivera. BHMD will also be serving as owner’s representative throughout the duration of the project and will be responsible for project inspections and approvals. Design of the new vessel is being completed at Robert Allan, Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C.

Blount/Barker Shipbuilding signed a contract with Buchanan Marine, New Haven, Conn., for the construction of an 85 ft., 2,400 hp all welded, Twin Screw tug. Powered by twin diesel engines through Twin Disc gears, the tug’s hull and superstructure plans have been contracted via Bristol Harbor Marine Design, which will utilize CAD/CNC technology for all lofting and cutting. The tug will be keel cooled and equipped with two, four-blade stainless steel propellers measuring 70-78-in., as well as two pushing winches and an Almond Johnson towing machine. Used for harbor and ocean towing of bulk material barges, the tug is scheduled to commence construction in early April for a November completion.

Bristol Harbor Marine Design (BHMD), a division of Bristol Harbor Group, Inc., has completed the hull and preliminary engineering for the Liberty 129TM, a new fast ferry that will compete with the foreign designs currently being constructed by US ship builders. A scale model of the hull has been constructed and tow tank testing is scheduled for October at the University of Michigan. The new design will be rolled out at the International Work Boat Show 4-6 December, in New Orleans. The design is all-American from the keel up to U.S. Coast Guard Sub-Chapter K regulations for medium to large size passenger vessels. Structural design and engineering are to the requirements of the American Bureau of Shipping Guide for Building and Classing High-Speed Craft.

Bristol Harbor Marine Design (BHMD) introduced their newest design, the Liberty 129TM fast ferry, at the International Workboat Show held in New Orleans in December. From the keel up, Liberty 129TM is an all-American design. It is 129-ft. (39.3-m) in length, has a 36-ft. (11.0-m) beam and includes interior seating for 321 passengers. powered by either twin or quad diesel powered water jets. It is designed for high-speed commuter ferry runs. BHMD has wrapped up all but a few minor details for this new design. It is ready for licensing and production. at the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory at the University of Michigan (U of M) confirmed vessel design speed in excess of 32 knots. modeling has optimized the final designs for ease of production.

Today's commercial vessel owners are becoming increasingly creative in order to extend the life of existing vessels. Typically, a commercial steel hull can last for more than 50 years. However, rugged use may call for extensive repair of a vessel to keep it sailing. Market changes may demand that a vessel originally design for one mission is converted to a new and hopefully more profitable use. Most repair work done in shipyards is for five-year regulatory inspections to meet Coast Guard requirements. Often shafts and props are repaired during this inspection, as are sea chests and rudders. Anodes may be replaced as well. A high profile…

Today's commercial vessel owners are becoming increasingly creative in order to extend the life of existing vessels. Typically, a commercial steel hull can last for more than 50 years. However, rugged use may call for extensive repair of a vessel to keep it sailing. Market changes may demand that a vessel originally design for one mission is converted to a new and hopefully more profitable use. Most repair work done in shipyards is for five-year regulatory inspections to meet Coast Guard requirements. Often shafts and props are repaired during this inspection, as are sea chests and rudders. Anodes may be replaced as well. A high profile…

The 100 ft. passenger ferry M/V Freedom was launched today on the ways at Blount/Barker Shipbuilding, llc in Warren, R.I. Bristol Harbor Marine Design designed and oversaw the construction of the 100 ft. passenger ferry conversion for the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA). 149 to 600. systems and provision of a partially enclosed upper deck viewing area. K requirements in the design. R.I. auto/passenger ferry, under USCG Subchapter T requirements. vicinity of Camden and Philadelphia.