Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) of Rapp deck machinery for the Alaskan Regional Research Vessel (ARRV) were recently undertaken successfully in Seattle. Other than winches, the tests included the Load-Handing System (LHS), which was tested in a unique upside-down configuration. A UNOLS delegation, along with representatives of Marinette Marine Shipyard and the U.S. Navy’s OpNav office, witnessed the tests. The diverse machinery package was manufactured locally in compliance with the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), the source of original financing for the project.
Dan Markovic, Rapp Seattle’s Engineering and Program Manager for the ARRV project, said that “the results of the FAT met and, at times, exceeded our expectations. It was not necessary to replicate any steps, and so the testing was executed on schedule.” All major components have been delivered to Marinette since the test, and remaining deliverables will be completed soon.