Double Hull Manufacturing Process News

Maritrans Operating Partners L.P., a subsidiary of Maritrans Inc., has obtained a patent on its proprietary process for rebuilding single hull tank vessels with internal double hulls. Together with M. Daniel Jones of the Houston-based naval architecture firm Schuller & Allan, Maritrans developed an innovative double-hull manufacturing process to rebuild single-hulled tank vessels with the double hulls required by the federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The unique process utilizes computer-assisted design for fabricating modular internal hull sections. In 1998, Maritrans used the process to complete the rebuilding of the 10,549 gross-ton tank barge Maritrans 192 (formerly Ocean 192), which marked the first large single hull tank vessel to be rebuilt with a double hull to meet OPA's mandate.

For the past 75 years, Maritrans has maintained a high level of customer satisfaction due to its constant vigilance regarding safety and performance. In order to instill and maintain these efforts, the company has always been quick to pursue individuals who can maintain this level of excellence. Most recently with Phil Doherty, who took over the head post at the Tampa, Fla.-based company this past April 1, 2003. No April Fool's joke here, as Doherty, who credits his passion and commitment to Maritrans and the offshore industry, has big plans for the tug and tanker company - the fate of which now lies within his hands. While Maritrans' business platform may have begun on its 75-year traditions, the company has never balked at the opportunity to embrace new technology.