First of Four GPA 688SC PSVs Launched in Brazil
In April 2012, the Starnav Perseus, the first of four GPA 688SC PSVs (PETROBRAS PSV 4500) was launched at Brazilian shipyard Detroit Brasil Ltda., a subsidiary of Detroit Chile. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering firm Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. (GPA) provided the Basic/Class Design and Detailed Construction Engineering after successfully competing in PETROBRAS’ demanding bidding process with a cost-efficient, technically convincing design. Throughout the design and engineering process…
GPA Signs Contract for Petrobras Vessels
Naval Architecture firm Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. (GPA) signed a contract with the Brazilian Shipyard Detroit Brasil Ltda., a subsidiary of Detroit Chile, to deliver the Basic/Class Design and Detailed / Construction Engineering for four PSV 4500. Throughout the design and engineering process, GPA worked closely with the shipyard to meet all of Petrobras’ requirements for these vessels, which will be owned and operated by Brazilian-based Starnav. During the construction process, GPA will also provide onsite supervision in Itajai, Brazil, at Detroit Brasil Ltda.
Repower: Bringing New Life To Older Vessels
The decision to repower a vessel is a multi-faceted one, and it can be safely assumed that no two decisions in this arena are exactly the same. Whether it's a crewboat that needs new power units to accommodate a new scope of operation; extending the life of an old, but otherwise stable boat; a rip and refit to replace under performing engines; or as a simple factor in the overall vessel conversion equation - the decision to install new engines on a vessel entails a significant financial investment for the owner. This year has seen a number of significant and unique marine repowerings. The vessels covered in this report are unique in that they range from a 149-passenger tour boat to an 846-ft. long military freighter powered by gas turbine engines.
Repower: Bringing New Life To Older Vessels
The decision to repower a vessel is a multi-faceted one, and it can be safely assumed that no two decisions in this arena are exactly the same. Whether it's a crewboat that needs new power units to accommodate a new scope of operation; extending the life of an old, but otherwise stable boat; a rip and refit to replace under performing engines; or as a simple factor in the overall vessel conversion equation - the decision to install new engines on a vessel entails a significant financial investment for the owner. This year has seen a number of significant and unique marine repowerings. The vessels covered in this report are unique in that they range from a 149-passenger tour boat to an 846-ft. long military freighter powered by gas turbine engines.
Feature: It's About Time and Money Willamette Star "Stretch"
About a year ago Dan Yates, president of American Waterways, Inc., (dba Portland Spirit) of Portland, Oregon had a pleasant, yet vexing problem. His fleet of three dinner cruise vessels was doing good business, but he needed a vessel that could seat 100-140 passengers for a meal function. His fleet included the Crystal Dolphin that held 50 people for dinner, the Willamette Star with a 70 person seated capacity and the 350 passenger (540 for cocktails) Portland Spirit. "We were turning away business that was ideal for a 100-150 passenger vessel. Our Crystal Dolphin was too small and the Portland Spirit too large," Yates reported. "To capture this business our decision came down to buying a new vessel that would seat 100 plus for dinner or rebuilding and lengthening the Willamette Star…
Interesting Repair Jobs in GOM
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…
Old Boats, New Beginnings
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…
