Halter Wins $53.6 Million Contract

Halter Marine Inc. of Halter Marine Group, Inc. Gulfport, Miss. has been awarded a $53.6 million contract from the U. S. Navy to build a T-AGS 60 class oceanographic research ship. The vessel will be the sixth of its class, all designed, built or under construction at Halter. The contract also includes spare parts and technical services. Construction will begin in approximately 60 days at Halter's Moss Point, Miss. shipyard and delivery is planned for Dec. 2001. In making the announcement, John Dane III, chairman, president and CEO of Halter Marine Group, Inc. said, "This contract is the result of the Navy exercising an option from a previous contract. This indicates the Navy is pleased with the design, construction, performance and dollar value of the five other T-AGS 60 class vessels designed, built, or under construction by Halter. This award is much appreciated by the approximately 500 shipbuilders at our Moss Point shipyard. It is a great beginning for the New Year and an excellent start to our calendar year 1999 business plan." The all-steel vessel will be 329 ft. long, with a beam of 58 ft. and a 19 ft. draft at full load displacement of 5,000 long tons. T-AGS 60 class ships are designed with a common bus diesel electric propulsion system consisting of twin screw propellers driven through Z-drives. The Z-drives include gear reduction and 360 degree thrust direction control in a compact unit. Elimination of conventional reduction gears and long propeller shafts frees space for other uses. Dynamic positioning controls thrust direction and provides unparalleled ship control and maneuverability to permit precise position-keeping and track line following. Continuous variable control of ship speed can be maintained from three knots up to maximum speed. The machinery plant is designed for unattended operation. The integrated electric propulsion and auxiliary machinery systems are controlled and monitored from the machinery control station located on the first platform. The power generating system is configured for maximum flexibility. Two 2,435 kW and two 1,825 kW diesel generators are integrated to provide power to the propulsion system, ship service and laboratories through a power conditioner. A portable deck mounted generator can supply ship service power via a main deck connector for quiet ship operations. The 3,500 sq. ft. working deck affords space for concurrent oceanographic operations. The handling gear is capable of overside operations including carrying, launching and recovering equipment on the starboard side from midship to stern. The main deck contains the majority of mission handling equipment, additional accommodations, and a 4,000 square foot laboratory complex. Four 20 ft. vans are located aft on the working deck and have direct access to the interior of the ship. Vans can be used for storage, support of a quiet ship generator, additional lab space and/or accommodation facilities. The five deck ship will have permanent accommodations for 55 persons. There will be 15 single and 20 double staterooms. Manning levels are typically 52 persons including 25 ship officers and crew members and 27 scientists/technicians. Amenities include: separate officers' and crew dining facilities; lounge and laundry facilities; an exercise room; hospital, and surveyor's library and conference area.