The ABC’s of DP 101
Dynamic Positioning has been around for a while, it is evolving and it is here to stay. Here to sort it all out are two of industry’s more familiar stakeholders who also explain what might come next.When it comes to critical offshore operations and vessel handling, this is not your grandfather’s marine industry, and it hasn’t been for some time. That’s because the bridge layout and equipment commonly found on any recently delivered offshore service vessel would be unfamiliar to the typical deck officer of just 20 years ago. Much of that can be attributed to the advent of dynamic positioning equipment systems.DP – perhaps like no other skill at sea – has changed the role of the deck officer. The technical requirements to qualify and operate this equipment are vast.
Eight Months Early: Navy Takes Delivery of New Hampshire
The Navy took delivery of its newest attack submarine, Pre Commissioning Unit (PCU) New Hampshire (SSN 778), from General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) on Aug. 27, eight months early to its contract delivery date. New Hampshire is the fifth Virginia-Class submarine and the third delivered by GDEB. New Hampshire's early delivery is an important milestone for both the submarine force and the Virginia-Class Program. Rear Adm. (sel) Dave Johnson, Virginia-Class Program Manager commented, "Our shipbuilding partners have played an active role in reducing construction time and cost, both through the Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) incentive program that improves facilities and LEAN initiatives that make shipbuilding more efficient." USS Hawaii (SSN 776) and USS North Carolina (SSN 777)…
Navy Takes Delivery of Submarine North Carolina
The Navy took delivery of its newest attack submarine, PCU North Carolina (SSN 777), from Northrop Grumman Newport News (NGNN) Feb. 21. North Carolina is the fourth Virginia-class submarine and the second delivered by NGNN. “Eighteen months ago I estimated that North Carolina would deliver six months late, but thanks to the hard work of a lot of people at both NGNN and GDEB [General Dynamics Electric Boat] we were able to deliver only about seven weeks late to the original schedule – a 10-month improvement when compared to NGNN’s first Virginia-class submarine, USS Texas (SSN 775),” said Capt. Dave Johnson, Virginia-class program manager. The Virginia-class is the Navy’s first major combatant designed and delivered specifically for the post-Cold War security environment.
Shipyard Commander Honored
Capt. Clarke Orzalli, Commander, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, was recently selected to receive the Bremerton,(Wash.) Area Chamber of Commerce's highest recognition - the Hyas Tyee award. Orzalli's selection was based on his significant leadership position, outstanding community/civic outreach and being an exemplary role model for others. "I am extremely humbled by this award and to be recognized with community leaders such as Mayor Cary Bozeman, a man of great vision and strong leadership, is a tremendous honor," said Orzalli at the standing-room only awards ceremony. "I am very proud to accept the award that represents the great work members of the PSNS & IMF team do in our community.
HMI Ambrose Channel Makes First New York Harbor Call
Hvide Marine Inc. announced the first visit of HMI Ambrose Channel, named for the USCG lightship that formerly stood watch at the entrance of New York Harbor, to the Port of New York and New Jersey. The vessel, one of the first all-new petrochemical carriers built in the U.S. in nearly two decades, passed through its namesake, the Ambrose Channel, on its way to Stapleton Anchorage. Under the command of veteran Hvide Marine Captain Dave Johnson, the tanker delivered 155,000 barrels of diesel oil from a refinery in Baton Rouge, La. Delivered in January 1999, the vessel complied with the mandate of Congress and the American people to build double-hull tankships to transport petroleum and chemical products in U. S. waters in the safest manner possible.
