sized split hopper barges suitable for a long open passage to an
approved dump site. This is partly due to the resources boom in
Australia taking up a lot of the existing vessels and Maritime
New Zealand calling an end to its old disposal site east of
Cuvier Island.
Coastal Resources Limited has received a 20 year permit for
a new disposal site outside the 12 mile limit that is able to be
monitored, and commenced its first loads to the site in early
2013.
The unique feature of this particular barge design is that
the construction material is almost entirely marine grade
aluminium alloy. In a vessel such as this, where deadweight
capability is crucial to the viability of operation, we are advised
by the designer Nic de Waal that it made perfect sense to use
aluminium instead of steel, which is the customary building
material. An additional 20 percent capacity (approximately 160
tonnes) has been added to the carrying ability of the vessel as a
result of utilising this lightweight alternative. "Aluminium also
features the added benefit that it does not need to be treated
by a protective coating to prevent corrosion, and therefore
significantly reduces the long term maintenance cost of the
vessel," he said.
"The design has a hull length of 40 metres, with a carrying
capacity of 1000 tonnes, she is a non propelled vessel with
an efficient hull shape so that it can be towed by a relatively
lightweight tugboat," says Nic.
It is ideally suited for work in shallow water inlets, boat
marinas and river areas where shipping channels need to be
kept open, and can operate at a draft of only two metres whilst
still carrying more than 600 cubes of material. "As the barge is
designed to be unmanned, the operation of the hydraulic rams
is performed by a remote control system from the towing vessel
either whilst stationary or underway," he said.
Built by Q-West boat builders in Whanganui, essentially the
barge is in two halves, each a mirror image joined by two super
large five leaf hinges mounted on deck, fore and aft. Below
at both ends down in the sealed voids is the hydraulic locking
system and large double acting hydraulic rams that open and
close the barge like a large inverted clamshell.
Up on the bow, besides the anchor points for the towing
bridle and mooring bits, there are twin hydraulic winch drums
holding wire to cable to anchor bottom tackle, plus a mast for
the prescribed navigation lights, which have light sensitive
operation that is solar powered.
Down aft on the starboard quarter is a large tool and stowage
box, while lashed on deck is the emergency tow line already
rigged and secure in preparation for any emergency if the main
tow parts, or is ever lost.
Dominating the port quarter is a large weatherproof power
• Harbour, coast &
ocean towage
• Project cargoes
• Barge hire
• Tandem and multiple
vessel tows
• Dredge support
• Salvage
• Wreck removal
• Pilot/crew transfer
• Stores, fuel & fresh
water delivery
• Marine consultancy
www.thomsontowboats.co.nz | P: 0274 961 440
Compact Spiral TM Hose
The Next Evolution In
Hydraulic Hose
Together, we can maximise productivity
and profitability
Parker and ENZED supply the latest in hydraulic
hose technology to the T R Healy. We're proud
to have helped Q-west make the vision a reality
with Parker's Compact SpiralTM hose and with
ENZED's expertise in onsite hydraulic repair
and installation.
Call 0800 4 ENZED today for New Zealand's
Total Hose & Fitting Service.
VIP.S93
VIP.S93
The two halves ready for join up
VIP 9
VIP.S93
THOMSON
TOWBOATS
LTD
ULLRICH
ALUMINIUM
Proud suppliers of
Aluminium Plate,
Extrusion, Fasteners
& Sealant to
Q-WEST BOATBUILDERS
8 Railway Road,
Palmerston North
Phone Ray 06 356 2007
Fax 06 356 8539
Email pnthsls@uacl.co.nz
www.ullrich-aluminium.co.nz
May/June 2013 Professional Skipper 13
