On board are the twin anchoring systems
Loading the barge with mud
The power pack, note the
small aerial for remote control
case protecting the Yanmar water cooled
industrial 4TNV88-EPP with an EC-150
controller delivering 46.9hp @ 3000rpm. This
power pack was installed and commissioned
by Whiting Power Limited. The engine drives
the Brevini NZ hydraulic pump system, which
then delivers motive power to all hydraulic
rams, locking pins and winch motors utilizing the Parker compact
spiral hose system known for its high pressure and tight radius
capability. Something that is essential when installing long
service runs and requiring tight radiuses on vessels.
Looking at the hull form, the bow although somewhat
bluff is shaped and moulded to assist in sea-keeping abilities
when under tow. Get this wrong and trouble can quickly
manifest into an ugly unwanted tow. Likewise at the stern
of the barge, the fins require good water to give assistance
to a stable towing track. Because the designer has ventured
into the unknown for a vessel this size by using an alloy
construction and dispensing with a ballast system along with
all of its associated problems such as pumps and internal tank
maintenance, only time will tell if he has got it right. Failing
this, or with any compromise in performance, the task is then
left to the tug master to control his charge and to
recognize and handle its various foibles.
Coastal Resources have contracted one of Auckland's
leading independent towing companies Thomson
Towboats Limited, which makes sound business sense.
When the barge is lying idle or being loaded the tow
boats are not required and as such are not a cost against
the job. Clearly using specialized professionals when
required is a win-win for both parties.
Once at sea the barge remains totally unmanned and
the operation of the dump mechanism is carried out by
radio control from the towboat, in this case the 14 tonne
bollard pull, 1000hp, twin screw Christine Mary. Once
underway from the marina, it takes about 10 hours to
reach the dump site, both the tug and barge are on AIS
and when the dump button is hit, the point of dump is recorded
on GPS in accordance with the resource consent rules.
As the barge is nearing or is on station the motor is started
remotely and allowed to run for 10 minutes to warm up and
build up hydraulic pressure. Once the dump is triggered and
VIP.S93
2A Gilberd Street
PO Box 862
Wanganui 4501
NEW ZEALAND
E X C E L L E N C E
I N
Phone: + 64 6 349 0035
Fax: + 64 6 344 3592
Email: sales@q-west.co.nz
Website: www.q-west.com
A L L O Y
'T R HEALY' – 40.2M SPLIT-HOPPER BARGE
MANUFACTURERS OF CUSTOM ALUMINIUM COMMERCIAL AND PRIVATE VESSELS
14 Professional Skipper May/June 2013
