The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft
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FIJI BOUND COMMANDO BARGE IS BY KEITH INGRAM I t would be fair to say that even in these quieter times our boatbuilding industry is holding its own, especially when we note the steady stream of exported vessels leaving our shores. One such vessel is the latest 10.5m x 3.8m Angelo Lavranos designed landing craft from Commando Boats. The multi-purpose high speed barge is destined for Fiji where she will be used to assist in the re-development of Mokusigas Resort, and associated tourism developments on Nananu I Ra Island, which is one of Fiji's pristine islands off the northern coast of Viti Levu. Built in 5083 marine alloy plate, the hull is constructed with an 8mm bottom, 5mm sides and 8mm checker plate deck. All scantlings are in 5mm with the dividing bulkheads of the four watertight voids being reinforced 5mm plate. The bow ramp is constructed of 6mm checker plate using 100 x 50 x 8mm C section running beams and box framing for load strength. The ramp may be clamped closed giving a nearly watertight seal, and when lowered is capable of loading a five ton digger. The barge itself has a design SWL of 10 tonnes. Built to both Maritime New Zealand SSM and Fiji near- shore local islands safety standards, the hull shape contains a five degree dead-rise through out. For'ard under the bow-rise is additional strengthening and sacrificial grounding plates that travel about a third of the way aft. In constructing the barge, Bruce de Baugh from Commando Boats said part of the build spec was that it had to be bula proof. Bula is the accepted greeting in Fiji. He said the local boys can be pretty tough on the gear, so everything had to take the intended use and potential abuse into consideration. This included the two tonne tie down points around the load deck and the beltings and cleats on the bulwarks. 20 Professional Skipper May/June 2012 The hull is essentially in five voids including the portofino stern platform, which incorporates the twin outboard brackets as part of the landing platform. This is a full extension of the hull structure adding buoyancy aft for the motor's weight. The main hull has added depth to give the safety margins for the expected loads and might we suggest the occasional overloading as tends to happen when carting freight in the Pacific. The hull voids have been fully sealed and tested and all have separate drain points recessed in small alcoves along the starboard side. The conning position is simple and practical with a large sun awning to give protection from the tropical sun and storm clouds. The helm station is raised to allow for height to see over the loaded deck and to keep the crew's feet dry from any water that may accumulate on the deck from cloud-bursts, or spray from the bow ramp. The 350mm raised passenger platform also enables the flat carriage of long poles or timber up to 8.5m in length adding to the versatility of the vessel. Twin 150hp four-stroke outboards motors will be installed later once the barge arrives in Fiji. It is interesting to note that if the motors were installed and sea-trialled on the vessel here in Auckland, the Fiji import duty leaps considerably. Even though they will travel with the barge in their boxes, it is cheaper to install these locally even if a technician is needed to fly up from Auckland later to do the final installation and warranty seatrials. Mounted across the inside of the back bulkhead of the transom are twin 110 litre fuel tanks to service the outboards. Instrumentation, hydraulic helm and twin throttles will be mounted on the helm console which also incorporates a drop