BAE Systems Shipyard – ATB
The Dutch company Van der Velden Marine Systems (VDVMS) in conjunction with the US representative Ships Machinery International, Inc. (SMI) is pleased to announce the launching of a new state-of-the-art Jones Act Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) with BARKE® high-lift flap rudders for coastwise service in the USA. This new design vessel brings increased manoeuvring to the fleet of ATB vessels plying US coastal waters.
Tank tests prove that for this type of vessel this is the most effective rudder design. This ATB will have enhanced manoeuvrability and excellent course keeping stability. The efficiency provided by this high technology rudder solution will result in significant savings over the life of the vessel.
BAE Systems Shipyard – ATB -The ” Sea Power”. Picture no.2
This modern ATB is designed by one of north America’s leading naval architecture firms, Guido Perla and Associates, Inc. to the following vessel characteristics: Length 43 metres, breadth 14 metres and a draught of 6.75 metres. Power is via two main engines of 4640 kW and three main generators of 250 kW each with a standby emergency generator of 150 kW. The vessel uses a pin connector system between the tug and the barge and fully complies with ABS Under 90 m Rules, Maltese Cross A1 AMS ACCU Towing Vessel, SOLAS, USCG Subchapter I.
Close cooperation between all parties
“We are pleased that our client selected this state of the art rudder system for their new vessel” said Arthur Dewey Vice President of SMI. “We are confident that their faith in Van der Velden rudders will be rewarded.” There is no other vessel like this one in the US at present time. It has an exceptional manoeuvring system with two independently controlled and operated hydro-dynamic Van der Velden BARKE@ rudders. Independent Proportional Steering will allow the rudders to be actuated either independently or synchronised.
Van der Velden has done a lot of work to facilitate the installation of these rudders into a hull and works closely with the designer and shipyard to ensure a smooth transition from initial design to final installation. Guido Perla commented, “Van der Velden provided excellent technical support and on time delivery of design documents that helped us develop the engineering and design for the installation of their steering system. Their coordination with our staff was prompt and to the point. We appreciated their support.”
Enhanced manoeuvring performance
The key driver behind the BARKE® rudder is its innovative and sophisticated progressive high lift design, offering unsurpassed manoeuvring and course keeping performance as well as smooth operational comfort. The progressively operating flap linkage system is contained in a fully enclosed, grease-lubricated BARKE® housing. This results in minimum wear on the linkage components and eliminates the problems caused by contact with floating objects.
Transfer of ownership this summer
The complete tug (the future M/V Sea Power), which is under construction at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida, will be handed over to its owner Sea-Vista ATB I LLC, in the summer of 2016.
Another set of BARKE® high-lift rudders will be installed on another ATB before this summer. Van der Velden is happy to make a valuable contribution to the world of ATB tugs.
Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9, 000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 6, 000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 180 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.
Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale values and reliable performance. Furthermore, Damen vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.
Damen offers a wide range of products, including tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and superyachts.
For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of services, including maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and the transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. Damen also offers a variety of marine components, such as nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.
In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has a worldwide network of 15 repair and conversion yards with dry docks ranging up to 420 x 80 metres. Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1, 500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.
Van der Velden Marine Systems B.V.
With headquarters in the Netherlands, Van der Velden Marine Systems B.V. is a market leader in the supply of high quality steering gears, rudders and hydraulic systems to the world wide maritime sector for over 50 years. The firm’s quality, safety, innovation and service distinguish it from its rivals. Van der Velden Marine Systems B.V. has a workforce in excess of one hundred. The firm has been a subsidiary of the Damen Shipyards Group of Gorinchem since 2013.
Van der Velden rudders and steering gear are renowned for their high quality. Wherever possible, the products are integrated in a tailor-made system. Reliability, low-maintenance, safety and sustainability are the main spearheads in the firm’s manufacturing and installation process. Clients appreciate the uncomplicated and integrated solutions and the fact that a single dedicated project coordinator is appointed who bears responsibility for the entire manoeuvring system.
The Research & Development team is constantly looking for new ways of using the latest technologies to improve the manoeuvring performance of vessels in the global maritime market and especially the inland waterways, short sea, deep sea, offshore and yacht building sectors. This results in less noise and reduction of vibration and fuel consumption. Recent innovations include the newly developed Van der Velden FLEX Tunnel and the brand new FLEX Flank rudders to the portfolio of products.
24 x 7 Service by Van der Velden Marine Systems B.V.
The company offers an exclusive worldwide 24/7 service network. With a variety of professional services Van der Velden keeps your manoeuvring system in excellent condition. Our extensive network allows us to be quickly on location all over the world.
