190
October 10, 2002

Big Power for Z-drive Barge Bow-Thruster

Cummins British Columbia's applications engineer Bill Lapp
and sales manager Cary Griffiths flank Vancouver Shipyard manager
Marc McAllister on the deck of the new barge.

Seaspan Coastal Intermodal of the Washington Marine Group put a new trailer-carrying push-barge into operation in late summer. It is the second that they have built to this design and they have made a few upgrades.

The original barge was connected in as an articulated-tug-barge (ATB) unit with a friction pad system. On arrival at Seaspan's associated company Vancouver Shipyards, from the builders in China, the new barge had sets of solid steel pads welded into place in the stern notch. Each of the port and starboard pads includes three vertically distributed 400 m/m diameter receptor holes for the air-over-hydraulic pins that had been retrofitted to the tug, Seaspan Challenger. This JAK-400 ATB system provides a powerful positive lock for the ATB.

Vancouver Shipyard's manager Marc McAllister with the fully extended articulation pin in preparation for sea trials.

The new barge, at 456 by 82 feet was also beamier than the original to increase its carrying capacity to 54 of the 45-foot truck trailers. These are parked on what looks like a big seagoing parking lot for the 24-mile crossing from the mainland to Vancouver Island. Like the original, the new barge had a big (1800-horsepower @ 1900 RPM Heavy Duty rating) V-16 Cummins KTA50 powered Rolls Royce Z-drive bow thruster installed at Vancouver Shipyards. A wire harness connection allows the start-up and operation of the Cummins engine from the wheelhouse of the tug. In docking the 360 degree rotation of the thruster facilitates precise alignment with the loading ramp. Turned to push astern at 1000 RPM it will also balance the idled push of the single screw 3600 HP tug. In addition to the wired controls, the new engine and z-drive are equipped with a radio controlled remote that will allow the Z-drive to be turned 90 degrees to port or starboard as well as straight aft. In an emergency, should the barge be separated from the tug, his remote will allow the bow thruster to be utilized to hold the barge off the shore.

The new barge, named Coastal Spirit, joined five other Seaspan vessels in the Vancouver Island to mainland rail and truck service.

A technician checks the Z-drive with the Cummins KTA50
connected through a short shaft.

For more information contact:

Marc McAllister
Dir. Vessel Repair, Maintenance & Construction
Vancouver Shipyards
10 Pemberton Avenue
North Vancouver, , B.C. V7P 2R1
Canada

Phone: (604) 990 3207
Fax: (604) 990 3252
Mobile: (604) 341 5371
E-Mail: mmcallister@vanship.com

Carry Griffith
Marine & Industrial Engine Sales
Cummins British Columbia
18452 -96th Avenue
Surrey, BC V4N 3P8
Canada
Phone: 604 882 5000
Fax: 604 985 3936
E-Mail: Cary.J.Griffiths@Cummins.com

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