BEST VESSELS Distinctive Deliveries of 2020

BEST VESSELS of 2020

We’re breaking a little with tradition yet again in this year’s edition of our annual portfolio of distinctive deliveries by broadening it beyond solely “ships” and looking back across the whole spectrum of distinctive deliveries that we’ve reported on in the past year both in print and on line. One thing that most of the vessels recognized here do have in common is that they were produced by shipbuilders of all categories working through the challenges of complying with COVID-19 restrictions.

Magnet takes Metal Shark into the Expedition Yacht Market Jeanerette, La. based shipbuilder Metal Shark has entered a new market with the Magnet, a 48-meter (158-foot) aluminum catamaran expedition yacht—the first-ever private recreational yacht built by the company and the first build in its new Metal Shark Yachts portfolio of high-speed, long range catamaran expedition yachts.

Constructed from start to finish at Metal Shark’s Franklin, La., shipyard, the threedecked welded-aluminum craft features design work completed by Metal Shark’s inhouse engineering team, utilizing an Incat Crowther catamaran hull form optimized for maximum speed and range.

The vessel has a lightship displacement of 275 metric tons and can carry up to 29,000 U.S. gallons (110,000 liters) of fuel. Powered by twin 2,600-BHP (1,939 kW) MTU IMO Tier III diesel engines, Magnet boasts an 11,000 nautical mile range at a 10-knot cruise, with reserve.

In sea trials the new craft has reached a top speed of 27 knots.

Thanks to its catamaran footprint, M48 offers significantly more deck space than a monohull yacht of comparable length. A 5,000-pound capacity submersible stern platform and a 3,500-pound aft deck crane easily launch, retrieve, and stow tenders, toys, and cargo.

Machinery spaces, crew quarters, refrigerated storage, a wine cellar, and a complete workshop are all accommodated below decks within the twin catamaran hulls, opening up all three decks for owners and guests.

An expansive upper-level sun deck, with wraparound seating and lounges, al fresco dining areas, and a well-appointed bar, features a forward flybridge, which offers superb visibility from its elevated position.

Magnet has been configured with a master cabin, a VIP cabin, and three guest cabins. However, each offering in the Metal Shark Yachts lineup may be fully customized to suit the unique requirements of the owner.

Magnet’s assertive styling incorporates chiseled lines inspired by Metal Shark’s military patrol vessels.

MICHIGAN TRADER MAID OF THE MIST

Michigan Trader: Massive Self-Unloading Barge Joins VanEnkevort Fleet Built for Escanaba, Mich., based VanEnkevort Tug & Barge by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, Sturgeon Bay, Wis., the self-unloading barge Michigan Trader measures 740 feet in length, 78 feet in beam, and 45 feet in depth. It has a 265 foot long unloading boom and capacity for up to 37,000 long tons of cargo.

Utilizing materials and parts from suppliers across the Midwest, the project’s supply chain has played a major part in the vessel’s completion. Key suppliers include: • Broadwind Heavy Industries of Manitowoc, Wis., built the Michigan Trader’s massive 265-foot tubular boom; • Northern Machine & Repair Inc. of Escanaba, Mich., provided the hatch covers; • Marine Travel Lift in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., manufactured the cargo hatch crane; • Fabick Cat of Green Bay, Wis., supplied the barges Caterpillar auxiliary engines; • Applied Hydraulics of Chicago, Ill., supplied the hydraulic unloading system plus winches of its own design; and • all automation was supplied by Matrix Technologies of Maumee, Ohio.

“We are happy to have supported the Great Lakes economy during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding’s Vice President and General Manager Todd Thayse.“From boom to hatch crane, and everything in between, this vessel shows the greatness of Wisconsin and Midwest manufacturing and our Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding employees.”

“This Michigan Trader will be the fourth self-unloading barge in our Great Lakes fleet, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome her into service,” said David Groh, president of VanEnkevort Tug & Barge Fleet. Maid of the Mists Debuts America’s First Zero-Emission, AllElectric Passenger Vessels Now in service with Niagara Falls, N.Y., tour operator Maid of the Mists Corporation, the 600-passenger capacity vessels James V. Glynn and Nikola Tesla are the first all-electric zero-emission passenger vessels in the U.S., giving tourists an up close view of the ultimate source of their green power: Niagara Falls. Each is powered by a high-capacity battery pack supplied and integrated by ABB, which has also supplied a comprehensive integrated power and propulsion solution for that includes an onshore charging system. That charging system draws its power from New York Power Authority hydropower electricity generated by the Falls.

Designed by Propulsion Data Services Inc., Marblehead, Mass., the vessels were built at the Burger Boat Company shipyard in Manitowoc, Wis., then shipped to Niagara Falls and lowered onto the Maid of the Mist dry dock and maintenance facility for assembly.

Each powered by a pair of battery packs providing 316 kWh total capacity divided across the two catamaran hulls. The batteries allow the electric propulsion motors to reach an output of up to 400 kW, with the power setup controlled by ABB’s Power and Energy Management System.

Having installed the ship-to-shore battery charging connection, ABB also supplied the Glynn and the Tesla with a comprehensive scope of electric, digital and connected solutions including switchboards, drives and the integrated control system, in addition to the ABB Ability Marine Remote Diagnostic System for monitoring and predictive maintenance. General MacArthur: Powerful Cutter Suction Dredge Goes to Work for Callan Now in service with dredging contractor Callan Marine, the cutter suction dredge General MacArthur is 290 feet long, and with its 180foot idler barge attached, has a maximum swing radius of 530 feet. The beam is 72 feet, with a depth 16 feet and draft of 8 to 11 feet. The digging depth is 97 feet with a suction diameter of 34 inches and a discharge diameter 32 inches.

Designed by Downey Engineering, of Metairie, La., the diesel-electric vessel is equipped with three CAT-MaK engines that deliver 24,000 hp. (18,000 kW) of power.

Construction of the Jones Act dredge and its idler barge involved three Gulf Coast shipyards. The dredge itself was built at two yards. The hull and superstructure construction, housing, and assembly of the dredge took place at the C&C Marine & Repair shipyard in Belle Chasse, La.

The SPI/Mobile Pulley Works shipyard in Mobile, Ala., provided the dredging equipment, including the cutter ladder, A-frame, suction and discharge pipeline, gate valves, submerged dredge pump, two onboard dredge pumps, a five- and a six-blade cutter, Christmas tree, anchor boom system and spud carrier installation.

Mobile Pulley Works also provided ball joints and pontoon tanks for the submerged and floating discharge pipeline.

The dredge’s idler barge was built in Sterling Shipyard, Port Neches, Texas. Its spud-carriage equipment was then installed at SPI/Mobile Pulley.

The vessel’s accommodations include a total of 33 beds, a galley, gym and TV/rec room, conference room, laundry facilities,

engineer’s office, captain’s stateroom, and chief engineer’s stateroom. A soft-core joiner system has been installed throughout the accommodation spaces for added crew comfort and safety.

Matsonia: Second Ship in Matson LNG-ready ConRo duo Christened in a ceremony held at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif. in July, Matsonia is the second of two new LNG-ready Kanaloa-Class ships ordered by Honolulu-headquartered Matson Inc.

At 870 feet long, 114 feet wide (beam), with a deep draft of 38 feet and with a grt of 59,522 Matsonia and sister ship Lurline, delivered at the end of last year, are Matson’s largest ships and the largest ConRo vessels ever constructed in the U.S. They are also among Matson’s fastest vessels, with a top speed of 23 knots.

The Kanaloa-Class vessels feature an enclosed garage with room for approximately 500 vehicles, plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo.

NASSCO partnered with South Korea’s Daewoo Ship Engineering Company to provide a state-of-the-art ship design and material package for the ships that incorporates a MAN B&W 6G90ME-C10.5-Gl LNG-capable main engine and four LNGcapable auxiliary engines, compliant with Tier III emission requirements.

The ships’ state-of-the-art green technology also includes a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks and fresh water ballast systems.

H. Merritt “Heavy” Lane, Jr.: 6,000 hp Towboat Designed with Unique Hull Form Delivered by Morgan City, La., headquartered Conrad Shipyard’s Amelia, La., shipyard to Canal Barge Company Inc. of New Orleans, the 6,000-hp towboat H. Merritt “Heavy” Lane, Jr. measures 166 by 49 by 12 feet.

EPA Tier IV-compliant EMD engines power the Subchapter M-compliant vessel. It is equipped with a two horizontal offset Reintjes WAF 4545 reverse reduction gearboxes, with internal hydraulic multi-disc shaft brakes, electric standby pumps, and Vulkan Torsional Couplings, provided by Karl Senner LLC.

Designed by naval architects MiNO Marine of New Orleans, the vessel has a unique hull form to ensure adequate water flow to the propellers in all operating conditions. The design allows the transfer of full power through the propellers, minimizing propeller vibrations transferred to the hull due to unsteady water flow. It also reduces the potential for flow-induced vibration, ensuring greater crew comfort and reduced noise.

Crew comfort was considered throughout all phases of the design process. The superstructure is divided into two sections, one floating and one fixed. All living accommodations are located in the floating section, which sits atop air bellow vibration isolators designed to minimize noise and vibration transmission from the operating machinery.

Silver Moon: Ultra Luxury Cruise Ship Delivered Despite Challenges of Pandemic Delivered earlier this year to Royal Caribbean Group’s ultra luxury brand Silversea Cruises by Fincantieri, the 212.8 meter. 40,791 grt Silver Moon has a total capacity of 596 guests and 414 crew.

“I congratulate all those involved in the build of Silver Moon; it is a proud moment for everybody at Silversea Cruises, the Royal Caribbean Group, and Fincantieri,” said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group at the handover ceremony. “This beautiful ship represents the resilience of the global cruise industry

MATSONIA

H. MERRITT “HEAVY” LANE JR.

SAKURA

and it is encouraging to see such innovation and progress in this challenging period. I have long said that Silversea Cruises is the jewel in the crown of the Royal Caribbean Group and I am today reminded of the cruise line’s quality. Silver Moon represents the pinnacle of luxury travel.”

At a hand over ceremony characterized by remote signings and physical distancing, Fain called Silversea Cruises “the jewel in the crown of the Royal Caribbean Group” and said “Silver Moon represents the pinnacle of luxury travel.”

Completion of the ship, like that of many others built this year, marked a triumph of ingenuity and perseverance over COVID-19 related challenges.

This was demonstrated during the ship’s sea trials that were carried out her sea trials between August 8 and August 20, with the ship traveling between Fincantieri’s Ancona, Italy, shipyard and its Trieste yard, where it spent a week-long dry-dock period.

As a result of COVID-19 protocols, on sea trials she sailed with a reduced crew of around 320 people.

The ship’s Chief Engineer Guido Capurro was promoted to his position aboard Silver Spirit in 2017, and these were his first sea trials with Silversea.

“While all essential technicians from Silversea and Fincantieri were able to attend the sea trials, some external engineers were unable to fly and so could not be present,” he said. “Approximately half the number of people were on board compared to regular sea trials. Nevertheless, we were able to carry out all tests successfully.”

Sakura Leader: 7,000 Vehicle LNGfueled PCTC is Big and Smart Delivered to NYK Line in October by Shin Kurishima Dockyard, Sakura Leader is not only the first large LNG-fueled PCTC to be built in Japan, but the first ship to be granted ClassNK’s “Digital Smart Ship (DSS)” notation.

With a length overall about 199.95 meters and a breadth of about 38.0 meters, it is also one of the world’s largest PCTCs, capable of transporting approximately 7,000 units (standard vehicle equivalent) per voyage.

ClassNK released its “Guidelines for Digital Smart Ship,” which stipulate the procedures for class notations for ships with advanced digital technology, as part of its “Innovation Endorsement” initiative announced earlier this year.

Following verification of the application submitted by the shipbuilder, ClassNK has added “DSS(EE),” for energy efficiency analysis function, “DSS(MM),” for machinery monitoring and “DSS(CNS),” for onboard data processing and data transmission to shore, to Sakura Leader’s notations.

NYK says delivery of the LNG-fueled ship marks “a remarkable step” toward achieving its environment management target of reducing CO2 emissions per ton-kilometer of transport by 50% by 2050.

The PCTC (pure car/truck carrier) will transport vehicles built by the Toyota Motor Corporation and has been selected as a model project by Japan’s Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and

will receive support from the ministries for technical verification of CO2 emission reductions during actual voyages.

Jamie Ann: First of Four ASD-90 tugs for Foss Maritime The Jamie Ann, the first of four new ASD-90 tugs constructed by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders for the Saltchuk group of companies, arrived in its new homeport of Long Beach, Calif., in May to serve Foss Maritime customers in the Ports of LA/Long Beach area.

Designed by Jensen Maritime, the tugs in the series have an overall length of 103 feet, 9 inches and a beam of 40 feet. With twin 6,886 hp MTU Series 4000 Tier 4 main engines paired with Kongsberg US255 Z-drives, the tugs deliver a 90-ton bollard pull. This makes Jamie Ann is powerful enough to escort the largest tankers and containerships calling U.S. West Coast ports.

The vessel’s upgraded safety features focus on crew safety on deck, wheelhouse visibility, winch operations and sound abatement in the engine room and staterooms.

“The Jamie Ann was built to satisfy the requirements of the State of California—requirements we believe will soon be required of the rest of the country and the world,” said Janic Trepanier, Foss Maritime Project Manager. “Her innovative design offers greater operating efficiencies by producing lower emissions resulting in less maintenance down time.” C.D. White: First of two RApport 2400 tugs for E.N. Bisso Delivered by Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., Panama City, Fla. in January, the C.D. White is the first of two 80-foot 5,100 HP Z-drive tugs ordered for Bisso Offshore LLC, a division of E.N. Bisso & Son Inc. E.N. Bisso has taken delivery of five previous modern Z-drive ship assist tugs from Eastern starting in 2007.

Built to Subchapter-M requirements, the tug is powered by two LA CAT supplied Caterpillar 3512E Tier 4 EPA/IMO III main engines, each rated at 2,549 HP @ 1,800 RPM and has twin Kongsberg/Rolls Royce US205 P20 Z-Drives.

On tests, the tug achieved bollard pulls of 67.6 short tons astern and 65.2 short tons ahead.

The vessel has been built to Robert Allan RApport 2400 design, customized by the designer, the builder, and owner to provide specific operational features including a high bollard pull forward and aft, enhanced maneuverability and escort performance, better fuel economy, crew comfort, safety and compliance with Sub-M and EPA Tier 4 requirements.

CD WHITE