JMS Naval Architects has designed a self-propelled, 37,800-litre, USCG-inspected, double-hull tankship for Intracoastal Marine Fuel (IMF) of Jupiter, Florida
The tankship design is unique for its compact size and diesel outboard propulsion and is the smallest vessel to receive US Coast Guard plan approval as a Subchapter D tankship.
IMF will use the vessel to deliver marine diesel to mega-yachts, commercial, and recreational vessels in the Palm Beach, Florida area. The vessel will be capable of providing fuelling services via high-speed pumps, with variable-speed control for maximum safety and efficiency.
IMF awarded construction of the 16.0-m long, 5.5-m wide tankship to St Johns Shipbuilding of Palatka, Florida where the vessel is currently under construction. The vessel is being built to ABS rules and will be inspected to 46 CFR Subchapter D.
JMS is providing owner’s representative services on behalf of IMF during the vessel construction, testing, trials, delivery and acceptance.
Propulsion is provided by a pair of 300-hp high-performance CXO300 diesel outboard engines made by COX Marine. The 4-stroke, V8 CXO300 diesel outboard engine delivers a combination of high power, high torque, and single fuel, enabling it to offer the same performance and efficiency of an inboard, but with the convenience and flexibility of an outboard. The outboards boast a lightweight design that requires 25% less fuel.
A propulsion control system made by Seastar was also selected for increased manoeuvrability. The Seastar Optimus electronic power steering, shift, throttle and joystick control systems package integrates the operation of both outboard motors into a single manoeuvring system.
The vessel has a raised trunk cargo tank with a pilot and operator’s station aft. The vessel is outfitted with electrically powered cargo pumps. A potable water tank and a black water tank are also located below deck and forward of the cargo tanks.
The electrical system is powered by a pair of generators in the aft machinery space to provide service to the vessel’s lighting, cargo pumping and hydraulic systems. The equipment and systems design supports high-speed loading and unloading of cargo. A canopy is provided over most of the barge’s length including the operator’s station to provide protection to the operator from the elements.
The vessel is also equipped with two 12.5-m long spuds raised and lowered by hydraulic winches to anchor the vessel in place during cargo transfers to customers’ vessels.
IMF expects to build several vessels of this design with this first tankship being placed in service mid-2021.
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