US ship repairer ST Engineering Halter Marine and Offshore (STEHMO) was awarded a contract by Signet Maritime Corp to retrofit new propulsion and manoeuvring systems on ocean towing tug Signet Warhorse II
Under the contract, the Pascagoula, Mississippi shipyard replaced the ocean towing tug’s existing shafts and fixed-pitched propellers with controllable-pitch propellers, consisting of shaft bearings and shafts. Auxiliary components including the oil distribution box and feedback unit were integrated into the machinery space.
The existing bow tunnel thruster was replaced with a retractable azimuth thruster. Using laser scanning technology, the shipyard created a 3D model of the bow to develop the hull fairing plates to be installed for the new drop-down azimuthing thruster. The installation of the new thruster casing, including the fairing plate and thruster alignment, was executed in a 24-hour shift.
The vessel underwent a blast and paint job of its underwater/freeboard areas. A complete ABS survey of the hull was conducted upon completion, said the shipyard.
“With our strong track record, coupled with deep engineering expertise and know-how, we endeavour to deliver vessels to our customers safely and on time,” said STEHMO senior vice president operations Jeffrey Gehrmann.
“For over 30 years, Signet and ST Engineering Halter Marine and Offshore have enjoyed a multi-reciprocal shipyard and tug transport relationship,” said Signet Maritime president and general manager Hans Schmidt. “This highly technical conversion for Signet’s 10,000 horsepower (7,460 kW) asset into a vastly improved, manoeuvrable, stronger 151-tonne bollard pull ocean towing and station-keeping machine was done on time and on budget by our good friends at ST Engineering.”
Built in 2008 by Eastern Shipbuilding, Signet Warhorse II has an overall length of 44.1 m, beam of 13.7 m and draught of 6.85 m, with accommodation for 12. Propulsion power is supplied by two EMD 20-710G7B turbo main engines.
Riviera is hosting a week of free to attend 45-minute webinars focused on tug technology commencing 1 September. Register your interest now
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.