The CGBlog tips us off to new designs for the next generation of Coast Guard cutters. The OPCs or Offshore Patrol Cutters, have been designed with the seemingly contrasting priorities of being environmentally friendly and a more powerful weapon platform.
In addition to these traits the USCG was also looking to design a ship with extended range, improved communications equipment and an improved ability to conduct small boat and helicopter operations in rough weather. And while military ships are not bound by international environmental regulations like MARPOL, the CG promises not only to meet current regulations but also address requirements predicted for the next 20 to 30 years. They even hope to use the “Alaska Cruise Ship Standard” to certify the waste water treatment process and equipment.
Some of the new systems have been well thought out but most is still in the idea phase. For example, they have identified the need to use fuel tanks for ballast in an emergency but only suggest the following ideas for treating the oily water once it needs to be discharged:
– Segregated ballast
– Install oil water separators (OWS) sized to process ballasting flow rate
– Design separate tanks for ballasting – “cleanballast”
– Install ballast water treatment system to protect against non-indigenous species introduction
– Use shoreside treatment systems for treatment and disposal.
You can view the official pdf of the design HERE and view comments by CG personnel HERE but, although we are excited to here of the new design, only one thing is certain; it will change before the keel is laid.
A week after Aiviq arrived at Tampa Ship LLC in Florida a new set of photos shows the vessel fully repainted in U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker red. The transom at the stern of the ship reveals the vessel’s likely new name: Storis.
The U.S. Coast Guard has closed on the $125m fixed-price deal to acquire and convert icebreaking supply ship Aiviq from Offshore Surface Vessels LLC, part of Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO).
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton has returned from a 110-day Arctic patrol. Stratton extended U.S. surface vessel presence this summer to above 72°N latitude, waters traditionally reserved for icebreakers and ice-capable ships.
November 18, 2024
Total Views: 22045
Why Join the gCaptain Club?
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.