Maritime Reporter, February 2001

<BODY> <div> Cruise Shinninn Annual Shin Renair U.S. Lines' MS Patriot Challenges Cascade General Since 1999, when American Classic Voyages (AMCV) first announced its intention to construct two U.S.-flagged cruise ships that would be staffed by American officers and crew, the U.S. shipbuilding industry received a boost back into an area that it had not partici- pated for almost 30 years - the cruise shipping market. Prior to the construc- tion of the two vessels by Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding, AMCV wanted to start making money right away — it pur- chased the 17-year-old ms Nieuw Ams- terdam for $114.5 million from Holland America. AMCV then received an offi- cial notice from Congress that provided exemption from the Jones Act, thus allowing the U.S. Coast Guard to re-flag the foreign registered vessel. Before being repositioned to its new itinerary in the Hawaiian Islands, Patriot required a new look — a look that would exemplify its stature as the line's pre- miere vessel. Performing this daunting task in just five weeks was Portland shipyard, Cascade General, which pro- vided all drydock and conversion work on the 704 ft. (214.6 m) vessel in time for its inaugural cruise on December 6, 2000. The Cascade team preps for the vessel's refit. Advanced planning and intense preci- sion by Cascade General ensured that all work would commence in four specific areas the minute the ship arrived in Port- land: new bow and stern thrusters, con- version of three public spaces to suit the Hawaiian market, complete refit with Coast Guard-approved safety equipment and identity change. During its 17-day stay at the yard's 982 ft. (299.3 m) drydock number four. Patriot's two C.P. propellers were dis- mantled. The hubs were overhauled and the blades polished and its starboard shaft was pulled for inspection by Lloyd's officials. Line-shaft bearings were also inspected. Pintle bearing clearances were measured, the steering gear serviced and more than 100 anodes replaced. All of Patriot's sea valves were examined. The vessel's 20-ton anchor was replaced and its chain ranged and marked. Computer simulations tested the suit- February, 2001 ability of the 33,800 gt ship's existing pair of 750 kW thrusters for potential conditions in the Hawaiian Islands. The tests showed that additional thruster power would significantly improve maneuverability and safety, especially in outlying ports or when trade winds picked up. Any addition that was made in this area had proven to be trouble- some because of the small presence of MS Patriot underwent a five-week conversion at Cascade General. (All photos are © Cascade General, Inc.) mm Sep When equipment must be repaired now. Climax Portable Machine Tools give your crews the power to get the job done fast, any time, anywhere. Our compact, easy-to-use tools attach directly to the work piece — wherever it may be — so there's little time lost for dismantling. Boring, borewelding, milling, turning, weld prep, beveling facing and many other operations can be performed easily with precision. Climax's line of over 25 machine tools provide effective solutions for repairs at sea and valuable alternatives to costly off-site machining in ship repair or refurbishing operations. Call us today for complete information on these tools and an unlimited range of custom tool designs for unique repair applications. CLIMAX Learn More. Send for FREE Literature Today. 2788 Portable Machine Tools, Inc. 2712 E.Second St., Newberg, OR 97132-8210 USA Phone: 800-333-8311 . Fax: 503-538-7600 See us on the Internet at www.cpmt.com For Sale Exclusively In Our Hands Retained by the Bankruptcy Court TransCoastal Marine Services, Inc. Pipelay / Bury Barges, Vessels & Misc. Marine Assets Assets include ocean-going vessels, river barges, drag-line & jetting equipment, amphibious tracked vehicles, drydock and other related equipment. Some major floating assets include: it 175' oonotruotion / bury vcoool "Soa Level No. ai" Sale Pending # 270' dp multiservice, construction / bury vessel "Discovery" # 350' x 60' pipelay / bury barge "Vermillion Bay" # 256' x 72' bury barge "Atchafalaya Bay" # 3,400 ton capacity drydock # Over QO other omallor bargco and vcooolo Sold Full list of equipment, price ideas, technical details, surveys and photographs available on the internet or by contacting our office. Equipment located in the U.S. Gulf Coast. Inspection by arrangement through this office. Marcon International, Inc. Tel: 360-678-8880 Fax: 360-678-8890 e-mail: info@marcon.com www.marcon.com Circle 212 on Reader Service Card www.maritimetoday.com Circle 250 on Reader Service Card 21 </div> <span id="lblContents"></span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.digitalwavepublishing.com/" title="Digital Magazine">Digital Wave Publishing</a> </BODY>