Maritime Reporter, November 2005

<BODY> <div> November 2005 9 Art Anderson Associates finalized a contract with the City of Tacoma to pro- vide naval architecture and engineering services for the complete renovation and refit of the Tacoma Fire Department's 30-knot SES (surface effect ship) fire- boat Commencement. The contract is the result of a grant provided under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Art Anderson Associates will provide comprehensive engineering and design services for the vessel's propulsion, pumping, hydraulic, electrical and command and control sys- tems, and has brought in the SES expert- ise of BMT Nigel Gee and Associates for the modernization and rebuild of the vessel's SES-related structural and mechanical systems. The contract also includes an option for Art Anderson Associates to serve as the owner's repre- sentative throughout the bid and con- struction phase of the rebuild, providing the City of Tacoma with technical sup- port during bid and proposal review, contract negotiation and the construc- tion process. Upon completion of the refit and renovation, Commencement will be a Class-A fireboat with an expected service life of an additional 20 years. Commencement was built in 1982 by Vosper Hovermarine as a multi-pur- pose SES fireboat operated by a crew of three, and packs a lot of firefighting capabilities into a small, fast package. It has two 445 bhp marine diesel engines powering two 19-in. propellers and a 345 bhp marine diesel engine that pro- vides power to six 24-in. aluminum alloy fans, which, when engaged, main- tain an air cushion beneath the vessel, allowing it to achieve speeds of up to 30 knots. The vessel pumps water at 5,500 gpm through titanium piping and five fire monitors. Upon completion, the vessel will have more horsepower, improved firefighting capabilities, a modern command and control system and a new emergency medical unit. Circle 1 on Reader Service Card Circle 225 on Reader Service Card News This is what you expect from a capable supplier. Cummins Marine understands that every run is critical to keep your business on track. That’s why we offer complete propulsion, generating set and auxiliary power solutions from 37-1900 kW, designed specifically for the challenges of marine applications. Plus, our worldwide support network is staffed by marine-trained technicians to keep you running strong. For more information, visit our web site at www.cummins.com or call 1-800-DIESELS (1-800-343-7357). ©2005 Cummins Marine, A Division of Cummins Inc., 4500 Leeds Avenue – Suite 301, Charleston, South Carolina 29405, U.S.A. Tacoma Fireboat Refit MR NOVEMBER 2005 #2 (9-16).qxd 10/28/2005 9:19 AM Page 9 </div> <span id="lblContents"></span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.digitalwavepublishing.com/" title="Digital Magazine">Digital Wave Publishing</a> </BODY>