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Omnithruster Expands Into New Office And Manufacturing Facility Omnithruster Inc. has expand- ed into new facilities to accom- modate the growth of its maneu- vering and slow-speed positioning systems. Incorporated in the new location will be the administra- tion, marketing, and engineering offices including designing and manufacturing of thrusters, con- trol equipment, and solid-state ac motor starters. "From a few basic units, Omni- thruster has developed a broad line of innovative, unique thrust- ing systems since 1974, when the concept was first introduced to the marine industry," states Charles M. Aker, vice president and general manager. Systems are being utilized in fishing boats, tugs, barges, offshore supply boats, diving vessels, crewboats, geophysical survey vessels, U.S. Navy ships, tankers, etc., ranging in size from 25 to 3,000 horse- power combinations, and control systems from port-starboard thrusting to fully omnidirectional, computerized positioning systems, including radio-control options. Stanley A. Dashew, chairman and founder of Omnithruster, de- veloped the concept as a solution to the problem of slow-speed pro- pulsion and maneuvering, when he observed a bulk carrier ap- proaching a loading buoy off the coast of New Zealand. The vessel was caught in a strong current and attending line-handling ves- sels were trying unsuccessfully to maneuver at slow speed in swells. The basic system parameters were then written to solve these prob- lems. The new address for Omni- thruster Inc. is 15418 Cornet Av- enue, Santa Fe Springs, Calif. 90670; telephone (213) 802-1818, telex 194265. Halter Completes Supply Boat Contract With Command Marine Halter Marine, Inc., New Or- leans, recently completed a two- vessel contract for Command Ma- rine, Inc. of Lafayette, La., with the delivery of the supply boat Moorean Command. Now working out of Cameron, La., for Getty Oil Company, the 180-foot by 40-foot vessel carries 6,000 cubic feet of dry bulk mud in six tanks, and 52,000 gallons of liquid mud in four tanks. The vessel also has the capacity for 125,000 gallons of drill water, 13,000 gallons of potable rig wa- ter, and 350 tons of deck cargo, including helicopter fuel. Moorean Command is powered by two fuel-efficient GM Electro- Motive Diesel 8-645E6 engines with a combined rating of 2,000 continuous bhp at 900 rpm. Her economical operating service is demonstrated by a low fuel con- sumption rate of less than 90 gal- lons per hour, according to the operators. The stainless-steel, 80- inch-diameter wheels turn on forged steel shafts through Falk gears of 3:1 ratio. The vessel has capacities for 80,000 gallons of fuel oil, 1,000 gallons of lube oil, and 10,000 gallons of fresh water. Two 150-kw generators driven by GM Detroit Diesel 6-71TI en- gines provide the ship's electrical power. Her pilothouse is equipped with two Decca 914 radars, two Decca VHF radios, and a Drake SSB radio. Additional electronics include a Decca Loran C, Ray- theon depth sounder, and Sperry gyrocompass. Moorean Command is ABS classed +A-1, + AMS, Full Ocean Service, and U.S. Public Health approved. She meets U.S. Coast Guard NVC1-78 automated engine room requirements for reduced manning levels, and has been ad- measured for Panama Canal transit. The vessel was built by Halter's Moss Point, Miss, division, one of 10 shipyards owned and operated by the company in the South- eastern United States. Halter Ma- rine is the world's largest builder of supply boats for the offshore 011 and gas industry. ipencoj y()ur single source for the world's finest ship systems, parts, maintenance and service ON-SCHEDULE AND AT BELOW SEA-LEVEL PRICES! PENCO and HUDSON ENGINEERING have been meeting the quick response needs of the marine industry for more than 50 years. Our complete facilities enable us to service and supply ships of any size. We carry in stock the equipment and parts most frequently needed for instant repairs... and for the installation of safety, environmental, fuel efficiency and electrical systems as well as diesel engines. For the ship owner, that means efficient service, time savings and economical prices — all at one single point of contact and responsibility. "The quality of our work equals that of the equipment we supply" 48 Maritime Reporter/Engineering News
