View non-flash version
NEW MARKETS THRUSTMASTER RETRACTABLE, STEERABIE Bow THRUSTERS Superior Quality, Superior Performance. Thrustmoster's TH-R series thrusters provide infinite maneuverability and precise station keeping ability. The quiet, efficient hydraulic drive eliminates the need for drive shafts and gears, allowing the engine to stay in the engine room, where it belongs. Smooth hydraulics also power the steering and retracting mechanisms. Ten models available in the range from 100 to 1000 HP. Contact us today and see how Thrustmoster's superior technology can relieve your propulsion assist concerns. SERVICED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD! 713-937-6295 P.O. Bo* 840189 • Houston, Texos 77284-0189 • Fax 713-937-7962 jy^g^ Marine Deck Hardware IMC and Equipment • ANCHORS: • SO to 60,000 Lbs. - New and Used Stockless - Danforth • L.W.T. • Halls • Snug Stowing • CHAIN • W to 5'/s" - New and Used Stud Link - Cast Steel - Grades 2 and 3 - Oil Rig Quality tor Moorings, Towing, Barge Handling, Ship's Replacement • WINCHES - WINDLASSES - CAPSTANS • Vertical or Horizontal Hand, Electric, Diesel, Hydraulic or Repowered to your specs • HATCHES - WATERTIGHT DOORS MANHOLE COVERS - SCUTLES - PORTHOLES • All Sizes - New or Reconditioned • PANAMA CHOCKS - DOUBLE BITTS SINGLE BITTS - CAST STEEL CLEATS AND KEVELS • All Sizes Available, New & Used • FENDERS PNEUMATIC • For Rent or Sale All Sizes, New & Used SERVING THE MARINE 6 OIL INDUSTRIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS WE ARE DIRECT FACTORY DISTRIBUTORS & IMPORTERS rATERMAN SUPPLY CO., P.O. BOX 596 WILMINGTON, CA 90748 PH: (310) 436-4288 FAX: (310) 495-1045 MMK® W®M v /ince 1946, rhe Bollinger philosophy has been simple... t listen ro rhe customer, please rhe customer, stand behind your work. Fifry years later, that philosophy remains rhe same. Bollinger Shipyards, Inc...Let our past become a parr of your furure. 'CU/SS OF QUALITY SERVICE TO THE MARINE INDUSTRY P.O. Box 250 • 8365 Highway 308 Sourh • Lockport, LA 70374 • Phone: 504/532-2554 • Fox: 504/532-7225 Storage & Power "To Go" (Continued from page 72) within a few years." As of yet, the concept hasn't had much impact in the Gulf of Mexico on the production side. One reason is that the Gulf already has such an infrastructure of platforms and pipelines in place that there is less need for offshore processing and storage facilities, according to Mr. McCabe. Another reason is that Gulf wells tend to require more fre- quent workovers, which aren't fea- sible from tanker-based facilities. "To date, Zafiro Producer, at 268,000 dwt, is by far the largest of the three FPSO conversions to be performed on the Gulf Coast," said Mr. McCabe. "The Ocean Producer, which we did, is 78,00C dwt and the Jamestown, converted by McDermott, is also a relatively small unit." Mobil's timeframe for the field — it wanted production by the third quarter of this year — could not have been met by building a fixed platform, according to Larry Salz, MEGI's production manager. "At a guess, installing a fixed platform at this location in 600 ft. (182.9 m) of water would have required about three years," said Mr. Salz. The conversion and mobilization schedule for the Zafiro Producer is 18 months. "Even with such a platform, we would still have needed additional onshore or floating storage capaci- ty. It was never really an option," he added. The added bonus afforded by the FPSO is its mobility, making it possible to move to another site if, or when, field production declines. The best case scenario for Zafiro Field, according to Mr. Salz, is for five to ten years of production, con- siderably less than the life expectancy of the FPSO. Then there is the money. Mr. Salz estimated that a fixed plat- form at that location might have cost $250 to $300 million, com- pared with $70 million for the con- version and outfitting of the FPSO. Electric Generating Plants Money in a different context — the lack of it — has given rise to another maritime hybrid, the barge-mounted electric generating plant. There is a growing market for electric power in most Third World countries. But, investors are reluc- tant to risk money on brick-and- mortar projects, such as power- plants, in developing countries. They tend to take comfort, howev- er, in having their investment on a barge, which can be moved to another location in the event of default or other adverse circum- stance. "The energy demand of develop- ing countries such as India, Pakistan and much of Latin America is astronomical," said Nauman Ahmad, manager of Finance for Smith Cogeneration of Oklahoma City. In 1994, Smith put in place one of the world's first, and at that time largest barge-mounted, combined- cycle (gas and steam fueled) gener- ating plants in the Dominican Republic. It currently produces 185 MW of electricity. "Access to financing is one of sev- eral factors which make barge- mounted powerplants attractive, Maritime Reporter/Engineering News Circle 213 on Reader Service Card Circle 315 on Reader Service Card , Circle 302 on Reader Service Card 74