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any fore or aft motion. "This process requires an enor- mous amount of power, especially when we're battling high winds, waves and currents," Mr. Pescay said. Another power option for crewboats is to install twin engines with a bow thruster, but, according to Mr. Pescay, a quad- screw design is more efficient. "It's much easier to walk a boat with four engines. When done with two engines you run the risk of the boat pivoting left or right. Also, if you're out at sea and one of the engines breaks down, you can return to shore faster with three engines than with one." Mr. Pescay adds that a quad-screw vessel is more cost effective on a price-per-horsepower basis, when compared to two high horsepower engines and a bow thruster. Mr. Pescay specified four Caterpillar 3412 engines from Louisiana Power systems, Belle Chasse, La, for each new vessel. Each engine is rated 825 bhp @ 2,100 rpm and powers a Twin Disc MG 5202 marine gear with a 2:48:1 ratio turning a four blade, Nibrol 42 in. by 38 in. HyTorq pro- peller. Each boat has a fuel capac- ity of 10,000 gallons. This fuel and capacity can be used to either pump to the rigs or refuel the oats. Lasting Power Mr. Pescay reported that the on-demand horsepower during cargo unloading has been very good with all the boats, even dur- ing rough weather or while unloading pipe, which can take several hours. All of the vessels maintain high speeds when load- "ng and unloading. Each 135-ft. 5-m) vessel is capable of hauling pproximately 190 tons at 20-21 nots and can reach a maximum peed of 26 knots unloaded. "There is at least one time I can ecall when we won a major bid rom an oil company because we ffered the highest capacities at he highest speeds - not just ecause of the price," Mr. Pescay aid. For the same job, competi- ors only offered approximately 90 ons at 14-18 knots. Crewboats nc. still has a contract with the ompany today. As the oil trend continues, rewboats Inc. is continuing to uild seven, 152-ft. (50-m) boats, hich will bring its fleet to 36 ves- ls — 14 large offshore vessels and small crewboats. pril, 1998 Benthos Receives Major Order for ROV System Benthos, Inc. has received a $900,000 order from Canyon Offshore, Inc. for an upgraded ver- sion of the company's Openframe Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) system. The new system, dubbed Openframe Manta, will be used for a variety of underwater inspec- tions and light-duty work tasks. This upgraded version will be spe- cially modified to extend its depth capability to 3,281 ft. (1,000 m) and will be supplemented by a top- side control van as well as a com- plete launch and recovery system. Production is underway and deliv- ery is scheduled for this summer. Innovative Technology for the Workboat Industry Coupler systems for articulated tug / barges Heavy duty towing and anchor handling winches Bow winches for escort service Chain handlers, windlasses, capstans, mooring systems INTERCONTINENTAL ENGINEERING • MANUFACTURING CORPORATION P.O. Box 9055 KansasCity, Missouri 64168 Phone 816-741-0700 FAX 816-741-5232 Circle 246 on Reader Service Card VI Vf CON MARINE INTERIOR SYSTEMS Quality On Time Quality In Budget ...and we will consider your other priorities. 1101 Edwards Avenue, Harahan, LA 70123 504/733-5033 Toil-Free 800/445-5033 Fax 504/733-3934 • SEA SWITCH High-Level Alarm This technology was designed specifically for shipboard use to last the fife of the hull. • Constructed of teflon and stainless steel. • Self-test meets requirements for closed tank gauging. • Intrinsically safe. • ABS and USCG approved. • Self-cleaning. • Can be replaced on-deck with no tools in less than a minute without venting to atmosphere. • Multiple display options. • Big Blue compatible. • Mates to a standard four inch butterworth flange s ELECTRONIC MARINE Railway, NJ 07065 Call today for more information! 732.382.4344 732.388.5111 fax emsmarcon@aol.com e-mail Circle 296 on Reader Service Card Circle 244 on Reader Service Card 17