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20 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News NASSCO Lays Keel for BP Tanker National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) held a keel-laying ceremony for Hull 487, the fourth ship of the Alaska Class double-hull oil tankers being constructed for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. BP's Site Team Member John Penso welded his initials into the keel to signify the start of structural erection. The first ship in the class, the Alaskan Frontier, was delivered in August 2004 and the second ship, the Alaskan Explorer, was delivered in March 2005. On April 10, the third ship was floated out of NASSCO's graving dock follow- ing structural erection and is being com- pleted pierside at the NASSCO ship- yard. The third ship will be delivered later this year and the fourth ship in 2006. Circle 12 on Reader Service Card New Tug Named Adsteam Marine Limited has named the first of three new tugs that are an integral part of a phased capital program to upgrade the company's fleet in its United Kingdom ports. The state-of-the-art Adsteam Ferriby - a 24/11 class tug that takes its name from two towns that straddle its new workplace, the River Humber on the UK's east coast - underwent rigorous checking and sea trials in the Netherlands before delivery. Built by Dutch shipbuilding specialist, Damen, in its shipyards on the Shanghai River in China, Adsteam Ferriby is iden- tical to Barunga, which was delivered to Adsteam Marine's Newcastle operation in Australia in January 2004. It is only the second tug of its type in the world and, at 24 m with a bollard pull of 70 tons, is specifically designed for the handling of larger, heavier ves- sels. Adsteam Ferriby offers maneuverabil- ity and handling, with a potential speed of 13 knots, a stopping time of 6 seconds (from full speed) and the ability to turn through 360 degrees in just 12 seconds. Adsteam Chief Executive Europe, Stephen Eastwood said: "We are delighted to officially launch this new addition to our Humber operation and anticipate that this vessel will set the standard for the future. "We have also decided that future tugs will bear the name Adsteam, followed by a name of local significance or his- toric relevance to reinforce our corpo- rate brand across the UK fleet. The vil- lages of North and South Ferriby strad- dle the Humber, so we chose this name to represent the comprehensive service we offer to customers right across the river." "Business on the Humber is buoyant, representing 10% of the UK's total imports and exports," Eastwood said. Circle 14 on Reader Service Card Vessels Vessels equipped with non-metallic Thordon bearings are welcome in any port. Ship owners and Managers that specify Thordon proven oil free propeller shaft bearing systems completely avoid environmental issues, including delays and fines resulting from even a minor stern tube oil spill. Thordon SXL rudder bearings eliminate greasing systems and are now guaranteed to last 15 years in newbuild applications and twice the life of the non- Thordon bearing replaced during a conversion. Reliability, proven long wear life and superior customer service from over 70 Authorized Distributors or Agents worldwide have made Thordon the first choice for environmentally friendly propeller shaft and rudder bearing solutions in newbuild, conversion and repair projects. Visit our New Website www.thordonbearings.com Thordon Bearings Inc. Burlington, Ontario, CANADA Tel: 1.905.335.1440 Fax: 1.905.335.4033 Email: info@thordonbearings.com GREASE FREE RUDDER BEARINGS OIL FREE PROPELLER SHAFT BEARINGS NEW! 15-YEAR WEAR LIFE GUARANTEE Circle 271 on Reader Service Card MR MAY 2005 #3 (17-24).qxd 5/2/2005 6:47 PM Page 4
