Rose Cay Barge 225 Ballast Water Management System Retrofit
Background
With increasingly stringent environmental regulations to stop the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms, Rose Cay Barge 245 installed an energy efficient ballast water management system (BWMS). This project represents a step towards eco-friendly marine operations by retrofitting a BWMS onto an existing vessel.
Rose Cay Maritime (RCM) offers comprehensive Jones Act-compliant transport services through its dedicated fleet of U.S.-owned, operated, and flagged vessels. Their Articulated Tugs and Barges (ATBs) provide clients with efficient service for all major U.S. coasts.
Objective
The objective of this retrofit project was to install an Ecochlor EcoOne Hybrid BWMS that met international standards and regulations, accommodated the operational profile of the vessel, and addressed the space and technical challenges inherent in retrofitting older barges. Ease of operation for the crew was also a major consideration in choosing this system.
Challenges
Barges are designed for carrying heavy loads rather than equipped with high-tech machinery. Introducing a BWMS can be a logistical challenge, given the limited space available. Additionally, barges often have unique structural configurations which may not be conducive to standard BWMS sizes and layouts. Barge operations demand a degree of flexibility and reliability that can be compromised by the operational requirements of a BWMS. Barges often operate in shallow and muddy waters, presenting more pronounced technical challenges for many BWMSs, which are typically designed for ocean-going vessels operating in salty and clear sea waters.
Partners
Choice Ballast Solutions and NETSCo teamed up to bring their combined maritime expertise to the Rose Cay Barge 245 project, offering end-to-end services from feasibility assessment and detailed engineering to installation support and commissioning.
Choice Ballast Solutions’ Contribution
Feasibility and Planning
Choice Ballast Solutions carried out comprehensive ship-specific feasibility assessments focusing on:
- Operational Profile: Evaluation of the vessel’s operational needs and existing ballast activities to ensure compatibility with any given BWMS.
- Cargo and Ballasting Operations: Analysis of cargo effect on ballasting requirements and the impact on the selection and design of the BWMS.
- Technical and Space Constraints: Consideration of the vessel’s configuration and design restrictions that could influence BWMS integration.
Project Management
During the shipyard retrofit, Choice Ballast Solutions offered project management services for the BWMS such as:
- Coordination and Cost Control: Managing logistics, timelines, and budgets for a streamlined retrofit process.
- Equipment Handling: Ensuring correct placement of BWMS components and any pre-fabrication oversight at the shipyard.
- Installation Oversight: Supervising the installation alongside key stakeholders to guarantee adherence to specifications and manufacturer requirements.
NETSCo’s Contribution
Detail Engineering Design
NETSCo was responsible for the engineering design phase, entailing:
- Detailed Engineering: Refinement of the BWMS design specifications to meet both functionality and regulatory compliance.
- Pre-Fabrication Documents: Detailed drawings and materials lists to guide the shipyard during installation.
- Regulatory Approvals: Facilitation of necessary documentation and approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities, i.e., ABS, US Flag state and USCG.
Conclusion
The Rose Cay Barge 245 retrofit project was completed successfully on schedule with several benefits:
- Regulatory Compliance: The barge was equipped with a BWMS that complies with international and local regulations for ballast water management.
- Efficiency: The retrofit was planned and executed without undue delay, ensuring the vessel’s swift return to operation.
- Crew Readiness: Through thorough training, the crew of Rose Cay Barge 245 became adept at managing the new BWMS, ensuring effective and compliant operation.
- Technical Excellence: With quality engineering design and expert project oversight, the retrofit was performed to high standards, positioning Rose Cay Barge 245 for years of environmentally responsible operation.
This case study demonstrates the comprehensive approach necessary for a successful BWMS retrofit and highlights the benefits of industry-specific expertise and cross-disciplinary collaboration within the maritime retrofitting sector.
