Services
Conversion, Modification, Retrofit & Newbuild
Conversion, Modification, Retrofit & Newbuild
NETSCo has built a reputable name in the maritime industry for over four decades. With extensive experience in ship modifications, conversions, retrofits and upgrades, we have a proven track record of delivering top-notch solutions that meet our customers’ needs while conforming to the latest rules and regulations.
Using advanced technologies, we pride ourselves on our team of skilled naval architects and marine engineers who work collaboratively to provide the highest level of expertise and value to our clientele. Our services extend to both new and existing maritime vessels, and we are dedicated to delivering tailor-made solutions that last throughout the lifespan of your vessel.
Choosing NETSCo means you are choosing a partner who is dedicated to maximizing the efficiency, safety, and profitability of your vessels through expert designs and engineering.
Modification Maritime Engineering Services
At NETSCo, we recognize that modifying a vessel requires a customized approach that is tailored to meet the specific needs of the shipowner. Our team offers a wide range of engineering services to ensure that vessels operate effectively, efficiently and economically. For instance, we can install bow and stern thrusters to enhance maneuverability or upgrade the HVAC and mechanical systems to improve overall vessel comfort. Our modification services are aimed at meeting the specific needs of shipowners. Our team possesses in-depth knowledge and understanding of the maritime industry and regulatory requirements, which ensures that vessels are compliant, efficient, and economical to operate.
Conversion Maritime Engineering Services
We have a team of experts who specialize in various types of vessels, including ships, barges, tankers, bulk carriers, ocean tugs, and articulated tugs. We understand how these vessels are used and are familiar with their specific operating requirements and can help you with your conversion project by preparing plans, developing specifications and ensure the work is carried out to expectations. We also take into consideration any environmental and regulatory compliance requirements.
When it comes to main propulsion engineering and designs, we have the knowledge and expertise to deliver complete main propulsion engineering and designs, including the main engine, gearbox, shafting, propeller, and other associated systems. Before any actual engineering modelling begins, our staff will review the shipowner’s needs, prepare a feasibility analysis, and help select the equipment that is appropriate for the vessel. The best-case solution will be based on cost, space, maintenance requirements and engine capabilities.
Cement Products
In today’s market with domestic cement production pressed to absolute capacity, cement is becoming a more common commodity to see shipped along the river system and imported along the East, West and Gulf Coasts. NETSCo can help clients to find solutions to ship cement efficiently and cost effectively. This can include optimizing domestic supply chains or adding additional supply through the construction and optimization of cement import facilities. NETSCo has helped customers address both types of improvements over the last four decades.
Most recently, NETSCo has helped a cement client bolster their domestic supply chain with the addition of a barge mounted ship unloader. The project required adding a 123’ vacuum arm and screw pump onboard an existing cement cargo barge, allowing the modified unit to unload bulk cargo vessels in a more cost-effective manner. The addition of the ship unloader has drastically reduced the time required to import cement, while also increasing storage capacity at the client’s facility.
Case Study: Cement Company Gets Advanced Maritime Solution by NETSCo
NETSCo, a leader in maritime engineering and naval architecture, partnered with a prominent cement company to overcome a significant logistical hurdle. Facing the challenge of offloading cement from large vessels onto a wharf that lacked the capacity for heavy operations and wasn’t owned by the cement company, NETSCo devised a groundbreaking three-phase project to streamline the cement offloading process. This case study explores how NETSCo’s innovative approach revolutionized the cement company’s delivery operations without necessitating extensive dock renovations.
The cement company, well-known in the cement materials sector, was poised for expansion but encountered a series of obstacles in their logistics chain. The key challenges were:
- Offloading Efficiency: Utilizing a transport barge with a self-unloader without compromising the barge’s transport functionalities.
- Pipeline Design: Creating a system capable of handling the immense unload rate from Handymax-sized bulk carriers to shore-side silos.
- Dock Limitations: Conducting operations on a wharf unable to bear the weight of the offloading process or undergo substantial renovations due to ownership constraints.
NETSCo was tasked with devising an efficient and cost-effective solution to address these challenges, ensuring seamless offloading of cement from bulk carriers to dock-side silos while circumventing the need for extensive dock repairs.
NETSCo’s strategic and methodical approach was segmented into three phases:
Phase 1: Efficient Offloading Method
NETSCo introduced a 4,000 metric ton transport barge equipped with a ship self-unloader. This barge served as an intermediary between the bulk carriers and the dock, enabling fast, efficient, and cost-effective offloading. The barge was designed to be versatile, maintaining its functionality for other transport tasks, enhancing operational flexibility.
Phase 2: Pipeline Design and Installation
Through meticulous analysis of discharge rates, NETSCo engineers determined the optimal pipeline diameter needed to transport cement from the ship unloader to the silos. The pipeline was designed and installed to ensure continuous and rapid cement delivery, enhancing the overall efficiency of the offloading process.
Phase 3: Minimizing Dock Impact
To avoid the astronomical costs associated with dock renovation, NETSCo’s solution minimized the strain on existing dock infrastructure. The innovative design ensured that the operation could proceed without requiring extensive repair work or upgrades to the wharf, thus preserving its integrity and functionality.
NETSCo’s innovative solution effectively addressed all the challenges faced by the cement company:
- Efficiency: Achieving unprecedented offloading speeds, handling volumes up to 35,000 metric tons per vessel without disrupting dock operations.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The multi-use barge and innovative pipeline system minimized the need for additional equipment and operational costs.
- Infrastructure Preservation: The wharf remained intact and functional, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming renovations.
NETSCo’s revolutionary multi-phase project marked a significant milestone in sustainable maritime solutions for the cement company. By adapting to change and pursuing growth while maintaining a commitment to operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the cement company set a precedent for future logistics enhancements. This case study exemplifies innovation, engineering excellence, and project management prowess—principles that can guide similar endeavors across various industries.
Through this project, NETSCo not only demonstrated its expertise in maritime engineering but also reinforced its reputation as a problem-solving partner capable of delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of its clients.
Upgrade or Repowering Maritime Engineering Services
Every upgrade that passes through NETSCo involves basic and applied research, design, development and evaluation as well as analysis of every stage in the life of a vessel. Our naval architects and marine engineers can provide safety reviews, assessments of risk or damage control, and the attain document approval and certification of the ship’s design to meet any regulatory requirements.
When it comes to engine replacement or repowering, our technical team has the expertise to deliver top-notch main propulsion engineering. We handle everything from the main engine to the gearbox, shafting, propeller, and associated systems. Our experienced marine engineers provide comprehensive services throughout the design stage of any modification, conversion, or upgrade project including:
- Contract Plans & Specifications
- Project Management
- Capacity Plans
- Computer Loading Programs
- Inclining
- Loading Manuals and Weight Engineering
- Stability Analysis
- Naval Architecture
- Class or Flag Regulatory Documentation and Approvals