SERVICES

Conversion, Modification, Retrofit & Newbuild

Our Services

CONVERSION, MODIFICATION, RETROFIT & NEWBUILD

NETSCo has forty years of experience working on ship modifications, conversions, retrofits and upgrades that comply with new regulations or extend the efficiency of existing vessels. Drawing on NETSCo’s experienced naval architecture and marine engineers, we can deliver the utmost value that will last for the lifespan of the vessel while working within the guidelines directed by our customers.

Modification Maritime Engineering Services

NETSCo’s seasoned engineers can modify vessel capacity and improve the function of the vessel for better operation. Whether it’s bow and stern thrusters, engine replacement or repowering, space modifications, scrubber or ballast water treatment retrofits, HVAC or mechanical system upgrades, or electronic and computer system installations, shipowners need people with marine engineering experience who understand the distinctive requirements of the maritime industry. Extensive knowledge in meeting regulatory and class compliance requirements are also required. NETSCo’s technical staff knows precisely what is necessary for an effective, efficient and economical modification.

Conversion Maritime Engineering Services

From ship to barge, from tanker to bulk carrier, or from ocean tug to articulated tug, NETSCo will assign a team to lead your project that has a thorough understanding of how the vessel was being used, in addition to its operating new requirements. Our expert staff can prepare the plans, develop the specifications and ensure that the work is done according to your expectations, as well as ensure environmental and/or regulatory compliance requirements. We have the know-how to deliver complete main propulsion engineering and designs, including the main engine, gearbox, shafting, propeller and other associated systems. Before any actual engineering modeling begins, our staff will review the shipowner’s expectations, prepare a feasibility analysis, and help the owner select the equipment that appropriate for the vessel. The best-case solution is based on cost, space, maintenance requirements and engine capabilities for the life of the ship.

Cement Products

Since 1984, NETSCo has been involved in the design, construction and modification of marine assets specializing in the handling of 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 Western 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.

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 architecture group 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.

NETSCo’s technical team has the experience to address engine replacement or repower and our engineers have the know-how to deliver complete main propulsion engineering and designs that include the main engine, gearbox, shafting, propeller and other associated systems. Our team of experienced marine engineers offer services at every phase of the design stage of a 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

Test

Richard A. Mueller

President/CEO

Richard A. Mueller has more than three and a half decades as an C-level executive, project manager, consultant. As founder of NETSCo, Inc., in 1984, his experience includes overall corporate management, project management as an owner’s representative in oversight or hands-on positions. Richard also has extensive experience in vessel operations, manning, personnel, traffic and dispatch issues as well as providing repair and maintenance oversight. In addition, Richard has experience in crisis management experience: including vessel groundings, major mechanical casualties, on-scene investigations, oil spills, etc.

Prior to founding NETSCo, worked for Hyde Products, Inc. from 1979-1984, in their marine department, selling chemicals, parts, and marine equipment.

Richard is also one of the founders of Choice Ballast Solutions, a consulting and advisory services firm with a specific focus on compliance with ballast water management (BWM) requirements. He holds eight [8] patents, both US and international, and is the inventor/designer for the Nutech O3 Mark III System. This BWMS was IMO Type Approved and Flag State Approved in Korea and was sold to NK O3, the current provider of the Blue Ballast System. Richard has extensive experience with all types of BWMS design, installation, testing, start up and service.

Richard has been a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) for over 39 years and has held various elected positions including four [4] terms as Chairman for the Great Lakes/Great Rivers Section, V.P. of Planning/Public Policy and he currently serves as the Functional VP of Membership, and serves on the Council and the Executive Committee. He is a longstanding member of the U.S. Propeller Club in Cleveland, OH and Tampa, FL. Richard is also an elected Member of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and serves on the ABS Great Lakes Members Committee.

John Williamson

Engineer Manager, Cleveland

John Williams has more than 35 years of experience working in the maritime industry. He has extensive experience in regulatory requirements associated with marine operation, project management, and engineering design, planning and budgeting of capital projects. His responsibilities at NETSCo will include managing and directing our group of experienced engineers and designers. In addition, he will define the scope and manage projects, assign staff, and act as NETSCo’s delegate with clients, classification societies and other regulatory agencies.

Prior to this position, John worked as an Owner’s Representative at shipyards during the building of new vessels or the refurbishment of existing vessels. During his breaks in shipyard tours of duty, John was a Mechanical/Electrical Engineer for NETSCo. John has also held positions at Lafarge NA as a Marine Maintenance Manager and Port Engineer, Transport and Marine in Durban, South Africa, and Tongaat-Hulett where he learned to perform overhaul and servicing of diesel engines, turbochargers, steam turbines and centrifugal and positive displacement pumps as well as general machining including turning, milling & shaping. John also has experience as a mariner with Unicorn Lines progressing to First Assistant Engineer.

John holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from the Harcourt Learning Direct Center for Degree Studies and has additional studies in Marine Engineering from the Natal College for Advanced Technical Education.

Trish McIntyre

Engineering Manager, Tampa

Trish McIntyre has more than 26 years of experience in project management as well as reviewing and approving machinery system design. Her responsibilities at NETSCo include managing and directing our group of experienced engineers and designers; defining the scope of projects and assigning resources, as well as interacting with clients, classification societies, and other regulatory agencies.

Prior to NETSCo, she held the principal engineer position at the American Bureau of Shipping in New Orleans for the machinery group and assisted in the development of the machinery sections of the Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90M in Length. Her other responsibilities included the role of project leader, vessel and equipment surveyor with extensive experience in Code, Rule and Regulation compliance in both design and implementation phases. Trish was also part of DNV-GL where she held positions of Senior Engineer and Surveyor for offshore vessel systems and drilling materials and components, as well as field engineer for Austal Shipbuilding for the LCS class ships focused primarily on propulsion system installation and operations.

Trish holds a degree in Marine Engineering from Texas A&M University and has served on the ABS Rule Development and Technical Committees.

Richard T. Nicholls, P.E

Chief Naval Architect / Marine Engineer

Richard T. Nicholls has more than 45 years in the maritime industry, including four years at the U.S. Coast Guard Technical Office on Governors Island, New York. Over this time, he has been responsible for all phases of project management as well as building, piping and structural modifications, plus storage tank installation, designs involving hazardous materials, environmental compliance and use of special corrosion-resistant materials.

Prior to joining NETSCo, Richard worked with Marine Consultants and Designers, Inc., as well as in the defense and the petrochemical industry. His project experience includes vessel design, lengthening, repowering, self-unloader conversions, electrical generator installation, automation and other modifications for both ocean and lake vessels. He has also worked on bulk carriers, tankers, gas carriers, barges, tugs, passenger vessels and integrated tug barges.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute, and an MBA from Baldwin-Wallace College. He is a registered professional engineer in Ohio, Florida, and Wisconsin. Richard is a 50-year member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME).

Jerome J. Mueller, Jr., P.E.

Vice President – Engineering

Jerome J. Mueller has over 40 years of experience in the marine business preparing technical specifications and design as well as detailed drawings for new installations and existing system modifications including diesel re-powerings, major conversions, piping system modifications and ship machinery surveys.

Prior to NETSCo he served as project leader for marine engineering projects such as boiler automations, self-unloading conversions, bow thruster installations, diesel engine re-powering and marine sanitation device retrofits. In addition, Jerome has prepared, coordinated and supervised dock trials and sea trials for new and converted ships, both foreign and domestic.

Jerome is a Registered Professional Engineer in the States of Ohio and Florida. He is a member of The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), The United States Propeller Club, Port of Cleveland as well as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Society of Professional Engineers.