Services
Vessel Operations Support / Project Management
Vessel Operations Support / Project Management
At NETSCo, we have a thorough understanding of the current technologies used in the operation, maintenance, analysis, and management associated with the equipment and systems on board a variety of vessel types or marine facilities. We can act as the team leader on any shipyard project either shipside or shoreside, offering overall coordination to help you determine the scope of the work, control the schedule, procure materials according to the specifics of the project, and assist with the select of vendors. Our aim is to ensure timely delivery within your specified budget.
Vessel Operations Support
As vessel operations support experts, NETSCo’s marine operations engineers possess extensive experience and critical thinking skills that enable them to analyze complex issues and apply practical solutions to support design applications and address existing or emerging problems in marine engineering operations. Our team is adept in identifying and resolving technical problems to facilitate the design of suitable systems, components, or processes for marine vessels. We offer comprehensive services, which include conducting safety audits, performing hull, mechanical, and electrical inspections, and undertaking structural assessments to ensure the efficiency and longevity of aging vessels. Additionally, NETSCo conducts thorough surveys of ships, barges, and dry docks for pre-acquisition or accident investigations and provides marine forensic engineering services for insurance claims. With our team’s expertise and commitment to delivering superior services, we guarantee reliable vessel operation support that meets the diverse needs of our clients.
Our Team is proud to offer the most comprehensive range of project management services and vessel operations support in the industry. We are committed to delivering excellence, and we aim to exceed your expectations, ensuring that it is delivered on time and within budget.
Project Management
With every project management job, we represent your interests, whether you are a shipowner, or equipment manufacturer, and we work hard to understand your needs. Our project management skills and quality control procedures ensure that the design is built as intended, minimizing any disruption in vessel services. We offer on-going support and expertise in all aspects of project management, including cost evaluation, build-plan approval, design specification and contract review, bid solicitation and negotiation, vendor evaluation and selection, purchasing and procurement support, shipyard assessment, and detail plan approval.
Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering the highest level of service to our clients. We bring a wealth of knowledge and organizational skills to any maritime venture, and we are committed to delivering superior results. We understand the design and the construction process, and we work hard to ensure that your project meets your unique requirements. We offer compliance approval packages for class and flag societies, testing, sea trials, and delivery.
Project Management of a Towing Skegs of a Dry-cargo Barge Modification
The vessel is a state-of-the-art 450-foot-long dry bulk barge used to transport 18,000 tons of bulk cargo from Florida to New York. The vessel was experiencing poor directional stability when fully loaded, leading to increased towing difficulties and additional operational costs due to the need for a second tugboat. This issue was causing increased towing difficulties and additional operating costs. The structural design and modifications put forth by NETSCo, along with the fabrication and installation efforts of Detyen’s Shipyards Inc., and the hydrodynamic simulations by National Research Council Canada – Ocean, Coastal, and River Engineering Research Center, delivered an efficient and cost-saving outcome.
The primary goal for NETSCo was to enhance the directional stability during towing operations. Key objectives included:
- A review of analyses performed by National Research Council Canada – Ocean, Coastal, and River Engineering Research Center, of the barge’s yawing behavior using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and physical model testing provided by ASR to pinpoint the most effective skeg design.
- Modifying the recommended skeg shape for easier fabrication without compromising on performance.
- Performing structural design, and overseeing fabrication and installation to ensure quality and conformance to requirements.
- Eliminating the need for a secondary tugboat, reducing overall towing costs.
The process unfolded through several critical stages:
- CFD Analysis and Model Testing:
The Client sought expert analysis, from National Research Council Canada, to determine the ideal skeg configuration that would resolve the barge’s issues with directional stability.
- Design Revision and Structural Engineering:
NETSCo reviewed the analyzed data and proposed a modified skeg design that simplified fabrication while maintaining the effectiveness of the skegs. NETSCo designed the structural details and determined the required scantlings for the skegs.
- Shipyard Selection, Fabrication and Onsite Construction Representation:
NETSCo developed construction specifications, and provided assistance in identifying a suitable shipyard for the construction fabrication, and the installation of the new skegs. During the construction phase, NETSCo representatives were present to oversee the process, ensuring adherence to the design specifications and quality standards.
The implementation of NETSCo’s towing skeg design yielded immediate positive results:
- The barge’s directional stability issues were resolved; the barge followed the towing line behind the tugboat without deviating side to side.
- The modifications led to a more straightforward fabrication process, reducing time and costs.
- The successful outcome meant that a secondary tugboat was no longer necessary, resulting in substantial towing cost savings.
- The client was highly satisfied with the project, as it directly impacted the operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their vessel.
By understanding the challenges of vessel dynamics, and through careful analysis and design, NETSCo, along with NRC Canada and Detyens Shipyard, achieved the objectives outlined by the client, ensuring both operational success as well as operational cost reductions.
