Case Study: New Staten Island Ferry Safely Completes Tow
AqualisBraemar LOC (ABL) – the energy and marine consultants – has overseen the safe and successful completion of the towage of a state-of-the-art 320-foot new-build ferry named “SSG MICHAEL H. OLLIS” – the latest addition to New York’s fleet of Staten Island Ferries.
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has commissioned a series of new ferries – the “Ollis Class” vessels – for this essential transportation link between Staten Island and Manhattan. This is the first in the eponymous series named after a fallen war hero from New York, Michael H. Ollis.
ABL New York was appointed to provide engineering support and Marine Warranty Survey services for the dead ship towage of the new ferry from the shipbuilding yard in Panama City, Florida to Staten Island, New York.
Working closely with Eastern Shipbuilding Group, the NYC DOT and insurers, ABL provided detailed input and advice on the plans for de-risking the towage and transportation of the vessel. The project was also supported by the company’s wider USA operations, with the involvement of marine and engineering specialists from the Houston and New Orleans’ offices.
Guy Noble, Senior Principal Naval Architect and his Houston team performed computer-based vessel motion analysis to calculate the allowable sea state for the tow. He also advised the yard on the construction of a temporary breakwater, fitted amongst other prescribed measures, to increase the allowable sea state.
ABL’s Capt. Bobby Surendra from the New Orleans office, and Capt. Jonathan Wanliss attended the yard to oversee preparations pre-departure.
Capt. Wanliss then sailed with the tow as Marine Warranty Surveyor to ensure the strict guidance regarding sea state and weather routing was followed.
The vessel safely arrived to great fanfare at her new home port of New York on the 14th August.
“It was great to work through such a fantastic project with my colleagues bringing their deep knowledge and expertise together, along with our clients at Eastern Shipbuilding, the NYC DOT and the wider insurance market. The new ferries will be a great addition to the people of New York.”
John Walker, ABL Managing Director, Maritime