Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. (BHGI) is currently completing the detail design phase of a 399'x74'x30’/80,000-bbl. tank barge and a 120’x40’x18’-6” twin-screw ocean service tug. Both vessels are currently being built under ABS survey at Conrad Shipyard LLC in Amelia, La., with a 2015/2016 delivery date. The new ATB, the Gulf Venture and Gulf Carrier, will be operated domestically and internationally by John W. Stone Oil Distributor. It will be used to support continually expanding shore bases as well as offshore operations. She will be capable of transit and delivery of various marine fuels and associated products.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) were used extensively in the design effort. The purpose of the FEA study was to assess the stern scantlings of the barge for the INTERCON ladder interface. Similarly, FEA was performed on the tug structure to assess the maximum stress for the INTERCON load box. CFD analysis was performed to determine the calm water resistance of the combined unit and optimize the tug forebody and stern rake geometry of the barge.
Gulf Venture ATB Tug:
Dimensions: 120’x 40’x 18’6"
ATB Coupler System: INTERCON C Series
Main Engines: (2) CAT 3516C, 2,575 hp each
Main Generators: (3) John Deere 150 kW
Classification: ABS A1, AMS, ABCU, Oceans
Towing Vessel Unlimited Service certified under SOLAS/IMO/MARPOL
Gulf Carrier ATB Double Hull Oil Barge:
Dimensions: 399’x 74’x 30’
Capacity: 80,000 BBL
Bowthruster: (1) Thrustmaster retractable azimuthing thruster,
750HP
Main Generators: (2) John Deere 99 kW
Classification: ABS A1, Unlimited Oceans, Permissively Manned
