Posted on September 8, 2020
Warren, R.I., shipbuilder Blount Boats reports that, on Friday, August 28, the 56-foot, twin-screw tug Breaker II completed its delivery voyage to the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant, operated by New York Power Authority.
The 56 foot by 18.5 foot shallow draft tug was designed by the Bristol Harbor Group of Bristol, R.I., and has a reinforced hull for breaking ice efficiently. It will operate in seasonal ice near the entrance to and within the upper Niagara River.
The dual-purpose vessel will prevent ice flow from clogging the intakes to the hydroelectric power plant and facilitate the installation and removal of ice booms.
This is the first Subchapter M certified vessel built at the Blount shipyard and its hull, machinery, electrical systems and safety equipment all comply with the requirements of USCG Subchapter M – Towing Vessels.
The vessel is powered by two Caterpillar Tier III series C-9 engines, each producing 375 HP @1800 RPM.
Ship’s service power comes from twin Caterpillar Tier III C2.2 marine generator sets, each rated at 27eKW @1,800RPM .
Steel hull plating thickness’ range from 3/4 inch, 5/8 inch and 1/2 inch with 1 inch and 2 inch thick skeg plates. Ice Belt plating and plating to 1/3 abaft of the stem is ABS Grade “D” including the 1 inch and 2 inch skeg parts. All other plating is ABS Grade “A” steel.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Principal Particulars
- Length, Overall = 56’-0”
- Beam = 18’-5”
- Depth, Molded = 6’-8.5”
- Mean Draft = 4’-6”
- Builder: Blount Boats, Inc. Warren R.I.
- Naval Architect/Designer; Bristol Harbor Group, Bristol, R.I.
- Owner: New York Power Authority, Buffalo, N.Y.
- Owners Representative: Bristol Harbor Group, Bristol, R.I.
- Operator: New York Power Authority
- Crew: 4-8
- Speed:10.5 knots max, (7.5 knots cruising loaded @ 1500 RPM).
Tank Capacities:
- Fuel Oil:397 (x 2) gallons
- Fresh Water: 20 gallons
- Sewage: 150 (x 2) gallons
- Hull construction: Steel ABS Grade A & D
- Hatches & Manholes: Freeman Marine, Centex & NABRICO – Thru TIMCO
- Mooring: (8) NABRICO DF-528 Closed Chocks & (4) NABRICO DF-2
- Coatings:International (SurfaceWorx), Paint Sub-contractor AMEX
- Propellers:(2) 38”x 34” stainless steel Michigan Wheel propellers
- Shafts:(2) 4.5” diameter x 13’-0” long Aquamet from National Specialty Shaft & Rudder Bearings: Thordon
- Engine Controls: Twin Disc EC300-3 Stations
- Switchboard: Power Panels Inc., Morgan City, La.
- Elect Panels & Controllers: Granite City Electric, Pawtucket R.I.
- Engine Cooling: R.W. Fernstrum & Co. WEKA box coolers
- Exhaust Systems; Maxim-Gens & Thermal Products
- Mains Steering System:Auto-Nav Series 2000 electrohydraulic steering
- Fire & Bilge Pumps: Goulds GNL50SP-F.W. Webb
- Engine Room Ventilation: Delta T (2) .75HP 19” intake
- Fire Suppression: Kidde (1) 350# NOVEC fire system (Hiller Systems Inc)
- Insulation: Anchor Insulation Co
- Joiner Doors: Pole Star Maritime, LLC
- Windows: Beclawat,
- Heated Pilot House Helm & Crew Seats: Llebroc Industries
- Fire Detection: Fireboy (Firex, Portsmouth RI)
- PA & Communications: Zenitel by L&L Electronics
- General Alarm: Zenitel by L&L Electronics
- Search Lights: (3) Carlisle & Finch 12” 350 Watt searchlight
- Compass: Ritchie B-453-5N24 steelboat compass (E.S. Ritchie & Sons)
- Nav Equipment: Cay Electronics, Portsmouth R.I.
Source: marinelog
