Customised Propulsion Solution
The Client: Taylor Bros
EPSA was approached by Taylor Bros Marine to provide a propulsion engine solution package that is reliable and operates safely in the arduous Antarctic conditions.
The Background
In 2018, Tasmanian marine engineering company Taylor Bros were selected to construct two high-powered Antarctic landing barges for Australia’s new icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina. The Nuyina is being constructed in Romania at the Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding yard to enter service in 2020. Built in Hobart for the Australian Antarctic Division, the two 16-metre barges boast Cat® propulsion systems supplied by EPSA.
The Requirement
The two 16.3 metre-long and 6.2 metre-wide aluminium ‘heavy-lift’ vessels are built to operate in minus 30-degrees Celsius weather in wind speeds of up to 50 knots and carry up to 45 tonnes of cargo. The barges give the RSV Nuyina greater capability for unloading and reloading cargo and research equipment – providing the crucial link with remote research stations located in the world’s southernmost continent.
The Solution
Each barge is powered by two Cat® C12 marine engines complete with transmissions and control systems. EPSA overcame technical challenges to meet both arctic and tropical operational conditions and the complex Australian Government acceptance documentation. Each barge will be able to travel at eight knots, in calm seas, with two 448 kilowatt (600 horsepower) engines and a water jet propulsion system to provide greater manoeuvrability than standard propellers.
The Results
EPSA delivered two Cat® C12 propulsion packages that supported the operational requirements of the barges in temperatures as low as minus 30-degrees Celsius and as high as 45-degrees Celsius. The EPSA solution delivers on speed, stability, load and fuel carrying capacity, and structural strength requirements.
