Giles S – Versatile Dredging Support Tender for Australia's Port of Brisbane: A Vessel Review

The Port of Brisbane Welcomes a New Support Vessel: Giles S

The Port of Brisbane (PBPL) in Australia has recently added a new harbour tender to its fleet of vessels. The tender has been named Giles S, in memory of the late Giles Stimson, who was the former Manager of Hydrographic Surveys at PBPL. This new custom workboat was built by BtB Marine and designed by Global Marine Design (GMD).

Specifications of Giles S

Giles S is a versatile support vessel that measures 8.7 metres (29 ft) long and can carry a maximum of six passengers plus two crewmembers at speeds of up to 32 knots. The vessel is powered by twin Suzuki 110kW (150hp), four-stroke petrol outboard engines. The design also offers future flexibility to accommodate larger diesel or hybrid outboards. The customised outboard fitting on the specialised transom enables the vessel to transport heavy equipment, personnel, and stores to the trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Brisbane.

Unique Features of Giles S

Giles S is a highly adaptable and sturdy vessel that is specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of the Port of Brisbane. Andy Perry, PBPL’s Executive General Manager Marine, commented that “the vessel needed to be robust enough to come alongside the larger Brisbane while the TSHD is underway and be light enough to be lifted and stowed safely via a six-tonne deck crane.” Perry further added that the vessel is designed to provide safe and comfortable transfers of personnel and equipment both in the port and along Australia’s east coast, servicing other Queensland ports, local councils, and infrastructure projects.

The Design Process

The design process for Giles S involved a significant amount of testing and consultation with various stakeholders. The vessel was designed to meet NSCV (National Standard for Commercial Vessels) 2C compliance, the size not exceeding the working capacity of Brisbane’s deck crane, the ability to accommodate storage and personnel out of the weather, access stairs for safe boarding to the TSHD’s main deck for crew transfers, redundancy and contingency in mechanical operation offered by dual outboards, a substantial equipment carrying capacity, and simplicity in operation for a multitude of crews.

Benefits of Giles S

The addition of Giles S to the PBPL fleet has brought numerous benefits to the port and the industry in general. The vessel provides a comprehensive solution for crew transfer, equipment transportation, and stores conveyance. The use of foam-filled bulwarks ensures level flotation and buoyancy in the event of overturning. Meanwhile, the polyurethane fendering and Nylac internal and external coating provide insulation to the aluminium hull, making it more durable and shock-resistant. The integration of the back-to-base monitoring system into the electronics system allows PBPL to assess the tender’s operation without having to be physically present on the vessel. The 32-knot sprint speed has also greatly reduced transfer times, which is vital for the efficient and timely delivery of services.

Future Prospects

The Giles S project has proven to be highly successful, and further collaboration between PBPL, BtB Marine, and GMD is already in the works. BtB Marine plans to incorporate the diesel outboard-ready fuel system into the company’s future builds for environmental reasons. The fendering system incorporated on Giles S is also extensively used in BtB Marine’s range of vessels. The vessel’s simple yet practical internal design allows for flexible use, with removable bench seating that provides space for storing equipment and stores out of the weather.

Conclusion

Overall, the entry of Giles S into the PBPL fleet is a significant milestone in the port’s quest to deliver efficient and effective services to its clients. The vessel’s unique, custom-designed features, and robust construction enable it to perform various functions safely and comfortably. Giles S is a perfect example of how collaborative partnerships can lead to innovative and successful projects that benefit the industry and the society at large.

Originally Post From https://www.bairdmaritime.com/work-boat-world/other-workboats/vessel-review-giles-s-versatile-dredging-support-tender-for-australias-port-of-brisbane/

Giles S – Versatile Dredging Support Tender for Australia’s Port of Brisbane: A Vessel Review