Port of Brisbane welcomes new custom workboat named Giles S

The vessel’s specifications

The Port of Brisbane (PBPL) has added a new custom workboat named Giles S to its fleet to support its flagship vessel, the trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Brisbane, as it works in the port and along Australia’s east coast. Measuring 8.7 meters (29 feet) long, the boat was built by BtB Marine and designed by Global Marine Design (GMD). It is powered by twin Suzuki 110kW (150hp), four-stroke petrol outboard engines and can transport six passengers plus two crewmembers at speeds of up to 32 knots.

Design considerations

The vessel needed to have various design considerations in mind every step of the way, notably NSCV 2C compliance, the size not exceeding the working capacity of Brisbane’s deck crane, redundancy and contingency in mechanical operation, a substantial equipment carrying capacity, and simplicity in operation for a multitude of crews. The tender also needed to have level flotation and buoyancy in the event of overturning, polyurethane fendering, Nylac internal and external coating to preserve the aluminum hull, and a design cruise speed in excess of 25 knots.

Cathedral hull design

The PBPL’s first criteria in the design was stability, and they selected the “cathedral hull” to achieve this feature, as opposed to the conventional monohull. The boat’s excellent stability at rest, underway, and while transferring personnel at sea convinced the owners to select this design.

Fuel system

The outboards feature stainless steel propellers and power-assisted hydraulic steering, and the diesel outboard-ready fuel system is starting to be incorporated into the company’s future builds for environmental reasons. This offers added safety due to the dual engines having separate fuel tanks and electrics. The electronics suite includes a Simrad navigation package while purpose-built mounting pads are available for the installation of hydrographic survey equipment.

Fendering system

The fendering system is made of a proprietary polyurethane D-mould custom made to the shape of the entire vessel bulwarks. The mould is made from closed-cell foam coated with a “leather-like” outer skin. This feature is effective as it is neither too hard nor too soft and can absorb impact during alongside maneuvers. The fendering system incorporated on Giles S is extensively used across BtB Marine’s range of vessels.

Giles S: A versatile workboat

The boat can be stowed on Brisbane’s deck and transported between ports. When at port, Giles S is used to transport personnel, equipment, and stores to the TSHD, covering distances of 30 nautical miles, which is far beyond that of normal dredging operations. The boat also replaces the previous support vessel, Qua, and is lifted from three points, carefully positioning it such that it is level when lifted. With a 32-knot sprint speed, transfer times are greatly reduced.

Back-to-base monitoring system and crew transfer

The electronics are integrated to allow data to be continuously transmitted to PBPL’s base in Brisbane. This back-to-base monitoring system that is fitted into the electronics system enables PBPL to evaluate the tender’s operation without having to be physically present on the vessel. The vessel was specifically designed for crew transfer, so there are interchangeable steps from port and starboard to allow easy access for the crew to enter and exit the vessel onto the larger dredger.

Sturdy and safe

The vessel is constructed to be sturdy and safe and can withstand the harsh working environments characteristic of push-on and pilot-style transfers and being lifted onto TSHD Brisbane. The fit-out is simple but functional, and the internal bench seating can be readily removed to provide space to stow stores and equipment out of the weather. The vessel is also able to accommodate a full-length stretcher for medical evacuations.

Conclusion

The Port of Brisbane’s recent addition to its fleet, Giles S, has made it easier for the staff to transport personnel and equipment to the TSHD, covering long distances beyond normal dredging operations. The boat boasts numerous design features, including the “cathedral hull” design, a polyurethane fendering system, and a diesel outboard-ready fuel system. It’s no surprise that it has received positive feedback from PBPL staff, describing it as “awesome.”

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/

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