HEC EXPANDS VESSEL TRAFFIC RISK ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES

(Alameda, CA) Herbert Engineering Corp. has just completed three vessel traffic risk analyses as it expands its engineering services into this important field.  HEC provides analysis of risk from changes to vessel traffic associated with new terminal projects or new regulations bringing a combination of analytical skills, emphasizing first principles approaches, together with practical experience in ship design and operations to effectively assess the risks associated with vessel traffic.

The recent projects include a potential new container ship terminal for Port Metro Vancouver (PMV), a potential LNG export terminal in Kitimat, BC, and a proposed oil transshipment operation.

The Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project involved developing frequencies of ship accidents and resulting potential oil spills from accident types including allisions, collisions, groundings, and fire/explosions for first the waters immediately adjacent to the potential terminal, and secondly in the waters extending to the Canadian territorial boundary at the western end of Juan de Fuca Strait in support of PMV’s submission to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

In northern BC, LNG Canada is planning an LNG export terminal to be located in Kitimat at the head of Douglas Channel nearly 160 NM inland from the Pacific Ocean. HEC simulated new vessel traffic patterns and predicted accident and spill frequencies in support of LNG Canada’s TERMPOL submission to Transport Canada. HEC conducted the HAZID workshop together with Worley Parsons Canada and participated in several engagement activities with First Nations along the proposed shipping route.

Subsea oil fields can also face special vessel traffic risks.  In some cases the severe ocean climate and remote location require transshipment of oil from local shuttle tankers to long distance transport tankers.  HEC assisted the oil majorin assessing overall oil transportation risk and in the comparison of two potential oil transshipment locations.  HEC conducted a HAZID workshop and various traffic and grounding simulation studies using staff from its Alameda and Glasgow (HEE) branches.

For more information on HEC’s capabilities in this area contact Colin Moore at: cmoore@herbert.com.

BALLAST WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM NOW COMMISSIONED

(Annapolis, MD)  HEC provided the installation design and obtained the class approvals for the Ecochlor ballast water treatment installation on the U.S. flag car carrier GREEN BAY for LMS Shipmanagement.  This was the first of series of similar ballast water treatment systems designs being carried out by HEC for additional car cars, bulk carriers, and ATB barges for the same client. 

HEC used laser scanning technology to develop a 3-D model of the engine room and deck spaces where the new equipment will be installed. Having the 3-D model greatly facilitated new equipment and piping installation design making it possible for new piping and equipment foundations to be prefabricated with confidence, knowing it will fit and be free of interferences.  This expedited the design and installation, allowing the installation to be done with the vessel in service using riding teams.

 This same technology can be used on all kinds of vessels and is particularly useful for retrofitting ballast water treatment systems in cramped existing engine rooms.

FPSO ENQUEST PRODUCER READY FOR FIRST OIL

(Alameda, CA) Herbert Engineering was a key contributor to the design of the conversion and upgrade of the FPSO ENQUEST PRODUCER (ex UISGE GORM) at Blohm+Voss Repair in Hamburg, Germany. The FPSO is now on station and ready for first oil.

HEC carried out stability analysis and documentation, longitudinal strength calculations, design of the many new module foundations and supporting hull structure, marine system structure design, heavy lift plans, and were key members of overall project engineering management.

KEITH MICHEL ELECTED TO NATIONAL ACADEMY

(Alameda, CA)  Herbert Engineering Corp. is pleased to report that its recently retired chairman, Keith Michel, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).   In its announcement on the election of new members, the NAE cited Keith for his “contributions to the design, construction, and operation of efficient, environmentally friendly ships”.  According to the academy, “Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer.  Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, and education”. 

Upon learning about his election, Keith stated: “It is indeed a special honor to be selected by my peers to serve on the NAE.  I am indebted to Herbert Engineering Corp. for providing a distinctly collaborative workplace that enabled me to pursue my interests in ship safety and protection of the marine environment”.

HERBERT ENGINEERING EUROPE (HEE) EXPANDS

(Glasgow,UK)   Herbert Engineering Corp. is pleased to announce that its European branch has moved to a new, larger office space in the Glasgow Skypark as the outlook on the European activities of the company shows a positive growing trend.  HEC has also added new staff to the UK branch to allow it to better serve our clients in the UK and the rest of Europe, who required a more immediate and convenient access to our engineering services. Herbert Engineering Europe is currently concentrating heavily on offshore design support, as well as CFD analysis focused to the optimization of ship fuel consumption.  In addition, the branch continues in its role of support and marketing for the Herbert-ABS software products.