Transmission Replacements Save New Workboats

A pair of newly-built workboats, 26' mooring boats Chbika and Naila, were built to operate in Tangier, Morocco, but were unable to maneuver as required, having particular difficulty running at slow speeds with their original transmissions and ended up failing sea trials. The owner refused delivery of the vessels and told the builder to correct the problem. Unsuccessful after numerous modifications, the propulsion engineer contacted Twin Disc distributor Esco Transmissions.

Franck Benoit, Esco Transmissions' director for marine and industrial business, coordinated the efforts of five companies, in four languages to identify the solution. Twin Disc built and supplied a pair of MGX-5086 SC QuickShift transmissions and EC300 Control Systems.

The new system was an instant success, said Twin Disc, adding that the integrated system exceeded expectations. The boats passed sea trials, and the owner took delivery.

Twin Disc said its QuickShift transmissions offer an improved degree of maneuverability. From shifting speed to slow speed control, the series provides smooth, quick and precise boat handling under all sea conditions. Durable and long-lasting, they offer instant power to the propeller. Combined with the company's EC300 electronic control, the system offers unmatched command of the vessel.

The EC300 features single lever control with four selectable modes: cruise, sync, express and troll. Totally electronic and EJS-ready, it offers selectable station transfer rules and individual active and neutral indicators.

Chbika and Naila are currently working in Tanger-Med. Moroccan government agency Phosboucraa S.A. operates the cargo port located 25 miles east of Tangier. The harbor has a 2015 expected capacity of 8M containers, 7M passengers and 10M MT of oil products.