From Tanker To Grain Carrier: Hyundai Converts The Golden Monarch
The Golden Monarch, a U.S.-flag San Clemente class tanker built at NASSCO in 1975, is being converted to a grain bulk carrier at Hyundai's Mipo Dockyard, South Korea.
The vessel was identified for possible conversion by ABS Marine Services, in conjunction with Apex Marine Corporation, in October 1992. The purpose of the proposed conversion was to alter the vessel's cargo configuration, modernize access and transfer systems, and overall create a bulk carrier that could lower rates for the Cargo Preference trade.
In August 1993, C.G. International Naval Architects of Scotch Plains, N.J. was contracted for revision and final working drawings.
By February 1994, the vessel was delivered to Hyundai so work could begin.
The vessel's longitudinal bulkheads were removed to facilitate the creation of new cargo space. Lower trim plates and extension of the double bottoms were fabricated using new steel blocks. Standard hatch coamings were installed at the main deck. The result is a six-hold configuration serviced by a two-panel set of MacGregor hatches at each hold. Cargo spaces, ballast space, main deck, accommodation house and engine casing were all recoated with International Paint high-performance epoxy coatings.
The conversion entailed major refurbishing of the propulsion plant and machinery spaces to return the vessel's steam plant to its original sea trial criteria and fuel curve. The vessel's main boilers, condenser and steam turbines were cleaned and retubed extensively, and the vessel's combustion control and fuel oil delivery system were modified by Introl Corporation of Westminster, Md. — adapting new shoreside power plant technologies to marine uses. The vessel was fitted with a Volmar Moletron Static generator utilizing type 6.0 ultrasonic waves to treat fuel oil before combustion in a new Todd TCD burner system, which reportedly reduces fuel consumption and NOxand SOx stack gases.
MacGregor-Navire was contracted to supply a hydraulicallyoperated hatch cover system, specially designed for this type of conversion. Seacoast Electronics supplied new Raytheon 3cm and 10cm radars with integral IMO-compliant Automatic Radar Plotting Aid.
A Global Positioning System, a Medium Frequency Whip Antenna and a complete integrated bridge were included in the installation.
