Bristol Harbor Designs for New York Power Authority

Bristol Harbor Group, Inc., (BHGI), has reached the final design phase for an 80-ft x 34-ft x 5-ft Pedestal Crane Barge design for The New York Power Authority, (NYPA). The Pedestal Crane Barge, also known as a “Floating Crane,” is currently under construction at Great Lakes Shipyard in Cleveland, OH, where BHGI is also providing construction oversight services. BHGI began by conducting an initial on-site investigation of the ice boom, and the existing Ice Boom Work Barge, HAVASU - currently in use as a work platform for NYPA personnel during install & removal of the Lake Erie Ice Boom. This investigation included a detailed review of the HAVASU, current retrieval and removal procedures, and deviations considered for the new barge.

Throughout each of BHGI’s design phases, special considerations were taken to ensure environmental sustainability of the new work barge, as well as the barge’s necessity to operate in icing conditions. As an example, the thickness of the side shell and bottom shell plating was increased in order to protect against damage during ice operations. BHGI also relocated the spud wells inboard from the side shell (where they currently exist on the HAVASU) to aid in the flow of ice around the barge and pushboat.

A combination of flanged plate and channel extrusions were used for the main transverse framing in order to reduce the overall weight of the barge, while keeping construction costs down. The bow and stern rakes represented a particular challenge in the design due to the relatively small depth of the barge. BHGI opted to design four swash bulkheads (two on either side of the centerline bulkhead) to support the rake ends and the deck given the limited depth. The arrangement will both result in easier fit up during construction, and provide better support for the bow when the barge is being pushed through the ice.

Working with the NYPA officials and work crew, BHGI incorporated several key elements in the design of the new work barge, including a pedestal mounted Terex HC-80 crane with a 50 foot lattice boom. Additionally, the barge will be receiving a new E&K three drum winch. For crew comfort, a permanent deck house was added to the barge with a small electrical distribution center and space for a small 5kW portable generator.

BHGI designed the vessel’s structure to exceed the requirements of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and added a corrosion allowance to provide for a long and productive service life. Expected service date for the barge is November 2010. She will be used by NYPA for the install, removal and maintenance of the Lake Erie Ice Boom on the Niagara River, and near the outlet of Lake Erie, replacing the HAVASU.

www.bristolharborgroup.com