International Bulk Journal’s 2012 Bulk Ship of the Year
Allswater worked with Canada Steamship Lines and their Naval Architect to develop a new Great Lakes bulk carrier, something that had not been done for over 30 years. Our collaborative approach and knowledge of other industries complemented CSL’s and Cooke Naval Architects’ Great Lakes expertise to arrive at an innovative design for a trusted, traditional vessel.
Challenge
Over the past 30 years, the economics of operating a bulk carrier on the Great Lakes has changed drastically. The design needed to balance cargo carrying capacity with speed while also addressing:
- Increasing environmental restrictions
- Fuel efficiency
- Operational efficiency
- Future crew requirements
Solution
Allswater’s design approach involved a comprehensive analysis of every space and system on the vessel, focusing on what was truly needed rather than simply what worked in the past. The process began with:
- Operating Profile Development: Created a detailed operating profile for the vessel to determine the appropriate engine size, speeds, modes of operation, and crew responsibilities.
Key design enhancements included:
- Stern Thrusters: Added stern thrusters to increase maneuverability, particularly when entering canals.
- Maintenance Efficiency: Designed the vessel to accommodate riding crew at times to minimize maintenance downtime.
- Improved Communications and Visibility: Increased communication capabilities and visibility from the wheelhouse and control stations.
- Engine and Propulsion Optimization: Configured engine and propulsion systems to maximize fuel savings during transit, canal maneuvering, and offloading.
Allswater leveraged control systems, configurations, and processes common in the offshore industry, adapting them to the specific challenges of transiting Great Lakes canals to find the optimum solution.
Results
Allswater continued to support CSL by assisting in the initial shipyard review and negotiations after completing the design. The keel was laid for the first of three vessels in March 2011. The first vessel, Baie St. Paul, achieved significant recognition, being named the International Bulk Journal’s 2012 Bulk Ship of the Year and selected by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects as a Significant Ship of 2012.