27.11.2012

New Hydro Deck

Australia-based consortium, AG&P ALE Ventures Pty has launched the Hydro Deck - a transition pontoon enabling load-in operations for combined loads of up to 17,000 metric tonnes to take place regardless of tidal conditions.
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The Hydro Deck will measure 140 metres long by 40 metres wide and 12 metres deep and will consist of a catamaran-type hull.

The first Hydro Deck will measure 140 metres long by 40 metres wide and 12 metres deep and will consist of a catamaran-type hull, using an innovative and redundant water ballast and air tank system to provide buoyancy and accommodate for large and fast tidal variations. The ballasting system will enable buoyancy control in specific areas of the pontoon and accommodate tidal levels allowing loads to be transported safely across the length of the deck.
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The pontoon uses an innovative and redundant water ballast and air tank system to provide buoyancy and accommodate for large and fast tidal variations.

The first unit scheduled for the end of 2013 will be used on a project in Darwin, Northern Territories. Due to tidal variations of up to eight metres, time for load-in operations on this project and others in the area are very limited which can often cause delays resulting in major costs to the contractor and project owner. The Hydro Deck can also be used on projects where local port facilities are limited by scale or capability.
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The ballasting system will enable buoyancy control in specific areas of the pontoon and accommodate tidal levels allowing loads to be transported safely across the length of the deck.

Paul Kelly, general manager at ALE said: “The collaborative working between our companies has enabled us to produce this latest concept. Due to the tidal conditions in this part of the world and with high wind speeds, slipping behind schedule due to environmental factors can be common and can have a major impact on projects. This solution will reduce the risk of project delays significantly.”

Joseph Sigelman, chairman of AG&P said: “There is so much activity in Northern Australia today, the ports are booked for the next several years. Our unique solution is to provide a floating facility equipped with a proprietary internal ballasting system to unload modules from heavy-lift ships to shore safely. Adopting this approach both increases the availability of delivery windows by overcoming tidal restrictions and also allows for the early release of vessels, removing supply-chain bottlenecks, minimising expensive sea-charter/demurrage costs and allowing construction to continue on-schedule.”