Major US equipment contract signed
Slewing stern ramp
The contract, signed with ship manager Keystone Shipping Services, for MV "Cape Race", follows the successful conversion of sister ship "Cape Rise", and includes an option for similar works on a third ship, "Cape Ray".
The new slewing ramp and stern door are part of a conversion that includes replacing the existing straight stern ramp/door, hydraulic system and controls. The ramp, approximately 50m long, is capable of being slewed both to port and starboard as well as being deployed straight astern and is designed to allow the simultaneous loading of two M1A1 tanks. The ramp is also capable of in-stream RoRo operations in Sea State 3. The new ramp will increase the operational flexibility of the ship, allowing it to meet a broader range of quay requirements, tide conditions, and cargoes.
The TTS scope includes design and complete delivery of all equipment, including a new hydraulic power pack, as well as supervision of the installation, which will take place in a US shipyard. Fabrication will commence in July for shipment in January 2011. Conversion work will start in April 2011, with the ship returning to its home port in Portsmouth, Virginia by the end of August.
