Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. Designs Conversion Plan for Former Navy Vessel EX-YC695

Bristol, RI – November 25, 2009 – Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. was contracted by Commerce Construction of Bridgeport, NJ for a conversion design and construction oversight of the EX-YC695, an open hopper lighter barge and former Navy barge to a deck crane barge. The barge is truly a piece of history. According to Navy records, it was built in 1939 and used at the old Philadelphia Navy Yard to move gun turrets from battleships. It is also likely to be one of the earliest vessels in the US Navy to have full welded construction vice rivets.

An initial feasibility study was conducted to determine if the barge had the stability required to be fitted with a Manitowoc 4000W series crawler crane. With no plans available for the existing barge, a detailed vessel survey was conducted to develop a full set of design plans for the existing structure. During the survey, the barge was also evaluated for condition and the ability to accept such a major addition. Despite being 70 years old, the steel on the barge was in excellent shape from the meticulous maintenance and care of the Navy and Commerce Construction. From that point, BHGI developed a design for the conversion of the open hopper barge to a deck barge capable of supporting up to 2000 lbs/sq.ft. and the Manitowoc crane. While the barge will remain unclassed and uninspected, all conversion work was developed to meet or exceed ABS class rules for deck barges should the owners decide to pursue classification.

Bristol Harbor Group developed the conversion and general dry dock repair specification and provided owner representation services throughout the bid solicitation, award, and conversion process. General Ship Repair Corp. of Baltimore, MD was contracted to perform the work. The biggest challenge of the conversion was the alignment of critical conversion structure to supporting members of the existing structure. While at GSR, the barge also underwent a thorough dry dock overhaul, including the reconditioning of all interior voids and exterior surfaces.

Several key features were integrated into the barge during the conversion. First and foremost, is the 2000 lbs/sq.ft. deck addition. Also added to the barge were two 36” spud wells on the bow and a 10,000 gallon integrated service fuel tank under the main deck. When fully outfitted with the crane, generator, deck winches and crew storage the barge will draw around three feet, allowing Commerce Construction access to a wide variety of work sites.
Commerce Construction Corporation is a marine and foundation contractor specializing in pier and wharf construction, as well as land based pile foundations.

General Ship Repair Corp. is a full service shipyard offering drydock services for tugs, barges and dinner cruise boats, as well as providing major modifications and routine maintenance on all types of vessels.