Silver Ships delivered the largest marine surveying vessel of its series
Silver Ships Inc has announced the delivery of the largest marine surveying vessel of its series.
The Tobin is a 49-foot Endeavor series vessel designed for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Tobin vessel was custom designed to map the mouth of the Mississippi River geographically. This missions-specific boat allows researchers to accurately and effectively obtain and document data on the rapid changing waters in the Mississippi River.
“Tobin will join the fleet of vessels operating out of the USACE Venice sub office, which operates year-round to provide river conditions data to vessel operators,” says Jason Powers, Director of Business Development for Silver Ships. ” “This data is essential for the safe and efficient transportation of goods up and down the Mississippi River.”
The ship is powered by twin Caterpillar C18 Tier 3 engines, which each deliver 800 hp to optimum speed, resulting in the prevention of research delays, which is important given the frequent change in conditions of the Mississippi River. The single Caterpillar C2.2 Tier 3 genset provides 25 eKW of electric power for Tobin’s air conditioning, echo sounder and other power needs.
“Thompson Cat is proud to partner with Silver Ship for their power needs,” says Richard Tremayne, Thompson’s Marine Business Manager. “Our engineering teams have worked together over the years to design and build important boats like the Tobin. High-performance power installations are always a fun puzzle to solve with talented companies like Silver Ship Team.”
The Tobin MGX5136RV is powered with advanced features like twin disc marine gear, Michigan wheel propellers, Furuno navigation and communication system, Delta ‘T’ system engine room ventilation, Arid Bilge Series 4 system and Ayres paneling.
With speeds reaching up to 28 knots, the survey vessel allows researchers to obtain data quickly and prevent anomalies caused by changes in river bed. Additionally, the Tobin Ecotrack is equipped with state-of-the-art technology including the E-20 survey system which is the key component that allows the vessel to take survey measurements. The E-20 uses a single-beam transducer that charts river depth and monitors water changes that can be potentially hazardous to marine navigation.
The ship is named in honor of Thomas G. Tobin who served for more than 30 years for the US Army Corps of Engineers in the District of New Orleans. As a capable engineer and brilliant programmer, Tom developed systems that automate the processing and mapping of collected daily navigation position surveys. He was part of the Engineering Division Channel Improvement Team and achieved success with his automated design tasks that ensured the successful operation of the Mississippi River. Mr Tobin died in February 2016 at the age of 54 after a valiant battle with cancer. Mr. Tobin dedicated his skills to the core mission and made a broad, lasting and meaningful impact on the entire district and citizens of South Louisiana.