Container Vessels on U.S. Rivers
SCI is pleased to announce a long-term partnership with American Patriot Container Transport (APCT) on the development and implementation of an innovative project that will revolutionize U.S. domestic transportation. Rather than repurpose the barge/towboat system for containers, APCT is proposing something that has never existed before − a self-propelled container-on-vessel (COV) design that maximizes container payload and can operate at speeds of 13 mph with essentially no wake.This project features two U.S. patents pertaining to the Exoskeleton Hull Structure and the Minimal Wake Bow Structure. These purpose-built container vessels are capable of operating successfully on the Mississippi and Tributary Rivers, and cargo might include dry goods, agricultural products, refrigerated and frozen foods.
|
|
|
|
“This project by American Patriot Container Transport is a very exciting project for the maritime transportation system. This partnership is in line with the traditions and origins of training at The Seamen's Church institute (SCI). Because of our long history with mariner advocacy and training, the maritime industry has once again sought out SCI as a partner for training and expertise on a new and emerging issue,” says Captain John Arenstam, Center for Maritime Education’s (CME) Assistant Director.
“This project is an ideal fit for SCI’s simulation and training capabilities.”
|
|
For this collaboration with APCT, SCI will:
1. Develop computer modeling for the vessel prototype
2. Provide Navigation Officer assessment for mariners to work on the vessels
3. Provide United States Coast Guard-approved (USCG) training for mariners to work on the vessels
4. Perform feasibility studies requested by port authorities and engineering firms to ensure the safety of the vessels in real environments
5. Support APCT efforts in coordination with USCG regarding manning and licensing concerns
|
|
|
|
“We are thrilled to partner with APCT on this important project. It's a game-changer for the supply chain infrastructure in North America,” says Captain Stephen Polk, CME Director. “And as inventive as the folks at APCT are, they also possess a lot of integrity. By working with us, they are approaching large-scale innovation with a process that mitigates risk to people and the environment.”
|
|
Simulator Database
Matt Hyner, CME's Simulation & Database Manager, builds the libraries of digital images used to create 3D environments in our simulators. He is currently upgrading a 20-mile stretch of river from Anderson Ferry to Woodland Mound Park in Cincinnati to include higher levels of detail and fidelity in the visual model, night time scenes, and more precise hydrodynamic depth data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has also begun the initial framework for creating a new Brownsville database in anticipation of potential feasibility study work to come.
“We are continually expanding and refining our simulation library,” says Captain Stephen Polk. “In response to requests by maritime leaders, we are planning to offer personalized career development classes for Second Mates and Pilots in the very near future. Mariners will be able to train in a hydrodynamic model of their own vessel in the actual areas where they work. Our low student-to-teacher ratio and five available bridges in Houston mean that we can tailor instruction to optimize the mariner’s time at the Center and address their unique environmental challenges at a level unmatched in the industry.”
“CME can create new areas from around the world for our simulators because of our in-house visual database development capabilities,” says Matt. “My work allows our instructors to focus attention on locations where customers may see the greatest need, giving them the tools to solve navigational safety concerns.”
|
|
Chaplain Provides Comfort and Hope to Seafarers During a Challenging Time
To welcome 2021, the Rev. James Kollin created the following prayer videos for mariners and seafarers in English and Tagalog which were posted on social media.
|
|
Request to River Industry Leadership
With the opening of SCI’s new Center for Mariner Advocacy office in the historic deepwater port of New Orleans, SCI is broadening our constellation of services to Jones Act mariners. Phil Schifflin, Jr. Esq. joins SCI as Director of Mariner Advocacy following a 30-year career in the United States Coast Guard that includes eight years in New Orleans with two of those years serving as its Captain of the Port. In an action plan characteristic of SCI, Phil’s first major project is meeting with vessel company owners and leaders, and with their permission, their crews, to gather insights in defining his new role.
“I want to laser-focus my time and expertise on the issues that mariners will find most useful,” says Phil. “Certainly, COVID has generated needs that must be addressed. I’d like to collaborate with members of the industry to identify additional challenges and goals for my position.”
For more information about Phil and this new role, check out episode two of our podcast The Lookout Extended Play featuring an interview with Phil and CMA Director Emeritus Doug Stevenson, Esq.
Industry leaders and mariners who would like to speak with Phil can contact him at CMA@seamenschurch.org to set up a meeting.
|
|
Morale Boxes
Because of the generosity of our Christmas at Sea (CAS) volunteer needleworkers and mariner-friendly churches, the Rev. Thomas Rhoades in Baton Rouge is receiving four extra boxes of gifts this week (post Christmas season) containing 175 scarves, 81 pairs of socks/slippers, 49 hat/cowl sets and 50 cowls. These extra knitted and crocheted items will be used to pack morale boxes for mariners during this stressful time.
|
|
"CAS is not just about supporting the mariner. It is about SCI helping congregations along the waterway support the mariners in their communities. We empower churches not only to become mariner- and seafarer-friendly, but also help them minister to mariners directly, connecting people of faith with mariners and seafarers. We share this ministry-we don’t horde it-and CAS is a wonderful starting point for turning friendly churches into mariner ministry centers."
- The Rev. Tom Rhoades
|
|
Your Support Allows Us to Respond to Mariner Needs Without Hesitation.
|
|
Engage in the Conversation
If you received this newsletter as a forwarded email from a friend or colleague, or regularly receive our emails and would like a complimentary subscription to our print magazines, please click on the button below to complete an online subscription form.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
