John W. Gilbert Associates

JWGA has completed construction plans for a 120’ x 35’ x 11’ River Towboat for Florida Marine Transporters. Five vessels are slated to be built. The first three vessels are to be powered by CAT 3512’s rated 1910 horsepower @ 1600 RPM coupled to Twin Disc model MGX 5600 reduction gears. The additional two vessels are to be powered with CAT C-280-6’s rated 2320 horsepower @900 RPM coupled to Lufkin RS 2200 reduction gears.

In August of this year, Florida Marine Transporters contracted with JWGA to design a 130' Jack-Up Pilothouse Towboat. This vessel will be required to have a maximum air draft of 17'-2". This vessel will also be powered with a pair of CAT C-280-6 main engines coupled to Lufkin RS 2200 reduction gears.

JWGA has completed and received US Coast Guard approval of all plans and engineering for the mid-life refurbishment of the Woods Hole Steamship Authority's Passenger Vehicle Ferry Eagle. Changes to the vessel include installation of a new bow thruster diesel engine; Replacement of the bow and stern freight deck door with clam shell type designed doors; Complete overhaul of the main passenger cabin including overall cabin widening to the hull sides; new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; as well as the addition of the new Bearteaux seating and a modernized galley and concession area. The Eagle will have her port side mezzanine deck removed for the addition of TTS Design and built vehicle lift decks. The Inboard freight deck area will also have a TTS Design vehicle lift deck that when not in use, will stow in the freight deck overhead. The new freight deck carriage allows for a greater flexibility of mixed vehicle loading that could include twelve additional automobiles. Due to the scope of the changes to the vessel, the modifications will take place in two separate shipyard visits. Work is scheduled to include the Weeka box coolers, new frieght deck ventilation, and dripless shaft seals while the vessel is drydocked for normal winter repairs. The remainder of the refurbishment is scheduled to be bid in December 2010 with work to commence on or before November 15, 2011.

JWGA has completed a collaborative effort with J & A Engineering which included the design and engineering of a diesel generator foundation to be used aboard the Canadian Coast Guard Ice Breaker, Piere Radisson.

JWGA is currently providing plans to Lake Champlain Transportation for the repowering of two of their ferry vessels, the Governor Aiken and the Champlain to Tier II diesel engines. The Governor Aiken was originally powered by two Detroit Diesel 12V71 360 hp engines and the Champlain was powered by one Fairbanks Morse rated 550 horsepower engine.

Our design associates have finished the conversion plans of the Boston Harbor Cruises, M/V Matthew J. Hughes from a Passenger only ferry service to a passenger supply and support service. She has had her deck house reduced in height and length to form a new aft freight deck. In addition, her pilothouse has been updated to include a new helm steering station and the front has been modified to improve overall visibility. An A-Frame for deployment of an R.O.V. and light buoy tending is also being developed for the boat.

Please see our Past Projects Section for additional Company accomplishments.