John W. Gilbert Associates

JWGA has completed construction plans for a 120’ x 35’ x 11’ River Tow Boat for Florida Marine Transporters. Six 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 three vessels are to be powered with CAT C-280-6’s rated 2320 horsepower @900 RPM coupled to Lufkin RS 2200 reduction gears.

JWGA has begun plans and engineering for the mid-life refurbishment of the Massachusetts 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.

JWGA is working jointly with Marine Systems Corporation on the Massachusetts Steamship Authority's fleetwide improvement to waste water holding needs. Work includes new waste tanks, discharge stations and stability analysis for all vessels within the fleet.

Construction plans have been recently completed and Coast Guard approved for the lengthening of Miller Boat Lines vessel Put-In-Bay. The Put-In-Bay is a 90’x 40’x 9’ Passenger Vehicle Ferry operating on Lake Erie. The Great Lakes Group Shipyard has been awarded the contract for the construction. In addition to the lengthening, work will include the addition of Duramax grid coolers to replace the pre-existing channel coolers and new flap type rudders by Deflector Marine Rudders. The upgraded rudders will offset the rudder area reduction from the lengthening and improve maneuverability at the dock. It is also planned to repower the propulsion diesels with new low emission Caterpillar C-18’s rated 705 horsepower. When complete the Put-In-Bay will measure 130’ in length, increasing her freight capacity by 1600 square feet. The vessel will be returned for service in the spring of 2010.

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.

JWGA has also contracted with Lake Champlain Ferry for the design and engineering associated with the lengthening of the Passenger Vehicle Ferry Plattsburgh. Work will also include the addition of a modernized pilot house. JWGA's engineering efforts will increase the freight deck carrying ability by 15% with a length increase of 28’-0".

Our design associates have begun the conversion plans of the Boston Harbor Cruises, M/V Matthew from a Passenger only service to a passenger supply and support service. The Matthew is one of five aluminum vessels built for passenger service in the 1990’s. She will have her deck house reduced in height and length to form a new aft freight deck. When finished, the Matthew will be tasked with support service related to anchoring of liquefied natural gas regasification ships in Cape Cod Bay.

Please see our Past Projects Section for additional Company accomplishments.