Inert Gas Systems Fitted Aboard Tankers Building At NASSCO

Airfilco Engineering, Inc., 1901 Julia Street, New Orleans, La. 70113, have recently commissioned the first of a series of inert gas systems fitted aboard the Shipmor Associate Tankers building at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego, Calif.

The decision to fit the inert gas systems was taken during March 1977, and the systems were designed, built, fitted and commissioned before the end of June in order that the first vessel, the Overseas Chicago, could sail for Alaska suitably protected by the inert gas system during its maiden voyage.

John Riley, vice president and general manager for Airfilco, stated that the inert gas systems presently being supplied by Airfilco to the Avondale Shipyards, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, and Sun Ship would probably be involved in the Alaskan trade, and that particular attention is being concentrated on future servicing and backup, including training facilities for the ship operators.

The inert gas systems have a capacity of 6,200 A.C.F.M. during the capacity tests at National Steel, maintained an overpressure in the cargo spaces of approximately 25 inches of water. This overpressure will assist the pumping process when discharging the Alaskan crude oil, which has a high vapor pressure.

The systems were built in the United States to satisfy the requirements for the Maritime Administration subsidies.