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Vessel Loaders To Benefit Through New Cargo System
09-Aug-2002
The first installation of a new cargo arrangement planning system, Platform Supply Vessel – Cargo Arrangement Planning System (PSV-CAPS), is announced today by BMT Fluid Mechanics Limited.
The system, to be installed at the marine base of a major offshore operator, will assist the load planning of platform supply vessels (PSVs), and replaces the Unix DECKPLAN system that has been in use for several years. PSV-CAPS has a user-friendly Windows interface and is a complete redesign and rewrite for Windows XP.
If PSV loading is not planned carefully important cargo can sometimes be left behind, and cargo is not always conveniently grouped and located on deck to enable safe unloading in the field. Furthermore, operators may not always have complete confidence that hazardous cargoes have been properly segregated according to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. PSV-CAPS helps the operator to address and resolve these issues quickly and efficiently.
BMT Fluid Mechanics project manager Bill Brendling said: ‘The system has been developed through the operational experience of BMT and its clients to improve the efficiency and safety of offshore PSV’s. We are sure that the advantages it provides will be realised by others. PSV-CAPS is also very flexible. It can either be operated as a stand-alone package, or can be fully integrated with an operator’s existing cargo manifesting system.’ PSV-CAPS enables users to:
- Identify whether there is enough space on the PSV deck to carry the intended cargo.
- Plan a cargo deck arrangement that complies with IMDG segregation and separation requirements.
- Plan a cargo arrangement that groups together cargo bound for the same destination, making it much safer to unload in the field.
- Create load plan documentation (graphical and tabular) for use dockside to facilitate the loading process for advanced notification to the destination and for onshore record purposes.
- Create a Dangerous Goods Report suitable for retention onshore and for transmission to the appropriate harbour authorities.