Reference: Bakker Sliedrecht

The project

The “Celtic Explorer” research vessel is a hydrographical fishery research vessel build by Damen Shipyards Gorinchem for the Marine Institute in Ireland. In the development stage Bakker Sliedrecht B.V. advised the Yard and owner to apply a redundant energy generation system combined with two silent DC propulsion engines. This redundant silent propulsion system drives a single propeller. Next to the main propeller the vessel is equipped with a frequency controlled bow propeller engine.

EMC requirements

The end customer put forward a set of stringent EMC requirements. The vessel would be used for research purposes where extremely accurate under water measurements needed to be performed by means of a broad range of sensitive systems.

Consultancy in the design phase

Right from the start of the project engineers of Bakker Sliedrecht collaborated with the engineers of DARE!! Development. These experienced engineers advised during the design phase about EMC characteristics of the devices and systems to be developed. Special care was given to the particular environment the propulsion system had to operate in. Based on this information Bakker Sliedrecht was able to design a system that met the terms of the specific EMC requirements. Time and money invested during this phase proved to be money well spent.

Examinations during implementation

At the moment Bakker Sliedrecht had implemented their system on-board of the “Celtic Explorer” an engineer of DARE!! Development examined the total set-up including all cabling. This was very important as rework afterwards would be very time consuming and costly. Based on the examinations some minor modifications were made to the installation.

Measurements

As soon as the total installation was finished and operational, on-board measurements were performed at Vlissingen Harbour, by a test engineer of DARE!! Consultancy. During these measurements the total EMC behaviour of the ship was charted and a report drawn up.

Final acceptance test

Like it is said, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating” the final acceptance test was performed at the end of 2002 during it’s maiden trip from Bergen Norway back to Vlissingen harbour in the Netherlands. An engineer with accompanying equipment was flown in to Bergen. During the three-day journey the final acceptance test were performed without finding any flaw. The project was ended without any rework and according to the EMC requirements.

Customer experience

Present time

The Celtic Explorer now operates around the clock to satisfaction of its owner and is running a fully booked schedule for many years to come.