Frequently Asked Questions

There are several questions that come to mind when looking at the concept.  We have a answered a few here and are always willing to answer more at any time (Questions?)

What is the Size Range of the Seasnake?

The Seasnake is modular with barge sizes in the range of 5,000 DWT to 25,000 DWT per barge.  We expect the most common size range would be a 2-5 barge arrangement covering a cargo carrying capacity between 10,000 DWT and 100,000 DWT.  This corresponds to a small "Handysize" to an "Aframax."  Around 90% of all the world's ships are in this size range.

What types of Cargo does the Seasnake carry?

Bulk Liquid:  Crude oil, petroleum product, food grade liquids (vegatable oils, molasses), and other bulk liquid products.

Bulk Dry Cargo:  Neo Bulks such as fertilizers, fish meal, cement, rice and other dry buk cargoes.

Containers:  Yes.

Trailer/RoRo:  It is targeted for the trailer trades rather than the RoRo trades.

Will the connection behave well?

The observations made during the tank test where the ship is subjected to a simulated greater than hurricane storm shows a very good and regular response to the waves.  Upon request, Seasnake can provide a video clip of the tank test.

How will the ship behave in a strong storm?

The Advanced Analysis Department of the ABS determined the Seakeeping characteristics of the ship and found no problems in the response of the Seasnake. Further calculations indicate that the ship will stay straight under the most severe conditions as long as the bumpers are activated.

Ship or ATB/ITB (Articulated or Integrated Tug/Barge)?

The Owner's decision.  It is more economical in construction to use as a ship whereby the tractor unit also carries cargo.  However some Owner's prefer a tug boat definition, hence the tractor unit is designed without cargo capacity.

How efficient is the Seasnake?

It is very similar to that of a ship in power requirements and much more efficient than an ATB/ITB.  This translates into a faster, more efficient vessel.

Maneuvering?

We are currently undertaking a more detailed study on the maneuvering characteristics.  Preliminary indications show comparable performance to ships.

Can the Barges be traded on the inland waterways?

Yes.

Where can the Seasnake be constructed?

Virtually any smaller shipyard that can fabricate steel structures and assemble machinery found on smaller ships or tugboats.

What does Seasnake provide?

We would be interested in discussing many arrangements including licensing of the design, custom engineering, assisting financing or other project development.

Copyright 2004 by Seasnake LLC