Winches are essential components on marine vessels, military ships, and coast guard operations. They serve various purposes, from launching lifeboats and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to operating with davits on ferries and large yachts. Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc. (SIT) collaborates with clients to design custom winch systems that meet the unique challenges of marine environments. Space and weight limitations, especially on vessels with strict specifications, make it crucial to develop winches that are compact, powerful, and easy to operate.
In emergency situations, such as lifeboat launches, the ability to quickly activate a winch can mean the difference between life and death. This makes both functionality and reliability critical when selecting winches for these high-stakes applications. In this article, we’ll explore some of the innovative winch designs that SIT has developed, including winches for moon pool launch and recovery systems (MLARS) and Coast Guard icebreakers.
Custom Winch Solutions for Lifeboat and ROV Launching
One of the main areas where SIT excels is in creating custom winches for lifeboat and ROV launching systems. Each vessel has its own set of specifications, which means that standard winches may not always meet the requirements for space, weight, or operational efficiency. SIT works closely with its clients to design and build winches that meet all operational needs while adhering to safety standards and regulations, such as those set by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
Space and Weight Constraints in Winch Design
Marine vessels, whether they are ferries or military ships, often face significant space and weight limitations. Winches must be designed to fit within specific spatial parameters without sacrificing strength or operational efficiency. For example, when launching lifeboats, the winch must be lightweight yet powerful enough to handle emergency situations quickly and safely. This requires a careful balance between design, material selection, and technological innovation.
SIT is no stranger to these challenges. One of their recent projects involved designing a custom winch system for an MLARS, which included launching equipment through moon pool doors beneath the ship. These moon pool doors presented significant challenges in terms of size and space limitations, requiring additional design considerations.
MLARS: Moon Pool Launch and Recovery Systems
SIT’s moon pool launch and recovery system (MLARS) is a perfect example of their design expertise. Moon pools are openings in the hull of a ship that allow equipment to be launched and recovered while the ship is at sea. These systems are particularly useful for launching ROVs or other equipment that needs to be deployed underwater.
Tilting System for Large Equipment
The MLARS designed by SIT included a winch system specifically engineered to accommodate the size and weight of the equipment being launched. To address the size constraints, the system featured a unique tilting mechanism, allowing for easier handling and deployment of oversized equipment through the moon pool doors. This winch was rated for a 3,500-pound load and was built to meet ABS specifications, ensuring both safety and performance. Additionally, the winch was equipped with a high-speed mode to support heave compensation, which is crucial when operating in rough seas.
Winch Systems for Coast Guard Icebreaker Vessels
In another state-of-the-art project, SIT developed a custom winch system for a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker vessel. This winch was specifically designed to launch rescue equipment through a shell closure on the vessel’s hull. The environment in which the winch needed to operate posed significant challenges due to extreme weather conditions and limited space.
Designing for Harsh Operating Conditions
The icebreaker winch system needed to be both robust and compact, with the ability to withstand harsh conditions while being protected from the elements. SIT engineered a winch capable of pulling 1,000 pounds, yet weighing only 750 pounds. The system had to be mounted inside the shell closure door to safeguard it from the extreme cold and ice.
SIT didn’t stop at just providing the winch; they also supplied a complete solution, including the foundation weldment, electric drive, hydraulic brakes, bearing assemblies, control manifold, and a variable frequency drive (VFD) to allow for variable speeds. A remote-control system further enhanced operational flexibility, enabling personnel to control the winch from a safe distance. As with all SIT projects, this winch system was rigorously tested and built to ABS certification standards before being delivered to the shipyard for installation.
Key Components of Custom Winch Systems
Whether it’s for launching lifeboats, ROVs, or rescue equipment, SIT’s custom winches share several key components that ensure they meet the highest standards of safety and performance. These include:
- Electric Drives: Ensure efficient power delivery while keeping energy consumption low.
- Hydraulic Brakes: Provide precise control and stopping power in emergency situations.
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Allow for variable speed control, giving operators more flexibility during operations.
- Remote Control Systems: Enable winch operation from a distance, improving safety and convenience.
Meeting ABS Standards and Certifications
A crucial part of SIT’s winch design process is ensuring that each system complies with ABS certification standards. ABS sets stringent guidelines for marine equipment, particularly when it comes to safety-critical components like winches. SIT works closely with clients and certification bodies to test and validate every winch they produce, guaranteeing that it meets or exceeds industry standards.
Pushing the Boundaries of Winch Technology
SIT’s commitment to innovation and customization has allowed them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in winch design. Their recent projects with MLARS and Coast Guard icebreakers demonstrate their ability to create solutions that are not only functional but also tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.
Future of Custom Winch Solutions
Looking ahead, SIT is poised to continue helping marine and military clients integrate the latest technologies into their winch systems. With their proven track record of designing winches that perform under the most challenging conditions, SIT remains a leader in the field of custom winch solutions.
Conclusion
Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc. is at the forefront of designing innovative, custom winch solutions for marine and military applications. Whether it’s launching lifeboats, ROVs, or rescue equipment, SIT’s winch systems are built to withstand the most demanding conditions while adhering to strict safety standards. By working closely with their clients and leveraging the latest technology, SIT ensures that each winch system meets the unique needs of the vessel and its crew.
For more information on how SIT can help with your next winch project, contact them today.
