From the AEGIS e-Journal, Volume 9 Number 1, January 2006
The Next Generation Contributed by Professor Arthur Cohen B.A., M.A., CEO, Target Consultants International, Ltd. (acohen@becomestreetwise.com). Contributed articles do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of ÆGIS. Today the U.S. faces some serious transport and logistical problems. There is a growing problem of supplying troops with equipment and materiel at “hot spots” around the world. With the increase of hurricanes hitting the Florida and Gulf Coast Regions, we have found it difficult to provide water, food, and medical supplies when roads and bridges are damaged or destroyed. We face the threat of terrorists who are trying to disrupt international shipping lanes by attacking commercial tankers and military vessels. Add to this the concerns of the oil industry about environmental catastrophes created when large or super size tankers are damaged accidentally or intentionally. Is there any one possible answer to all of these concerns? The SeaSnake is a new shipping system that can revolutionize current maritime transport. It has applications for the commercial market, the military, FEMA, and homeland security. This shipping system, created by Carlos Kountz, a mechanical engineer, has multiple registered patents including those for a unique bumper and locking system. This enables the SeaSnake to connect and disconnect barges in open water. This shipping system combines the best qualities of tankers and barges and adds many qualities unique to it self. It is more efficient, versatile and environmentally friendly than any ocean ÆGIS, January 2006 6 transport system operating today. Unlike a tanker, the SeaSnake’s lower draft allows the ship to move along the coastline and into many river systems. Additionally, it is capable of going through the two major canals eliminating the need of making the long trip around the horn of Africa or South America cutting days and dollars off a trip. Unlike a barge which is not ocean worthy, this ship is capable of traveling in the open ocean. The SeaSnake consists of a mother ship, a number of barges, and a caboose. Because the barges easily disconnect, they can be used in a “drop and swap” format. A full barge with its cargo can be dropped off and an empty one can be picked up. This will minimize the time a ship and its crew must sit around waiting while unloading or loading occurs. Also, since many harbors have limited access and often get tied up with ships waiting to enter, the SeaSnake barges can be disconnected and brought in singly without waiting. This could save time and big money. The mother ship and caboose both contain tugs which can be dropped into the water and used to move full barges into ports and pick up empties. Even the caboose is capable of disconnecting and moving barges under its own power. Also, the barges can be dropped off and function as temporary storage facilities. Originally intended to help in the shipment of oil, it soon became apparent that the SeaSnake could transport almost any liquid or dry bulk product. Because the oil would be divided into many separate barge compartments, damage to one would prevent leaks to the others and would minimize the environmental impact. We have seen in the case of the Exxon Valdez, which leaked oil up in Alaska, what could happen when a tanker hull is compromised. Environmental catastrophes are one of the biggest concerns of major oil companies, and by transporting oil in the SeaSnake’s smaller barges, the chance of a major catastrophe is significantly reduced. Naval and Military Applications The versatility and flexibility of the SeaSnake can provide the military with an abundance of benefits. With the possibility of military threats that can pop up anywhere in the world, the U.S. Military can not always count on friendly ports and storage facilities. SeaSnake barges can be secluded and anchored in “safe” areas ready to supply naval ships or field units with fuel, water, or supplies. If the military only plans on being in area for a short time, where it would be unnecessary to build permanent and costly storage facilities, the barges can serve as temporary storage facilities for fuel and supplies, making permanent facilities unnecessary. The U.S.S. Cole was seriously damaged going into a “friendly” port in the Middle East. The repair was both timely ÆGIS, January 2006 7 and costly. The SeaSnake can meet and re-supply ships at sea which not only ensures their safety but saves time in getting to a troubled spot. A method of hooking up and refueling and re-supplying ships at sea has already been planned by the SeaSnake creator. For the army, barges can be designed to move all types of military vehicles. Using the “drop and swap” method, full barges can be dropped off and empty barges removed at the same time. Once again, if necessary, barges could be used as temporary storage facilities for any expeditionary force. FEMA, Coast Guard & Homeland Security Applications FEMA and Homeland Security are designed to activate during any natural or unnatural disaster i.e. hurricane, earthquake or acts of terrorism. The SeaSnake would be invaluable. Recently we have seen major worldwide disasters ranging from tsunamis to hurricanes. While serious loss of life was due to the event itself, an even greater problem arises in trying to provide victims with water, food and medical supplies. Prior to these events supplies can not be stored locally because they too would be lost in the storm. Often roads and bridges are either damaged or destroyed making it difficult or impossible to bring in supplies by land. Enter the SeaSnake. Hurricanes often provide days of warning. SeaSnakes could be loaded and kept out of harm’s way and brought into the area after the hurricane passes. Because a lot of hurricane damage is along the coast, the SeaSnake can be brought in close to the coastline with water, food and medical supplies. The SeaSnake mother-ship supports a helicopter pad which could load helicopters which in turn could drop ship supplies to isolated areas. Also, supplies can be transferred to smaller boats which can in turn drop them off to isolated locations. Florida, including the entire Gulf Coast Region, could be covered by a fleet of these ships. Dealing with Terrorism on the High Seas Terrorists believe that interrupting the flow of oil and commerce by blocking narrow passages i.e. Suez and Panama Canal, the Strait of Gibraltar etc. could cause Western economies to collapse. Plans by terrorists to attack international maritime shipping targets, both commercial and military, have already been discovered. Terrorist attempts to bomb both U.S. and British ships in Gibraltar were foiled in 2002. However they have been successful in other places. Sinking a large tanker in a strait or canal could disrupt international shipping for quite some time, not to mention the environmental impact of a leak. The SeaSnake, however, divides its cargo into separate barges, the chances of a major environmental catastrophe are limited. Plus, ÆGIS, January 2006 8 removing a smaller barge unit would speed up the time it would take to clear the passageway minimizing disruptions to international shipping. Additionally, damaging a medium or super tanker will take them out of service for substantial periods of time to repair (not to mention the cost). They are not easily put back in service or replaced. Overall there is not a worldwide abundance of tankers. Most shipping companies are currently working at full capacity. So even damaging a ship could upset international trade. Because the SeaSnake barges can be produced in smaller shipyards, more economically and replaced quickly, the disruption can be minimized. In fact, extra barges can be kept on hand to easily replace those damaged for any reason. Military targets are also a high priority for terrorists. The U.S.S. Cole was seriously damaged by a terrorist attack after entering a “friendly” port. Supplying naval ships at sea would eliminate the need for these ships to enter vulnerable ports for supplies. Furthermore, it would reduce the time it takes these ships to get to their destinations. SeaSnake Developments The SeaSnake has gone through rigorous and successful tank testing at the University of Michigan. It has received positive evaluations from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and naval architects. In addition, we have been receiving some excellent comments from experts who have reviewed our material. Here is a quote from a naval architect at the Coast Guard, “I’ve seen a lot of wild ideas after 24 years in naval arch R&D, but your concept makes a good deal of sense. You’ve got a streamlined hull form and your own private tug for docking.” Another Coast Guard naval architect said “It is a wonderful concept and ship.” Evolution favored the survival of those animals that were able to adapt over time. Those that didn’t change to meet the changing conditions of the times disappeared. Evolution in shipping will allow us to move safely and efficiently forward into the 21st Century. For more information: http://www.SeaSnake.net/ or contact: Mr. John Marcley, General Partner jmarcley@aol.com 1-631-273-6808 ÆGIS, January 2006 9