Overview of HMB-1 at the International Dry Dock Conference in 2017
Presented by Bay Ship & Yacht Shipyard
Glen Roberts
HMB-1, designed by Glen Roberts, is a submersible barge created for the AZORIAN project. Its purpose was to assist the Glomar Explorer in recovering the sunken Russian K-129 submarine. The barge features a length overall (LOA) of 324 feet (99 meters), a beam of 106 feet 8 inches (32.5 meters), a hull depth of 19 feet (5.8 meters), and a light displacement of 5,800 long tons (LT), with a total displacement of 6,290 LT. The well width measures 76 feet 8 inches (23 meters).
Construction and Modifications
Subsequently, the Sea Shadow was constructed in the HMB-1. The Sea Shadow itself measures 164 feet in length, with a beam of 68 feet, a draft of 15 feet, and a displacement of 563 LT. Government contractors made significant modifications to HMB-1 to accommodate the building of the Sea Shadow.
Bay Ship & Yacht later purchased the HMB-1 and demolished Sea Shadow before performing a comprehensive overhaul of the barge. This included structural and mechanical upgrades, sandblasting, and painting. The purpose of these improvements was to achieve certification for the dry docking of vessels.
Design Features and Capabilities
HMB-1 was modified to meet the company’s need to dock larger vessels. Notable features include its larger beam, increased lift capacity, taller wing walls, retractable roof, and gantry crane. These enhancements enable the barge to accommodate and service larger ships effectively.
Systems and Automation
The barge is equipped with a wide range of advanced systems, including:
- Ballast Air Supply and Breakout System
- Constant Pressure Air Supply and Overpressure Protection System
- Hydraulic System
- Wet Lock System
- Control Space Pressurizing, Venting, and Atmospheric Reference System
- The control systems include ballast and tank flooding, power and winch controls, hydraulic and seawater cooling systems, and overall electrical management.
The Hughes mining barge was converted into a floating, covered dry dock with a sophisticated automated control system.
Certification and Compliance
- Structural and lifting capacity estimates were performed, including a transverse strength analysis in accordance with ABS guidelines.
- The USCG SFLC 8634 certification was achieved, which included an underwater survey, a visual inspection of tanks, and the review and approval of reports by a Professional Engineer (P.E.).