SOLUTION

WJE’s scoping inspection identified significant degradation of the original equipment, resulting in an overall loss of integrity and operational reliability. This led to the design of a complete replacement of all mechanical machinery and emergency replacement of the sheave trunnions for one ferry slip.

The original machinery consisted of a unique arrangement of wire ropes, sheaves, counterweights, and winches, which served to raise and lower the slip to allow for the berthing of vessels. Mooring devices capable of accommodating tidal change, wave action, and the loading and unloading of cargo were provided to secure the slip to the vessel. The existing worn components were modernized to provide for reduced friction, greater reliability, and longer service life without altering their historic appearance.

The electrical systems associated with the ferry slips were upgraded, including a new motor control center, operators control station, and the associated ferry slip operating logic. The work included the integration of this control system into the existing operating system and the specifying of a motor control center with protective relaying local control and control station interface. The design also included replacing the existing wound-rotor motors and control panel with squirrel cage induction motors with VFD control.