Kara Sea & Spring Creek

Our very first JAK-400 ATB Coupling System is in SERVICE!

Pusher Tug "KARA SEA" and Oil Barge "SPRING CREEK" of K-SEA TRANSPORTATION CORP., Staten Island, New York, left for Pakistan loaded with 12.500 Tons of Soybean Oil.

Owners report on July 25, 2001:

"Mornin' everyone,
The Kara Sea and Spring Creek are approaching the vicinity of Bermuda, are in 3 to 5 foot seas and are making 8.3 to 8.9 knots. The crew is happy with the way the tug rides except for the lateral slamming caused by the seas on the quarter. They have stuffed rope between the tug and barge to dampen the effect which lessens the jolts. There are no other reported problems and the system and components appear to be operating as expected.

Bob Mattsson"

The installation job was completed by Bollinger, Gulf Repair LLC Thanks to Richard Ortego, Larry Brown and Gene Brandt. Thanks also to Chris Palo and Leo Falgout of K-Sea Transportation Corp. for the excellent and professional co-operation. The job began on April 16, Our Kari Laiho and Lloyd Hall traveled to New Orleans on April 24 and the sea trials began on July 10. The job was completed on July 12, 2001... CONGRATULATIONS to everybody.

Some facts of the installation:

The whole net installed equipment and steel weight was 39 metric tons total, approx. 8 tons net (5 tons steel and 5,2 tons equipment such as push pin cylinders, 2 off) to the tug (2,25 tons were removed) and the rest approx. 31 tons net to the barge, 14 tons were removed, 34,86 tons steel and 10,4 tons socket plates were mounted. The installation didn't cause very much change in the net weight nor the stability.

Assorted Photographs


Spring Creek. Cutting holes in the notch begun.	Kara Sea just in the beginning.	Spring Creek socket plate modules on Jig mounting.	Spring Creek socket plates superstructure mounting.	Kara Sea approaching for coupling.

Happy clients, Bob & Tom. Our best business card.	Satisfied client Bob Mattsson and Kari Laiho in the Galley of Kara Sea.	Lloyd Hall standing on our Pushpin Cylinder Blister.	Kara Sea Pushpin Cylinders Blisters on Jig Mounting.	Kara Sea Starboard Pushpin Cylinder Blister.

	Spring Creek ready for the first connection.	Kara Sea succesfully coupled with Spring Creek.	Kara Sea & Spring Creek on Sea trial.