STEEL WOOD INTEGRATED FRAME TECHNOLOGY (SWIFT)
At Pioneer Smith Group, great importance is given to Research and Development, the time, effort, commitment and money we have put into R&D has finally yielded results. The new technology, which we have developed and patented, will prove to be a boon to the boat building industry. We have listed some of the advantages in using this technology :
Advantages of (Swift) Vessel :
STABILITY
Stability The new vessel will have a balanced weight distribution on Port and Starboard sides owing to symmetrical frame structure. The steel framing will lead to a lowering of the vertical centre of gravity, which in turn will result in improved stability characteristics for the new vessel. Another advantage is the the ballast quantities normally required for conventional ships to lower the center of gravity could b reduced drastically.
SPECIAL RUBBER COATING
A special feature of this concept is the introduction of a special rubber coating used between the steel frame and wood. This is an excellent resilient interfacing between the tough steel and vulnerable wood to prevent friction, arrest the formation of rust on the steel surface and also to seal and waterproof both holds.
This is a superior technology when compared to caulking the wooden planks using Oakum to make them waterproof.
DURATION OF CONSTRUCTION
It takes, on an average 22-24 months to construct a wooden cargo vessel of 2000 Tons deadweight. In comparison to this, a vessel built with the new vessel concept will take about 12 months for construction. Shorter time frame means better control over building costs leadings to improvement in productivity.
ACCURACY
Dimensional accuracy during construction can be obtained for steel work in an easier way than possible for wood. Marking up and erection of steel frames can be accurately carried out leading to port-starboard symmetry of the structural arrangement.
WOODEN SHELL
Damage to the vessel during docking shall be minimized by the introduction of steel frames. The wooden conventional boat used to sustain damages to its structure during dry-docking.
ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY
The new vessel concept is all the more important to environmental preservation as forest reserves decline and wood becomes more and more scares.
WEIGHT
Surprisingly. the new vessel will be about 25-30 lighter as compared to the conventional vessel. lass eight indicates less material costs leasing to a cost effective solution.
STRENGTH THE VESSEL
In the new vessel, the wooden shell in reinforced with steel fames, which provides superior structural strength. Steel possesses same strength properties in all directions while for wood the strength is primarily uni-directional.
SPEED
The reduction in weight will also manifest in the increased speed of the vessel. The vessel will have approximately 20% more speed with same power of main engines as compared with conventional vessel.
MANEUVERING
Improved stability and weight will lead to the vessel being more maneuverable.
COST OF CONSTRUCTION
The cost of a conventional vessel will be 30% – 50% lighter as compared to the new vessel.
CAPACITY
The new vessel can be constructed to suit various capacities ranging from 30 tons to 2000 tons deadweight.