We offer a range of vessel conversion and modification consulting services to fit any need. In our decades of consultation work, we have successfully engineered solutions for challenges of every type, scope, and scale. No consulting job is too big or too small for Gilbert Associates.
Whether you need a soft patch or a full vessel retrofit, we prioritize meeting your needs, on time, on budget, and in CFR compliance.
While not comprehensive, common examples of our services include:
We are ready to put our consulting expertise to work for you. While consultation projects may vary greatly, our process generally follows this outline:
Once you contact us with your vision, challenge, or question, we work with you to assess the scope of the project.
We determine the availability of the required documentation going forward.
If necessary, we do a site visit at the front end of the project.
We discuss timelines and realistic project benchmarks.
We consider the potential involvement of third parties in the project, such as vendors and other contractors.
We make an initial assessment and follow up with you to ensure our expectations are aligned.
We provide you with a quote and project proposal.
Gilbert Associates frequently completes repowering projects for existing ferries. We analyze the current structural and mechanical components and design a new system to integrate into the vessel.
The 130 ft double-ended ferry was originally built in 1913, making it the oldest in-service double-ended American ferryboat of all time. She was brought to Lake Champlain, VT, and had two Detroit Diesel 12V71 engines installed in 1970. We replaced those engines with CAT 3412D 540 HP engines.
Three passenger ferries, the J.J. Callis, the Shahan II, and the Daniel Salmon, were repowered for the United States Department of Homeland Security Plum Island Animal Disease Center in NY. The repowered vessels’ increased speed allowed for a throttling back on the engines to improve fuel economy and reduce engine wear.
This consulting project for the State of Maine included repowering, stability analysis, and installing a new exhaust system for the Governor Curtis.
In 2002-03, Gilbert Associates facilitated the repowering of Lake Champlain Transportation’s M/V Grand Isle.
Starting in 2006, we have been involved with engineering upkeep and improvements to Steamship Authority’s M/V Martha’s Vineyard. Throughout these modifications, Gilbert Associates has kept track of Martha’s Vineyard’s changing weight. In 2018, after she had a mid-life refurbishment and passenger cabin extension, we conducted a stability test (AKA “inclining experiment”) for the vessel.
This consulting project included revisions to vessel stability for the carriage of additional passengers between Long Beach, CA, and Catalina Island.
As part of the modification, Gilbert Associates engineered the addition of a 40’ midsection, advanced Deflector rudders, and new Caterpillar C18 engines. The result was increased revenue and lower operating costs, as the M/V Put-In-Bay could carry 55% more vehicles and travel 2 knots faster with reduced fuel consumption.
Gilbert Associates has performed several upgrades to the 250 ft LOA passenger vehicle ferry Susan Anne since 1997. Most recently, we completed plans for a new steering gear and revised the structural arrangement to accommodate the new equipment arrangement. We also added a handicap-accessible elevator.
Gilbert Associates developed plans for the midlife retrofit of the passenger/vehicle ferry New London. A 50 ft section of midbody was added, giving the vessel an overall length of 260 ft.
In 2023, Cross Sound Ferry acquired two 200’ offshore supply vessels for conversion into passenger/vehicle ferries as a more rapid and affordable alternative to all-new construction.
To facilitate the vessel conversion, Gilbert Associates is designing a new superstructure, passenger cabin, stern extension, and bow door, among other modifications. When completed, the converted ferries will serve Cross Sound Ferry’s route between New London, CT, and Orient Point, NY.
In 2010-11, the M/V Matthew J. Hughes was converted from a passenger ferry to an offshore support vessel. This conversion included reducing the superstructure to form a large freight/operations deck. Gilbert Associates also designed an A-frame for the launch and recovery of submerged objects. Today, the Hughes regularly services Boston’s offshore LNG terminal and participates in the launch and recovery of underwater autonomous vehicles.
The topside renovations for this vessel included a new passenger deckhouse, a new pilot house, and modifications to the mezzanine deck passenger cabin. Passenger evacuation measures were improved by rearranging the cabin layout and installing marine evacuation slides. We also redesigned the engine room ventilation system, installed a new anchor and winch, upgraded the HVAC system, and drafted details for the addition of a new elevator.
This 160 ft LOA Catamaran Passenger Vessel, P/V Jessica W. was purchased and brought into service in the United States under the Wrecked Vessels Act. Gilbert Associates provided drawings and engineering for the vessel’s repowering, structural fire protection, and compliance with all USCG Code of Federal Regulations.
The M/V Mary Ellen is a 280’ passenger/vehicle ferry originally built by Offshore Shipbuilding in 1983 (not Gilbert-designed). The M/V Mary Ellen was originally in service with Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry Company under the name Grand Republic. When Cross Sound Ferry acquired the vessel in the early 2000s, Gilbert Associates was contracted to facilitate the conversion.
The conversion included repowering with EPA Tier II engines, vehicle deck modifications, and vibration mitigation. Today, the M/V Mary Ellen provides daily service between New London, CT, and Orient Point, NY.
The ferry was built as a WWII landing ship (LST 510) and participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy. In 1966, it was converted to a passenger/auto ferry. In 2019, Gilbert Associates designed a top deck passenger lounge, an additional elevator, and plans for repowering the vessel with Caterpillar 3516 engines.
Since 2006, Gilbert Associates has aided in several retrofits and changes to the Steamship Authority’s M/V Sankaty. These projects included replacing the bow thruster and reanalyzing the vessel’s stability changes to the vessel’s tank configurations resulting in improved weight, trim, and stability characteristics.
Whatever the challenges, our marine engineers have the experience, skills, and creativity to find solutions for every vessel. To learn more about how we can provide the functionality you need while staying within your budget and on your schedule, contact Gilbert Associates today.
