Cargoes. Difference between bulk cargoes and general cargoes

Cargoes carried by ships are of two kinds: bulk cargoes and general cargoes. Bulk cargoes may be either solid (grain, ore, coal, green sugar, sulphur) or liquid (oil products, wine, fresh water, spirits). All bulk cargoes are usually shipped in bulk without tare. 

General cargoes represent various goods differently packed. Goods packed in bags, cases, bales and drums are considered as general cargoes. For example, if green sugar is shipped in the hold without tare, in bulk, it is a bulk cargo and if it is packed in bags, we can consider it as general cargo.

It frequently happens that some varieties of cargo are carried on deck. It is to be understood that in this case "on deck" means on an uncovered space and that the cargo is exposed to weather.

Experience of work on the multipurpose vessel

I have been in charge of machinery on Pielstick-equipped ships for the last eleven years, most of time on banana boats.

When some people compare the medium-speed engines to slow-speed ones, they think there is so much more work to be done on the medium speeds. In a way they are right, but I think the main difference is the kind of work that is required.

With the medium-speed engine you have to have much closer contact with the manufacturer in the beginning.

AC Electric Equipment of Ship's Deck Machinery

Modern electric equipment of ship's deck machinery comprises electric motors and electric apparatuses of specially developed series and individual designs.

The fact that this machinery has to operate on weather decks predetermines special environmental conditions of the electric equipment: ambient temperatures ranging from —40 to +50° C, high humidity up to due fall with frequent cyclic variations, pitching and rolling, strong vibration, periodic splashing with sea water, high dynamic overloads and a large number of on-load startings.

The electric equipment of deck machinery meeting all specific requirements of marine service is noted for a high electrical strength and mechanical robustness. With regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn parts the service life of the electric equipment is as long as 15—20 years.

Utilized construction of the electric equipment, used in deck machinery makes it possible to provide for any operating conditions in the course of its service.

To improve its reliability and efficiency the electric equipment is being constantly developed through the use of new structural materials and new switching and control systems and through a detailed study and overall improvement of the interaction between the electric drives of the deck machinery and other ship's equipment.

What is the process automation in shipbuilding?

To the layman, largely guided by the popular press, "automation" appears as a startling modern invention which will lead to the wholesale establishment of automatic factories and the building of automatic ships.

To the engineer automation is merely a contemporary phase in the process of technical evolution that has gone on continuously since the first crude machine. The engineer's aim has always been to make the best use of machines, materials and money.