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Alion wins $2M Marine Corps Contract
The Issaquah is currently running on a 20 percent (B20) blend of biodiesel. There have been no problems in the vessel's operational performance running on biodiesel so far. "The Issaquah's performance has been remarkable thus far. There have been no problems with this fuel source and the vessel has exceeded expectations," said Paul Brodeur, Ferries Division Director of Vessel Maintenance, Preservation and Engineering. "The vessel continues to perform very well." The Tillikum's increase to a 10 percent biodiesel blend has been delayed due to sludge accumulation in the vessel's fuel purifier. Researchers at the University of Idaho -- a project partner -- are analyzing samples to determine the source of the sludge on this particular vessel. Biodiesel testing is expected to continue until February 2009. Results will be used to create a document guiding the marine industry in the use of biodiesel.
Alion Science and Technology received a $2m contract from the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) to support the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) alternate bow flap concept development. The single-award contract has a 15month base period of performance, running from April 7, 2008 through July 7, 2009. Alion will analyze the current design of the EFV bow flap, and a new concept developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, making any needed modifications to improve structure, reliability and performance. As part of this contract, Alion will design, build, install and test a new EFV bow flap prototype using its program management, system engineering, Naval architecture, hydrodynamic analysis, mechanical design and ProE computer-aided design experience. The plan is to build and test the prototype off the coast of California. The EFV is an armored amphibious vehicle capable of seamlessly transporting Marines from Naval ships located beyond the visual horizon to inland objectives.
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Biodiesel Put to the Test
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division began operating its third vessel -- Klahowya -- with a biodiesel fuel blend in mid-July. Klahowya will operate on a five percent blend (B5) of tallow-based biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel (95 percent). The Klahowya fueling is part of the Biodiesel Research and Demonstration Project -- a scientific pilot test of biodiesel in the marine environment. The ferry system began the testing phase of the project in March with the fueling of the Issaquah using a five percent blend of soy-based biodiesel. In April, the vessel Tillikum began running on a five percent blend of canola-based biodiesel. In addition to testing different types of biodiesel, the ferry system is testing different blend percentages. Initially the boats are fueled with a five percent blend of biodiesel. As the demonstration progresses, biodiesel blends are increased to a 10 percent (B10), followed by a 20 percent blend (B20).
August 2008 www.marinelink.com 9