Patriot Contract Services Awards BAE Systems for Environmental Excellence

Jordan Truchan, CEO of Patriot Contract Services (PCS) recently recognized BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair (BAE) with an award for Environmental Excellence for their collaborative efforts on the GTS Admiral Callaghan project to remove and reapply anti-foulant paint from the ship’s hull using methods to greatly reduce waste and diminish negative environmental impact.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) proactively supported the environmental efforts and approved the use of a copper-free anti-fouling coating system, the first such application for their ready reserve fleet.  By closely evaluating opportunities where new and innovative methods could be implemented, MARAD, PCS and BAE were able to significantly reduce the ecological impact of the products and processes typically used for such projects.  Mr. Truchan was joined by PCS Technical Manager Bob Sheehan to present this award.

“Completing projects like these is a win-win for everyone involved and we applaud BAE for their collaborative achievements in making this venture a success,” said Mr. Truchan in a statement. “In order to meet and surpass the standards set forth for the maritime industry, it is essential for us to reevaluate traditional practices to become more effective in our conservation efforts. New and innovative solutions such as those used on this project not only improve our ability to get the job done, but meet our long-term goals of environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility to our clients.”

The combined efforts of MARAD, BAE and PCS on this project respond directly to Executive Order 13423, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy and Transportation Management”, signed on January 24, 2007, which set forth goals for federal agencies and government contracting service providers to advance the nation’s energy security and environmental performance in multiple fields including pollution prevention and stewardship of environmentally sound practices.  With several environmental and energy conservation efforts targeted within the next few years, the need to evaluate current processes is vital to the US Maritime Administration and the Ship Operators contracted to manage the ships in the Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Fleet.

BAE, working closely with PCS, met repeatedly to identify the environmental challenges presented by the underwater hull work required on the Admiral Callaghan and found several opportunities to address the objectives of Executive Order 13423.

Through the use of Flow International Corporation’s Hydrocat, an ultra high-pressure water jet (40,000 PSI), the project eliminated 75% of the waste produced when compared to traditional sandblasting methods that typically generate hundreds of tons of spent abrasive material.  All paint waste generated during water blasting was collected by the hydro blast units prior to disposal and the water used for blasting was available for recycling.  Additionally, the use of hydro blasting technology significantly reduced the hazards and environmental issues normally associated with traditional sandblasting operations. Following the removal of the old paint, a new anti-foulant paint system, free of copper and tin, two materials known to be harmful to marine life, was also applied to further reduce the negative environmental impact of this project.

Patriot Contract Services, LLC is a leading contractor to the U.S Government, providing management and operation of maritime assets.  PCS currently manages Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships for the United States Maritime Administration as well as Large Medium Speed Ro-Ro (LMSR) vessels for the Military Sealift Command.  BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair provides maintenance, alterations, and repairs to cruise liners from their Alaska and Mexico trade routes, trans-Alaska pipeline tankers, foreign and domestic bulk carriers and container ships, military vessels, and local bay traffic.