The Core Principle Governing The "Alwyn Vintcent" Is To Ensure Its Preservation And Assist With The Preservation And Promotion Of HistoricVintageShipsPlantInAndGeneral.Machinery.
This is may be achieved through commercial operationuse in the following areas:
Availability as a Commercial WorkingworkingTug:vessel:
Both Harbour and Ocean with heavy weather capability, the vessel is a powerful compact single screw tug with salvage / firefighting capability. (To operate 2C / 2Brelevant USL Survey)
Passengers:
Ability to carry up to 52 day passengers to suit a variety of applications. (Figures Based on 1D USL Survey)
Promotional:
A classic steamship that attracts attention.
Ideal for promotional cruises and advertising.
Able to be open to the general public for viewing / training purposes.
Educational:
Although powered by steam, the "Alwyn Vintcent" differs little from her equivalent aged diesel counterparts, to be fitted with modern electronics and built with electrical and hydraulic installations comparable to vessels of today.
The vessel is ideally suited to a variety of maritime training / demonstration purposes and of particular benefit is the ability to assist persons studying for a certificate of Marine Engine Driving Grade 2 (Steam) or many other steam related trade certificates.
Commercially Competitive Diesel vs Steam:
The "Alwyn Vintcent" has one outstanding advantage over a comparable dieselpowered equivalent... it is far more cost effective to operate.
Ongoing maintenance and insurance costs (compared to a diesel vessel of comparable capacity) present little difference, however wage costs are greater as more crew are required to operate a steamer.
However it is the cost of fuel that makes the difference.
Marine diesel averages at $1.35 per litre ( after application of govt rebate / source Orima Research 30/3/2008).
An "economical" tug of comparable bollard pull typically uses 55 l / hr, thus costing $74.25 per hour fuel only.
12 hours continuous operation therefore costs $891.00 in fuel.
The "Alwyn Vintcent" burns coal at a rate of 3.0 mt per 24 hr day at full capacity.
Furnace Coal is presently priced at $70.00 mt.
Over the same period, the vessel will burn 1.5 mt (maximum) of coal, equating to a cost of $105, a difference of $786 every 12 hours!
Additional Crew not found on diesel craft include 2 x Stokers and 1 x additional engineer.
Wage costs are approx $384 greater than the diesel vessel for the same period. (Source WBCI award Qld)
Despite the wage difference a saving of $446 (over 12 hr operational period) is still gained which is substantial.