Rugged Controls’ Running Line Tensiometers deliver real-time mooring tension data aboard the Dredge Potter on the Mississippi River.
Rugged Controls successfully implemented its Running Line Tensiometer (RLT) technology aboard the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Dredge Potter, a mission-critical vessel responsible for keeping the Mississippi River navigable. This project, completed in collaboration with Ockerman Consulting and C&J Offshore, highlights the effectiveness of Rugged Controls’ monitoring systems for rugged retrofit applications in marine infrastructure.
About the Dredge Potter and Retrofit Project
Based near St. Louis, the Dredge Potter is a 240-foot diesel-electric dredge operated by the USACE. With a shallow draft of just 7’6″, the vessel plays a vital role in maintaining clear navigation channels on the Mississippi. In 2011, during a deckhouse rebuild, the Dredge Potter was outfitted with a new haul winch and head hoist control system. Jensen Maritime Consultants and Ockerman Consulting led the control system design, while C&J Offshore manufactured and installed the new consoles.
Integrated Tension Monitoring System Employing Rugged Controls RLTs
To provide precise tension monitoring of two mooring and hauling winches outfitted with 1.125″ wire rope, the team selected Rugged Controls’ RL-20175K three-sheave Running Line Tensiometers. Designed for peak loads up to 84,000 lbs, the RLTs were installed with minimal effort.
“The Rugged Controls line riders installed quickly and easily. The RLTs are obviously built for a rugged environment and will have many years of service,” said John Ockerman, Owner of Ockerman Consulting. “The displays are intuitive and easy to work with. If you look at the whole bridge control console, the Rugged Controls RPC-90x display jumps out at you from across the bridge.”
Real-Time Data and System Integration
The Rugged Controls RLTs are fully integrated into the dredge automation system and the ship’s integrated control and monitoring system. This architecture provides both real-time and historical data to engineers onboard and remotely to USACE headquarters, supporting operational efficiency and safety tracking during dredge activities. The intuitive interface of the RPC-90x and real-time data logging capabilities via WinchDAC software offer a complete solution for mooring load visibility.
A Scalable Solution for Mooring Monitoring
“Our RLTs are being used more frequently for mooring applications because our compact design and plug-and-play installation make them ideal for retrofits,” said Tom Rezanka, President of Rugged Controls. “We can deploy on virtually any winch with installation time measured in hours, not weeks. In dredging, as in offshore, monitoring mooring line tension is key to identifying potential points of failure and maintaining safe operations.”
Supporting Critical Infrastructure at Home and Abroad
While Rugged Controls’ RLTs are widely used on pipe lay barges and offshore oil & gas vessels around the world, this project marks the company’s first installation on a dustpan dredge operating in the Mississippi River. “We’re proud to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and contribute to domestic infrastructure operations,” said Rezanka.
From offshore platforms to inland dredging operations, Rugged Controls winch monitoring solutions provide durable, reliable performance wherever tension data is critical. The Dredge Potter project reinforces the value of real-time monitoring in mission-critical marine operations.
