Rugged Controls successfully implemented incorporation of its running line tensiometer technology with the US Army Corp of Engineers Dredge Potter. Rugged Controls collaborated with C&J Offshore and Ockerman Consulting to ensure the mooring line monitoring project was successful from the initial design to the final installation and commissioning. The US Army Corp of Engineers Dredge Potter is based near St. Louis and is charged with keeping the Mississippi passable. The Potter is a 240’ diesel electric vessel with a draft of 7’6". It was retrofitted in 2011 during a deckhouse rebuild with a new haul winch and head hoist control system. The USACE contracted with Jensen Maritime Consultants (a Crowley company) and Ockerman Consulting to design the control system. C&J Offshore systems from Anacortes, WA were contracted to manufacture consoles and install these new controls. Ockerman Consulting chose Rugged Controls Line Control Instrument RL-20175K 3-sheave running line tensiometers (RLTs) to monitor 2 mooring/hauling winches with 1.125" wire rope with a peak tension requirement of 84,000lbs.
