Following the entire strip out of the craft, the hull was surveyed and the forward shoulders significantly strengthened in way of the boarding area with additional ring frames and all structural damage repaired.

The hull and deck were also modified to suit the new layout arrangement and inclusion of a transom MOB hydraulic recovery platform.

The wheelhouse side access doors were removed and the apertures over laminated, a new rear bulkhead was incorporated with after wheelhouse access and side deck lockers. Apertures were remoulded to suit new heavy duty windows supplied by Seaglaze Marine Ltd.

On completion of all GRP modifications and repairs, the hull topsides and wheelhouse were carefully prepared and sprayed with Awlgrip two-pack polyurethane paint to provide a high quality hard wearing finish.

The hull bottom sides were slurry blasted to remove existing coatings, steam cleaned, dried and coated with the Awlgrip Hullguard epoxy system before re-antifouling.

The fendering system has been completely redesigned to take into account the operator's experience of transferring pilots to/from ULCC tankers in high swell conditions and the resulting damage to the pilot craft with the original fender system. The new system comprises four large NIBS elastomer fender sections at the forward boarding and stern quarters and CRP lower 'D' fendering bonded to the hull with a polyurethane structural adhesive. The upper fendering between the NIBS and around the bow comprises heavy wall 'D' rubber bolted vertically through GRP flanges moulded onto the hull topsides.

The Shetland Islands refit specification placed high priority on reducing existing noise levels throughout the craft and the Finning (UK) Ltd proposal was adopted for the new engine installation. This required the twin 764bhp Caterpillar 3412TA engines to be resiliently mounted and coupled to the rigidly mounted ZF BW 190A down angled gearbox via a Centa Transmissions flexible coupling.

This arrangement, together with Halmatic's careful attention to other soundproofing and insulation methods, resulted in achieving very satisfactory sound levels within the wheelhouse and accommodation.

The main engine and generator wet exhaust systems and silencers are designed and supplied by Halyard (M&I) Ltd. Two Kohler 27kVA, 230V AC generators are installed to provide running power for the main electrical systems on a one-on/one-off standby basis. The craft also has a fully comprehensive 24V DC system. The revised layout includes both port and starboard wheelhouse helm positions for improved boarding visibility with all main instrumentation at the port helm positions for improved boarding visibility. A Wagner electro-hydraulic steering system is fitted with autopilot interface and mechanical back-ups plus emergency steering facility.

Engine and gearbox controls are Kobelt twin station units.

The new accommodation comprises a skipper's cabin aft with separate electric toilet and shower. A comprehensive navigation and communications package includes Furuno radar, Saab AIS, Taiyo ADF, Simrad autopilot, depth sounder and wind speed indicator, two 100W searchlights, and a UV searchlight. The electronic navigation equipment was supplied and commissioned by Ambex Ltd.

Sullom Shoormal has been refitted and equipped to meet Lloyds Register Special Service Craft Rules and certified to MCA Work Boat and Pilot Boat Code, sea area Category 1.

MJ Information No: 18323