Class docking for Germanys versatile Capella
The German multi-purpose research and survey ship, Capella, was leaving Hamburg’s Norderwerft in April after more than two months of major class work and overhaul, writes Tom Todd.
When the 43.2 x10.76 m, €12 millon Capella went into service with Hamburg-based Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BHS) in 2004 it was the youngest and smallest ship in its fleet of five hydrographic, wreck-location and research vessels.
That is still the case and although other older BSH research ships are being replaced over the coming years, no successor has yet been announced for the 14-year- old Capella.
The ship’s main tasks include shallow water survey and the seabed detection of dangerous wrecks and other obstructions. The ship’s draught of just 1.6m and displacement of 455GT makes it ideally suited for service in the busy but shallow coastal waters of the North Sea and the Baltic.
Despite its shallow draught and flat bottom, however, Capella, which carries a crew of nine and has accommodation for two scientists, is described as having good sea-keeping and manoeuverability characteristics. Officials said those qualities were also the result of a special stern design, stabiliser fins and skegs.
The latest class work, the cost of which has not been revealed by the BHS, was being carried out at the Norderwerft in Hamburg, part of the Lürssen Group. Norderwerft Project Manager Marcel Broers told Maritime Journal Capella was undergoing an extensive five year German ‘grosse Klasse’ inspection which began when the ship arrived at the yard in late January and was expected to end in early April.
Germany’s ‘grosse Klasse’ procedure covers docking and a complete scrutiny of the hull above and below the waterline, as well as rudder, propeller, bow thruster, seacock and sea-chest inspection. It will determine if Capella is certified for five more years of service.
Broers told MJ: “Along with all the works required by the ‘grosse Klasse’ the complete hull was recoated. In addition, the main and auxiliary engines as well as pumps were overhauled. Fresh and waste water systems were cleaned out and interiors modernised”.
Capella is powered by two MTU 8V 2000 M 60 engines driving two fixed propellers over ZF 2500 reduction gearing. It last underwent a major class inspection in Wilhelmshaven in 2014.
