GPS Marine reactivates its Shoalbuster

The 2013-built Damen Shoalbuster 2709 GPS Avenger had been laid up at Upnor on the River Medway for 21 months when its owners took the decision to reactivate the vessel. GPS Marine turned to Krimpen aan de Lek-based Van Grevenstein’s along with nearby Dockside Facilities BV to complete the work.

The tug was towed to Rotterdam and dry-docked for the work which in effect amounted to 90% of Special Survey 1, almost 12 months before the vessel’s fifth birthday. Following sea trials GPS Avenger was returned to active service once again.

Work carried out was extensive: on deck, with exception of towing chains and the installed steel wires, all the towing gear was returned to the suppliers for inspection and replacement where required. The main towing wire was visually inspected, a section cut off and tested where the breaking load was found to still be above maximum load of the original certificate. Shackles and other hardware was similarly tested, recertified and stamped by Vlissingen-based Liftal.

Dutch Marine inspected the Heila deck crane and a corroded cylinder was removed and overhauled, Heila themselves tested the crane to its original specifications including a load test under class supervision.

Caterpillar serviced all the engines rectifying small defects and the propeller shafts were withdrawn and inspected, the propellers themselves were also inspected and cleaned. Following an incident during a previous tow the starboard gearbox was dismantled with all bearings and coupling plates renewed by manufacturer Reintjes, meanwhile GPS Avenger’s fire-fighting equipment was serviced by an approved contractor.

Looking at other areas of the vessel, a dual ECDIS chart system was installed and all life-saving equipment serviced including replacement of the medical chest by an approved marine pharmacist. An inventory of the ship’s stores was made and missing items replaced including all nautical books and publications with updated versions ordered as required, where possible with digital versions. The radio equipment was tested, the Radio Survey carried out after installation of the ECDIS system. Bureau Veritas were tasked with surveying the vessel to meet UK Workboat coding and MLC requirements.

Van Grevenstein’s Scheepswerf BV was founded by the Van Grevenstein family in 1926, its original location on Rotterdam south side at Ijsselmonde. In 1961, it relocated to Krimpen aan de Lek at the same time as construction of the Van Brienenoord bridge and since its establishment around 300 small ships and yachts have been built by the yard with many more being serviced and repaired. This work will ensure GPS Avenger is now fully-equipped and ready for its continuing service with GPS Marine.

By Peter Barker