A wheelhouse in three weeks

Rickmers Dubai, a Liberian-registered cargo ship, heading towards Genoa in Italy, passed between the tug and the Walcon Wizard about nine miles off the coast at Dungeness in Kent. While no one was injured in the incident, the vessel sustained considerable damage to the wheelhouse and lower store.

Southampton Marine Services were successful in securing the contract with Walcon Marine Limited to build and fit a new wheelhouse. Working with Walcon’s representative, the new wheelhouse was designed in-house and constructed in SMS’s covered workshop. On the vessel’s arrival considerable work was required to remove the damaged steel work and make good the damaged areas, before the new wheelhouse unit could be lowered into position and welded in place.

A new access ladder was also made and fitted, whilst the main engine exhaust pipes were re-routed to allow improved access behind the lower store to the wheelhouse stairway. The vessel was towed to SMS’s Ocean Quay berth arriving at the end of April and was completed on time, sailing on the 27^th May under her own power.

Bob Gray, SMS’s managing director said: “Southampton Marine Services Ltd prides itself on the quality of its vessel and ship repairs. With a completely integrated design and fabrication team we not only minimised downtime for the Walcon Wizard but also improved on the previous layout – and had her on her way in just three weeks.”

By Jake Frith