SHIPYARD NEWS

Back to back dockings optimise efficiency

13 years ago

In a recent dry docking project done by Goltens Dubai three vessels were docked in a sequence, with a one week time span between each vessel.

The three vessels were docked in a sequence, with a one week time span between each

This allowed an optimal utilization of specialist resources and equipment and save both time and cost. For the vessel owners this would also be convenient from a management and overseeing point of view, especially since the vessels would be lying in a row next to each other on the berth.

All three vessels, ANSAR 4, ANSAR 6 and ANSAR 13, are six years old patrol vessels on charter for SAUDI ARAMCO and all required a special survey as well as maintenance and repair.

The scope of work for the 14 day docking project for each vessel included steel replacement, pump repairs, tail shaft works including fitting of new forward and after seals, renewal of coupling, rudder stock repair, gear box repairs including engine rigging, and thruster works. The project required major machining, line boring of stern tubes and a full exterior blast and paint job of all the three vessels which included the main decks and hull. The exterior hull and superstructure were cleaned via hydro blasting and the hull was surface protected by antifouling to WJ 2 Standard. Because the hulls of the three vessels hulls were made of aluminium, they also required some shell insertions and external fender renewals as well as a new echo sounder system.

At the end of the agreed 14 day period, the three vessels completed their drydocking within the agreed contracted time and returned to service.

According to Goltens Worldwide Services president Paul Friedberg, the main success factors for this project were the ability to identify process efficiencies and synergies arising from working on several vessels in parallel as well as having a strong local presence.

“Having our new facility in DMC at the heart of the docking market in UAE greatly enables us to be better serve our docking and afloat customers, he said. “The 10,000 sq/m specialized, state of the art facility in DMC is tailor made for efficient execution of complex dry docking and conversion projects with all required specialized disciplines in-house to ensure rapid and professional turn around in dry docking projects.”