Refit and new name for coastal bulker

Originally carrying the ‘Hoo’ prefix, the fleet was renamed with bird names following a change of ownership structure in 2006 when the company was renamed Coastal Bulk Shipping Ltd.

Launched in 1986 the Hoo Marlin was converted to an aggregates carrier in 1997. The addition of a crane provided the ability to self-discharge around 1,300 tons of sand or ballast in around four hours.

There then followed a busy career supplying material for major construction projects around the UK including Canary Wharf and the Millennium Bridge on the River Thames. The vessel’s low air draught allowing it to operate (with 2” to spare) beneath the Docklands Light Railway.

Following a period in lay-up it was decided to reactivate the vessel and extend its life for at least another ten years with a major refit. It is no surprise that the work was entrusted to Ramsgate Harbour Slipways Ltd, the company’s fleet having been regular visitors to this south east repair facility for many years. The yard has enjoyed a renaissance since being taken over after previous owners the A&P Group pulled out (see MJ February 2007).

Work has included replacing around 15 tons of steelwork, mainly in the side shell plating and tank top together with the fitting of a sewage holding tank and a complete machinery overhaul.

In a small ceremony following the refit, the vessel was launched with the new name Martin by Mrs Lillian Pink, wife of a former marine superintendent of the owners. Mrs. Pink had also named the ship when first launched 24 years previously. Captain Rick Elliott, operations manager for Coastal Bulk Shipping and a former master of the Martin, told MJ about the work Ramsgate Harbour Slipways had carried out ‘We are very pleased with the excellent service the yard had provided for us. It is also particularly convenient for us being close to our head office on the River Medway’.

The Martin is to return to service once a new crane has been fitted and with several major construction projects underway in the south east including the Thames Gateway and the 2012 London Olympics it is bound to add to the estimated two million tonnes of cargo carried so far.

For Coastal Bulk Shipping Ltd it highlights their contribution to helping reduce the amount of freight using the regions congested roads. It is no co-incidence that when the company was renamed the predominant colour of their house flag was changed from red to green.

By Peter Barker