Report #004 - 15 March 2022

Work continues at a steady pace in all areas of the vessel.

The engine Room has been progressing with new works in the bilge areas where the new Urea tank is to be located. This meant the welding up of the original limber holes used for drainage in the framework and creating new drainage runs to the lower bilge suction. Several drawings for the new Engine Room layout have been updated and sent to RINA Classification society for their final approval for the works to then begin onboard.

The Stabiliser units are to be installed on a new spider framework that is in construction at the welding facility. The hull plate where this new support structure will be place has been cut out of the hull. The area will be cleaned and prepared in readiness to receive the entire new section in one solid piece and welding into the existing hull on both Port and Stbd sides under the waterline.

The internal Bilge spaces have continued to be cleaned by the day working team in conjunction with the full-time crew. Lead ballast weights have been moved around to give good access for the needle gun work to remove the flaking scale rust. Several areas have been found where the main support frames have corroded sufficiently to require replacement with new steel welded in place. A new coat of rust convertor has been applied to the affected areas and paint with technical paint has begun.

The Upper Deck grinding was completed back to clean steel and a coating of white epoxy sealer primer has been applied. This gives a protection barrier to the steel and an etching key to the next stage of works which will be the application of a levelling compound to give the deck a slight curve to allow water to run away to the sides and aft into scupper drains.

The deck cranes are in the process of being removed for service.

Varnish work continues on the removed handrails and small seating and servicing cupboard tops, building up layers to give the protection and the deep glossy high-quality look that will be visible when stepping onboard.

The exterior paint contractor is moving ahead well with the spot grinding of areas where needed and the full sanding in all other areas. Fairing is being applied and sanded back to a smooth finish in preparation for high build primer and further sanding. This has started up high on the main Mast and working their way down.