The Netherlands: Dry-Dock Work on TSHD Amazone Completed

It looked as if dry-dock work on the Amazone would be delayed due to several unforeseen problems. But in the end, with careful planning and a great team effort, the dredger was on time for its next job elsewhere in The Netherlands.

“Occasionally a project comes along that sticks in your memory as being truly exceptional”, says Michel Heerschop, project manager at Shipdock Harlingen. This comment refers to the contract awarded to Shipdock Harlingen by Sliedrecht-based dredging company De Boer for dry-dock work on the TSHD Amazone.

Shipdock Harlingen proved once again its unique capacities in ship repair and conversion. The Amazone, a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), was scheduled for a special certification review this year and, additionally, there were many necessary maintenance jobs and modifications to be carried out. There was no room for any delays because the Amazone had to fulfil a contract for dredging operations at Sluiskil in The Netherlands, after which it had to go directly to Dunkirk in France to attend another job.

The main tasks of the initial order were: replacement of the lower hold steel plating, replacement of six bottom doors and twelve bottom door seals, replacement of parts of the tank top and renewal of the engine room bulkhead. Also the renewal of the diffuser and rock grid, and the replacement of the piping and wiring belonging to the three new installed generators were included.

As the project progressed many additional jobs came to light – primarily general steelwork; these extra tasks are usually responsible for delays in the delivery date. It becomes increasingly vital to continually coordinate all tasks and their related planning in order to keep on schedule.

The biggest hurdle was revealed when it became clear that the Amazone’s crew were ordered to also make repairs, which included renewing dredging pipes behind steel plates that had to be replaced by Shipdock personnel. These plates had to be welded, in a closely orchestrated manner in order to allow for the work on the pipelines without safety risks and delays. It was essential that the Shipdock and Amazone crews managed to work tightly together in order to get things done on time.

Danny Mense of De Boer also praised the cooperation with Shipdock Harlingen: “We view our business as a ‘people business’ and stimulate professionalism, enthusiasm and humour amongst our staff to keep the work enjoyable. Shipdock Harlingen has the capabilities to cope with the unexpected, focus on cooperation and keep their promises. This attitude really connects our two companies.”

[mappress]

Press Release, October 18, 2012