CAMMELL Laird engineers have completed a major ferry repair project at the firm's Birkenhead yard.
Delivered as part of the vessel’s annual survey, the work involved removal of the 33-tonne bow visor on CalMac Ferries' MV Isle of Mull; also replacing its hinge pins and bearings.
The programme involved a series of heavy lifts using 200 tonne jacks and a 350-tonne mobile crane to transfer the bow visor to rigging on the bottom of Laird's number 6 dry dock.
Paul Owen, managing director at Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders Limited said: "Removal of bow visors is not a commonplace activity but it was necessary on this project to facilitate the removal and replacement of the Isle of Mull’s main hinge pins and bearings.
"Thanks to the input of our planning and technical teams we had a very precise programme before the Isle of Mull arrived in dock, which helped to minimise vessel downtime, deliver efficiencies and expedite the project quickly."
Following replacement of the bow visor, a series of inspections and water tests to ensure that seal integrity had not been compromised.
The MV Isle of Mull ferry, which has capacity for 70 vehicles and 962 passengers, provides a regular service between Oban and the Isle of Mull on the west coast of Scotland.
Graham Henderson, head of technical operations for CalMac Ferries said: "Our ferries provide a vital link for those on Scotland’s west coast so it’s imperative they operate to the highest and safest standards. Cammell Laird’s knowledge of our vessels, combined with their planning expertise, adds real value to CalMac as it delivers certainty to the budget and when our vessels can return to service.
"Work on the MV Isle of Mull was delivered efficiently, professionally and with Cammell Laird’s trademark commitment to quality and precision engineering."
Cammell Laird has recently secured a new four-year contract for the annual maintenance and dry docking of CalMac’s five largest vessels - MV Clansman, MV Loch Seaforth, MV Lord of The Isles, MV Finlaggan and MV Hebrides – which provide an essential service between the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Scottish Mainland.
All five ferries will dock annually at Cammell Laird, with the first vessels arriving in early 2021.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel