Work went on late into last night to have Gry Maritha back into service. Successful project completed with extra works in an already tight schedule. Well done all concerned. Now on to preparing MV Nabs for undocking Thursday.
Brought in as the contract Relief Chief engineer for two months which quickly turned into a shore based engineering consultant and parts sourcing position. This developed into the yachts Project Manager for a refit including replacement of generators, full repaint and many other exterior and interior items. This subsequently developed into an ongoing shore based management position for the yacht whilst it undertook a continuous world cruise program. Day to day management encompassed dealing with ISM, ISPS and Class association issues, organizing all future repair work which, included emergency dry docking in Singapore and later in Australia. We were also tasked with dealing with suppliers worldwide. Two short period refits in Malta, the 10 Yr special survey in San Diego.
The new owners commissioned us to write a specification, negotiate the contract and oversee a 7 million US$ refit and extension of the vessel in the ship yards of Southern African Shipyards Durban, South Africa. The scope of work included, lengthening the vessel by 50Ft by means of a plug, lengthening of hanger deck by 30 ft, addition of 16 new cabin spaces, built to VIP specification, purchase and install two new Cat 3508 Main engines, two 150 KVa generators, New wet exhausts for all new engines, carry out intermediate Class survey, build new deck fridge/ freezer into old ballast tank, Fit new 30 ton Fassi crane, extend Helideck, fit new Orbit V sat and TVRO systems, update VOIP / IT and digital phone systems, Fit new deck hydraulic winches and power packs, Upgrade dive system to Mixed gas system, Instigate new engine room ventilation system, install High end Video edit room and dive camera storage Replace over 22 tons of failed steel in ships plate and frames. Full underwater paint, fit new propellers and a full hull and superstructure paint job. On time ( 6 months ) and under budget.
The European yachting market now has a cost-effective UK-based dry dock in which to embark on survey work thanks to a joint venture between Penzance Dry Dock, and YachtProjects International Llc.
Penzance Dry Dock, located in Cornwall, UK and part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, is Europe’s oldest dry dock and is one of the biggest employers in the area. The team at the dry dock not only look after and maintain ships on behalf of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, but provide engineering services for both marine and land-based projects throughout the UK. The facility boasts a wet berth as well as modern and functional fabrication and workshop space. Penzance Dry Dock can take vessels up to 75m.
Joining Penzance Dry Dock in this venture is Florida-based YachtProjects International Llc, who also have offices in Hampshire. The company undertakes refit and repair project management and offer servicing work globally, The sister company, Procom365 Llc, designs, supplies, installs and manages onboard ship communication systems including satellite hardware and airtime, onboard networks and remote management of all services and mandatory communication needs. Additionally they are the European agents for Headhunter Incorporated a leading supplier of marine black water treatment and on board water management systems.
Pippa Nicholas, Owner and Technical Director of YachtProjects International, said:
“We see this joint venture as an opportunity to give the yachting community in Europe something that has been missing in the past – a cost-effective place to undertake annual, five and 10-year survey work. Our niche client owns a slightly older classic, motor or sail yacht. These vessels are where the Penzance Dry Dock skills in steel repair, propellers, shafts, rudders, stabilisers, underwater valve service and replacement come into play. Thus we can fix price work simply because the haul out cost does not have to cover overhead not associated directly with the task at hand.”
Yacht Projects International has completed work totaling more than $250 million in remote commercial shipyards globally, including, Australia, Singapore and South Africa.
Both teams have proven records for producing the highest quality work – on time and on budget.
Kevin Ayres, Marine Superintendent at Penzance Dry Dock for Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said:
“Working with YachtProjects International is a natural progression for us at Penzance Dry Dock. The company has worked within commercial ship circles as well as the modern day yacht, and have a full understanding of what both a captain and the crew require from their yard time. “We are looking forward to welcoming new customers to the dry dock and continuing to develop our relationship with YachtProjects International.”
Pippa Nicholas, from YachtProjects International, continued:
“It’s a project that will benefit all concerned, from vessel owners, by way of a cost-effective solution to the time spent out of water, ourselves at YachtProjects International and our new partners, Penzance Dry Dock, as well as bringing new investment and jobs to the local area”
For more information, contact Yacht Projects International at office@yachtprojects.net or Penzance Dry Dock at info@penzancedrydock.com
