M.V. ‘Rocknes’ repairs in progress

Rotterdam, the Netherlands – Van Oord nv, informs that the repair of flexible fall pipe vessel ‘Rocknes’, is well under way. When Van Oord took over the project management from Ship manager Jebsens of Bergen for the repair of the ‘Rocknes’ on 20 August 2004, four stages in the repairs process could be identified:
1. Cleaning and painting
2. Procurement
3. Installation of new equipment
4. Testing and commissioning.
At present the shipyard Remontowa in Poland completed the major items in stages 1 and 2.

Repairs
All equipment was removed from the vessel, examined, condemned if considered beyond repair or repaired if possible. Repairs were only considered, if full guarantee could be obtained.
The entire electrical system including cables, cable trays, electric motors, generator-sets, switch- and distribution panels was condemned and disposed off. The accommodation and wheelhouse were cleaned completely, buckled and bent steel in bulkheads and decks was renewed. In total 90 tons of new steel was used to repair the accommodation block. The six thrusters together with the main propeller and shaft were removed from the vessel and send to the original makers, for inspection and overhaul. In the engine room, only the main engine was stripped down completely leaving only the engine block on board for cleaning and inspection. The cargo holds were cleaned, blasted and painted. Refitting of anti-wear plates is in progress. The vessels cargo unloading gear has been removed for inspection and will be reassembled with mainly new components, including a new cargo boom. ‘Rocknes’ was dry-docked twice for inspection and bottom repairs. Next dry-docking is scheduled end of March 2005 for re-installation of propulsion gear, thrusters and the installation of the side-tanks.

New
Meanwhile Remontowa placed the majority of the purchase orders for the fabrication and delivery of the new equipment and materials. This equipment will be delivered mainly from Germany, Norway, Netherlands and Sweden. The interior of the accommodation will be renewed by Famos, a member of the Polish REM-group. The installation of new cable trays and app. 200 km of cables is presently on-going and expected to be completed before mid-January 2005.

Modifications
When the ship was built and later converted she met all applicable IMO, Solas, Flag State and Class Requirements. This has been confirmed by various (internal and external) investigations made after the accident, by Norwegian Maritime Directorate, Van Oord, Jebsens and Germanischer Lloyd.

Prior to rebuilding the ship it was decided by Van Oord to implement a number of modifications to the vessel in order to further enhance confidence of her crews and clients. Close consultation with a number of her class authorities, crew- and staff members, owners and operators lead to the decision to broaden the vessel by 1.5 m to a total width of 26 m. The effect of so called ‘sponsons’ on both sides of the vessel will increase the initial as well as the damage stability. Additional horizontal subdivision of 4 large ballast tanks on the forward end of the vessel will further increase the Damaged Stability Index. Anticipating on possible new IMO regulations on the calculation of the damaged Stability Index Number, the M.V. ‘Rocknes’ will exceed such requirements. Extensive model tests at MARIN in Wageningen, the Netherlands have proved better steering capabilities. Furthermore, the number of emergency exists in the accommodation has been increased and the bridge wings will also be extended to the maximum breadth of 26 m, in order to improve the lines of vision of the navigating officers.

Trial
Vessel will be ready for sea trials most probably early June 2005.

Name
A decision has been made to rename the vessel. The new name is presently under consideration.

Bron: Van Oord, 14-01-2005;