RMS St Helena In Dry-Dock at Sturrock Dock, Cape Town

The RMS St Helena arrived in Cape Town on Sunday 23rd July 2006, slightly early to progress the unloading of empty containers to allow her to proceed to the dry-dock on the Monday morning.  However, due to technical problems at the dry-dock the RMS was not able to enter the dry-dock until Tuesday 25th July.  Since then work has progressed well.

The Exhaust Gas Boiler which produces steam whilst at sea is having to be re-tubed and work  is now well under way. 

A section of the hull within the engine room has been cut, and swung out on hinges on the port side of the vessel, this is to facilitate the removal of the old sewage treatment plant and tank from the engine room..  The hole measures 20 feet x 10 feet, into which a new sewage tank will be slid and then welded in place and pipes connected up.  The replaced unit is 15 years old and was at the end of it serviceable life.  The hole in the ships side will then have the plate repositioned back in place and welded up after which the hinges will be removed.

Sweep blasting (removing any rust blemishes with High Pressure air and grit) has been completed on the ship's hull, and this morning the first coat of paint has been applied. 

Various surveys and underwater inspections are being carried out by Lloyds Register of Shipping to certify the ship safe to operate for another 2.5 years when she will need to dry-dock again.

During the week members of the ship's crew has been attending first aid and other safety courses.

Many other jobs which are difficult to complete during "in-service"  time are also being attended to such as repainting lifeboats, and deep cleaning of store spaces and accommodation.

One propellers has been removed for the renew of seal's on the propeller  shafting,  and also the renewal of the operating rods (located inside the propeller shaft) which control the variable pitch of the propellers.

Currently depended on weather and progress of various jobs it is hoped to undock the RMS towards the end of next week so that she can load and be  ready for sailing on Voyage 89 departing Cape Town on the 7th August.