A task of converting a harbor ferry into a medical ship was undertaken by Abels Shipyard, UK. This is nearing completion. The medical ship will be operating in South America.
Actually, the ferry happens to be the second vessel built at the yard. It was meant for operating in Portsmouth Harbour. However, it was never completed as the customer cancelled the order. Ever since the cancellation, the ship has remained in partially completed state at the yard for the past 12 years awaiting a buyer.
The ship, with dimensions of its shallow draft and large internal space this 32 metre vessel was ideal for the new role as a medical ship. It is meant to operate in remote areas of South America. It will be owned and operated by the Vine Trust.
As soon as the main structural and engineering work is completed at Abels, the ship will steam to Rosyth in Scotland for the final fitting out work. This is being done at the Babcock yard before sailing on its own bottom across the Atlantic.
The conversion work
The conversion work undertaken at Abels yard focussed on:
- Extending the hull
- Installing a main engine and auxiliaries
- Adding to the superstructure.
The conversion in stages
- The ship’s bow has been extended by 4 metres into a more conventional bow shape and bulwarks added in order to make the vessel more seaworthy. More space was created for both medical and dentistry facilities and to provide crew accommodation. The raised wheelhouse has been completely refitted.
- A new Caterpillar C12 diesel of 380 kW has been installed aft. This is solidly mounted and drives a single 5 bladed propeller to give a top speed of 11 knots. Two Caterpillar generator sets of 70 kva have been added plus a 20 kva harbour generator. The fuel tanks have been designed to hold 30 tonnes to extend the range and the water tanks will hold 15 tonnes.
Once the work is completed, the vessel will be classed by RINA for unrestricted sea-going operation. The Vine Trust currently operates three medical ships, one in Africa and two in South America.
The David Abel shipyard is over 30 years old. After completion of this conversion work, it is set to close down.
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Source: Maritime Journal
