| Author
| Message
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David Haisman
Member
Username: haisey
Post Number: 100
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 6, 2003 - 9:02 am: |       |
Quite interesting comments about the Azipod system which reminds me of the various propulsion and steering systems used when I was at sea. There are several reasons for these designs, one of them is of course, mainly for the work the vessel is built for. I served on a car ferry at one time that had Voith Schneider gear which comprised of a revolving plate in a horizontal transfiguration with six knife- like blades pointing downwards at the stern. This enabled the vessel, with the help of a bow rudder, to turn in her own length. At the turn of the ships wheel, the blades would ''feather'' to enable an alteration to the course being steered. After just a few years, this gear was removed as it was found to be faulty in salt water operations.
Kitchener gear was used as a propulsion unit in small vessels plying Southampton Water and serving the great liners. This was common;y known as ''bucket gear'' and resembled half circular ''scoops'' which turned with the ships wheel although the props continued to ''screw'' in the same direction. This enabled great manoueverability when needed and an instant response for going astern.
There has also been the ''Barmaid system'' with ships lifeboats and a great idea when you have a boat full of people that can,t row! No doubt these systems have had their uses and like Azipod, have their drawbacks.
Regarding the shipwreck in the English Channel, if you've ever been through the Dover Straits you would be amazed at the amount of traffic criss-crossing that piece of water and would wonder why there weren't more.
Not so long ago, a Greek tanker was spotted by helicopter to be steaming through this , perhaps the busiest waterway in the world, with no one on the bridge except ''Old Iron Mike''
All the best
David |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1795
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 6, 2003 - 1:48 pm: | |
I think the main problem with the azipod is that it wasn't very well tested before it was put to wide ocean use. Immedialty after building and the owner taking possesion just about every ship has had problems.
Bearing problems are not what worry captains. It's when the pod sticks in a rotated position. In fact they have been known to stick in the rotated position and the throttle control freezes and it won't turn off. They to shut the fuel line off and starve the engine, which is also bad for it.
Celebrity Cruises has been hit especially hard with the azipod design. All of there ships have been forced to cancel trips due to the bad bearings. Every day a ship isn't underway she looses her close to her full trip income.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5419
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, February 6, 2003 - 5:48 pm: | |
David, by Iron Mike, are you referring to the autopilot? I know some ships have them now. If this tanker had the bridge unmanned in the English Channel of all places, I hope the authorities had a few words with him. Seems like such idiocy should reap the appropriate reward...befor somebody gets dead because of it!
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1799
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 6, 2003 - 6:00 pm: | |
There is a story from the Lakes about a certain ship, that rammed detour light on Lake Huron. The ship was on auto pilot, and the wheelsman on duty didn't like the mate on watch. So as the mate slept on the bridge, the wheelsman didn't bother to wake him and the ship rammed detour light.
Detroit River light has suffered a similar accident.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Colleen Collier
Member
Username: colleen
Post Number: 1053
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 10, 2003 - 9:49 pm: | |
Thank you, Jerry and Noel. Looks like this new fangled propulsion device isn't the brightest of ideas!
Colleen K. |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5455
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 6:56 am: | |
Great in concept, lousy in practice Colleen, but the idea has certain virtues which can't be ignored. When the thing works, it makes very precise manouvering possible for a very large ship. Quite a plus when operating in restricted waters or in a port where there is little if anything available by way of tugboats.
Acapulco stands as an example. When my ship visited there, I watched a cruise ship warp it's way to the quaywall using precision anchorage, and without tugboat assistance. A very long process and not without it's hazards!
Now if only they could make the beast work as advertised!
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1817
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 3:00 pm: | |
You will find in general that 99% of maritime equipment never works when they first put it out, they spend close to 10 years getting it right, then 5 years later there is a better system.
The pod system (from what I was told) started on tug boats and the FOSS Tugboat company on the west coast was one of three prototype companies. They call it something different on tugboats but it is the same design on a smaller scale.
I have had the pleasure of having a pod stick on me while pulling into San Diego. When I say stick I mean I had it in the hard right position at half throttle. When I turned the dial, and it wouldn't respond I realized that there was a serious problem and shut the thing down (before all the alarms and flashing lights told me there was a problem). I was able to use my anchor to stop my swing and nudge myself into the pier with little fan fair. Problems are problems and every system has them.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1825
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 14, 2003 - 2:24 pm: | |
It looks like the end is near for the Independence. She is to be auctioned off on the 26th of February to whoever will take her.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5477
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 4:29 am: | |
From Maritime Matters ShipNews
1)An effort to save the Rotterdam as a stationary attraction and hotel
2)The announcement about the Independance being up for auction.
3)COPA CASINO (former RYNDAM, WATERMAN, ATLAS, PRIDE OF THE MISSISSIPPI, PRIDE OF GALVESTON) being prepared for the long tow to the scrappers in Pakistan
4)The Infinity going into drydock at Newport News
5)"After three years and millions of dollars, the JEANIE JOHNSTON will sail from Dublin, Ireland February 16. "The JEANIE JOHNSTON, a painstakingly crafted oak-and-pine replica of a 19th-century "famine ship" will set sail from Dublin Ireland on 16 February.
6)The EU has approved an agreement which will lead to the merger of Carnival and P&O Princess.
7)The Regal Princess suffered fuel contamination which resulted in cutting her cruise short.
Good to see Maritime Matters back again! For more, click on the link above.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5502
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 5:37 pm: | |
Added to Martime Matters Shipnews (Go to the link above.)
1)The Prince of Wales expresses support for the effort to save the RMS Windsor Castle.
2)"February 14: A provision in the new US federal spending bill allowing Norwegian Cruise Line to sail foreign-built ships under a U.S. flag in island waters was amended to apply exclusively to Hawaii. The U.S. House yesterday overwhelmingly approved bill." See Maritime matters for more details.
From the CargoLaw Website comes news of another ferry that sank. In Bangladesh of course. (Is this really a surprise?) The miricle is that only one death has been reported.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1834
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 2:53 pm: | |
The bill in which you speak was of rather large debate. Orginally American Classic Voyages which operated the Patriot and the Independence was (to my knowledge) the only company allowed to do this. With Congress opening it up to NCL that pretty much seals the fate of any American owned company operating cruises out of Hawaii.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1852
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 2:37 pm: | |
Maritimematters reports this morning that the Star Flyer rammed a pier part of which collapsed. I wonder what happened??
Also there are some good pictures of damage received during a accident on the lakes. Go to www.boatnerd.com under the news section and scroll down to see the link.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1869
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 2:19 pm: | |
The passenger vessel "Marco Polo" with 538 passengers had to return to it's home port after suffering grounding damage, when the ship weighed anchor and the wind pushed the ship against a barren island. More information can be found at www.cargolaw.com other information of interest is a container accident in Halifax.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1871
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 4:21 pm: | |
Tanker at a oil refinery on Staten Island New York, has exploded and continues to burn uncontrolled. There is NO evidence that this was anything but a accident at the time I write this.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1874
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 6:55 pm: | |
More information on the above is available at http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/Northeast/02/21/staten.fire/index.html.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5561
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 5:32 am: | |
Nasty peice of work here.
Maritime Matters reported that the pods for the Queen Mary II were not unloaded at Chantiers d'Atlantique as intended because of concerns about possible defects. At least somebody is looking into this befor trying to put to sea with them.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Jerry Nuovo
Member
Username: jerry_nuovo
Post Number: 72
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 4:14 pm: | |
It is kind of strange when you consider that the Celebrity Ships Millennium had problems with her pods and the Infinity still has problems with her pods that she has to be taken out of service to repair the pods.And now the Queen Mary 2's pods has to be sent back to the manufacturer.All 3 ships built or being built at that French shipyard.And then there is the fact that the Holland-America Ship Amsterdam was built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri.The Amsterdam has pods too and yet in the 2 years that she has been in service still has not had any problems with the pods.I wonder if the shipyard Chantiers d'Atlantique has anything to do about the faulty pods. Sincerely,Jerry Nuovo |
David G. Brown
Member
Username: brown
Post Number: 1057
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 8:03 pm: | |
The latest trend in techno-ugly is the new Coral Princess. I'm looking at a photo which shows off the jet engine pod mounted atop the pseudo-funnel. The GE jet engine is mounted in the stack to provide a wider range of public rooms and onboard facilities, according to the accompanying press release. The turbine in its sleek jet plane housing supposedly replaces two diesel engines. The company claims lower vibration and (sic) noise.
-- David G. Brown
|
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5569
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 10:20 pm: | |
A couple of blurbs from Maritime Matters ShipNews section.
quote:1)"February 22: Japanese press reports state that seven shipbuilding company employees may face negligence charges for causing the fire last October that badly damaged the almost completed DIAMOND PRINCESS at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki."
Opinion: I was wondering when this shoe was finally going to drop. Apparently the fire was triggered by welding operations. Seems people still haven't learned some of the lessons from the Normandie.
quote:2)"February 21: Entergy Corporation and Carnival Cruise Lines are still at odds over plan to raise power lines hanging over the Mississippi River in the path of the line's CARNIVAL CONQUEST. When the water levels are are high the dipping lines will prevent the tall cruise ship from sailing safely beneath them."
For the rest of the story, click on the link above.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5570
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 10:34 pm: | |
And also in the news, the Windoc accident report has been released. Details can be found on Great Lakes and Seway Shipping.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1888
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 3:28 pm: | |
Let me add some insight into the Carnival issue.
Captain Ronald W. Branch is the Commanding Officer at MSO New Orleans, a man that I know personally and a man who knows his job and is very good at it. Let me further say, that this is a issue of bad planning on the part of Carnival, now they are trying to correct there mistake. Captain Branch is doing the correct and proper thing. I have heard several negitive reports about his decision because it could severly impact the local economy. That is not on his shoulders, safety is.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1901
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 2:27 pm: | |
Maritimematters is reporting that the S.S. Independence has been sold to a California based compy for over 4 million dollars. What this companies intentions are I don't (and nobody seems to) know.
Maritimematters is also reporting that NCL has entered into a agreement with a German Shipyard to finish one of two vessels that sat half completed. NCL will use the vessels for it's newly accquired Hawaiian service.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1922
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 6, 2003 - 2:39 pm: | |
The cruise ship Crystal Harmony has been banned by the San Francisco Port Authority from entering the harbor or bay.
The company was fined for dumping 36,000 gallons of material into the bay. After a Coast Guard and Porth Authority investigation the ship and it's crew where found to have willfully discharged the material and the company and there good ship where banned.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5662
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, March 6, 2003 - 5:50 pm: | |
Would this material be caca doodoo? Something like that would go down real well in 'Frisco. (NOT!)
BTW, Erik, have you been able to get into the Shipping News section of Maritime Matters? I've tried several times but all I get is a blank screen.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1923
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 6, 2003 - 5:58 pm: | |
I have tried several times and gotten the same result. I know they are planning some upgrades and additions and I think that is what it may be.
As for the Harmony, it was about 2100 gallons of lubrication and other oils, some treated black water (sewage) and the rest was grey water (water from the kitchens, and showers). Apparently they reported it immediatly but you know how California is about the enivorment. The company discplined the skipper and chief enigneer as well as one other individual.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Jerry Nuovo
Member
Username: jerry_nuovo
Post Number: 106
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 6, 2003 - 6:03 pm: | |
Just a little while ago I too tried to get into the Shipping News section of Maritime Matters and all I got too was a blank screen. Sincerely,Jerry Nuovo |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1925
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 7, 2003 - 3:37 pm: | |
Maritime Matters site is back up and running with fresh updates, most of which have already been reported here.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1927
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 7, 2003 - 4:37 pm: | |
Two of Carnivals laid up ships in Freeport can be seen at www.boatnerd.com as well as pictures of the Rembrant.
The Word (that condo ship) is in Sydney.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5673
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, March 8, 2003 - 5:04 am: | |
The Tropicana looks to be in pretty sad shape. I don't think she'll be around much longer. I just hope she doesn't sink at the slip befor somebody tries to tow her to the breakers.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5678
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, March 9, 2003 - 2:21 pm: | |
The CargoLaw Website merits a looksee. There are the usual casualty and piracy reports, but what caught my eye was the maratime exclusion zone that North Korea declared in the Sea Of Japan, apparently for an upcoming missile test.
With tensions running high and getting higher there, this should calm things down. (NOT!)
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5693
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 6:13 am: | |
It would seem the Crystal Harmony isn't alone in running afoul of the authorities when it comes to trash dumping. From the Maratime Matters website;
quote:March 8: It was reported from Hawaii that the Coast Guard is investigating a complaint about the alleged dumping of trash from NORWEGIAN WIND en route from Fanning Island to Maui.
Also in the news;
quote:March 9: Alex Naughton, Founder and Chairman of the newly renamed "The Mailship Windsor Castle Project", (formerly RMS WINDSOR CASTLE Preservation Society) reported a good turn out to the project's initial meeting at the Star Hotel in Southampton, March 1.
For the rest of the stories, go to http://www.maritimematters.com/shipnews.html
For more on on-going efforts to save the liner Windsor Castle, go to http://www.rmswindsorcastle.org.uk/
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5705
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 5:55 am: | |
Caught a little item on the Maritime Matters shipnews site that might be good for a chuckle. Apparantly, three men thought to be from the Liverpool were arrested while disembarking from the Caronia. Apparently, customs officers found 20 kilos of cocaine worth £1 million after the liner returned from a Caribbean cruise.
In other news, it was announced that the maiden voyage for the new cruise ship Oosterdam was set back to August 3rd of this year. This is the third rescheduling for the ship.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5729
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 4:38 am: | |
Maritime Matters reports that the Pacific Sky abruptly off loaded her passengers and returned to Aukland after cracks were discovered in the hull. The ship had just completed two weeks of maintainance.
Also, Carnival announced that the name for a 110,000 ton cruise ship currently under construction will be Carnival Liberty. She's scheduled to enter service in the fall of 2005.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5736
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 3:39 am: | |
A couple of tidbits from Maritime Matters ShipNews:
1)The floating out of the Queen Mary II from the building dock has been delayed until at least 21 March due to on going dredging needed to make it possible to get the vessel to the completion dock. The Preshifting ceremony went on ahead today as scheduled.
2)"Before the ship returns to port, the US Coast Guard plans to board the CARNIVAL CONQUEST to investigate a sharp roll made by the ship that sent passengers running for life vests, and glass crashing to decks."
For more, see the link above.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Scott R. Andrews
Member
Username: scottandrews
Post Number: 71
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 7:03 pm: | |
Hi Michael,
Regarding matter number two, MM states:
"...Many passengers believe the ship tilted abruptly from one side to the other early on the morning of March 9 to avoid colliding with another vessel... Carnival Cruise Lines blamed the sudden list on a strong gust of wind that broadsided the ship as it turned into the shipping channel bound for Gulfport, Miss..."
Holy sh... I don't know about you, but I don't like either one of those excuses as an explaination for that sort of behavior from a cruise ship. First off, regardless of the cause, if she was in fog as the passengers say, she wasn't - or at least shouldn't have been - going much over a crawl. We're not talking about a DDG or the Nimitz doing a crash turn at full speed here! It really makes me wonder about the initial stability of these floating apartment buildings. The need to begin cautioning passengers not to walk towards the sides of the ship while carrying a full cocktail glass!
Regards,
Scott Andrews |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1945
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 7:33 pm: | |
Stay tuned for developments. Beware that there are several issues that Carnival has with the route in question. This is to include problems with power lines etc. Issues that concern the safety of the vessel as it transits the area and issues that have gone ignored for well over 2 years.
Like most ships of today's era the upper half of the Conquest is made of much lighter material then her bottom half, which makes her particularly vunerable to wind. The Conquest is a spin off of the Voyager run by either NCL or RCL. However, the ship has 8 bow thrusters two azipods and another set of stern thrusters, wind in the area is well known and reported and this is probably because of a much larger issue then a collision.
As for the fog, anyone who has transited that area will tell you that the sound effects created by this fog are very different then what you might find elsewhere. I hate to burst bubbles but cruise ships usually exceed the speed limit in the area by force, at times (depending on the weather) the current can force an upbound vessel to increase speed to maintain manuverability. The resposnible traffic center is well aware that ships do this.
Ships like the Conquest and Voyager are not designed for heavy weather. They are cruise ships not ocean liners and are designed (from the onset) to operate in a specific region and are designed to deal with typical weather and the occasional bad weather. Cruise ships WILL NOT (at least the majority of those operated by Carnival) will not voyage out in heavy weather. Now what you term heavy and what the company terms heavy are probably two different things.
Usually when headed upbout when you hug the red side of the channel the wind moves west to east and depending on conditions can come in sudden bursts that can cause the ship to list, depending on the action taken on the bridge the ship could have come near her "fatal list limit". This is a scenario that is played out in the simulator billions of times before a skipper takes command.
When hugging the green side on the way out you run into the same problems. When doing a "pin wheel" as cruise ship skippers say, you expose the mass of your lighter weight superstructure to wind and if it strikes you it can push back and over (capsize over). This is also played out so that skippers know how and what the ship will do. The danger comes when you have a pilot who doesn't understand how the ship operates because of the upper half. It can be like driving a passenger ship with a big sail on top.
I doubt the collision I suspect the design and bad operation. Carnival's Insurance company is also investigating.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Scott R. Andrews
Member
Username: scottandrews
Post Number: 72
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 9:25 pm: | |
Capt. Erik,
Thanks for the explaination of the goings-on in that area. Sounds like a fairly tricky area to operate a tall, slab-sided ship like Conquest. I'm willing to bet that it wasn't just the passengers who need to change their knickers after that one!
Best,
Scott Andrews |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1946
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 2:31 am: | |
No problem Scott. The area can be tricky and it sounds like the Conquest got caught in one of those sticky moments. I am sure the skipper and other folks on the bridge needed a clean pair of pants after that. I know that I would have.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1947
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 9:01 pm: | |
The M/V Pacific Sky (first reported by Mike) has been impounded by New Zealand authorities. The vessel has serious structrual problems. The 1984 built vessel had just got out of a 2 week drydock period and the first reports are of very bad corrosion. The Pacific Sky will not be allowed to leave New Zealand until it is in a completely safe and sailable condition. She will be required to go through her inspections and certifications.
There is a pending investigation into the companies mantiance record regarding the vessel as well as the shipyards repairs. The Captain, Chief Engineer, Safety Officer and Staff Captain are all under investigation.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Dave Gittins
Member
Username: gittins
Post Number: 1159
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 2:08 am: | |
About an hour ago, I received a copy of our local rag. It offers a chance to win "the holiday of a lifetime" on Pacific Sky.
Sounds like a gamble in more ways than one! |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5747
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 7:34 am: | |
Holiday or hell-i-day? With a lot of the corrosion problems noted at the waterline, I'm thinking some really major hull work will have to be done befor they can even think of putting to sea with this ship. If this ship is allowed to remain in service, start looking towards a long refit involving time in a drydock.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1949
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 2:05 pm: | |
With the permission of Maritimematters:
Hull Plating Removed From PACIFIC SKY:
Steel hull plating is being cut off the hull of the PACIFIC SKY in New Zealand as engineers continue to repair corrosion damage which was discovered March 15 when the ship took on water. Severe corrosion was later discovered, bulkheads had parted from the hull on both sides of the ship. The hull plating had also corroded and there were reports of cracks in the hull. The bulkhead detachment and hull damage extended below the waterline however, PACIFIC SKY is too large for the dry dock at the Devonport Naval Base. Engineers have built a cocoon area extending below the waterline to allow shipyard workers to carry out repairs. It was expected that the work would take at least 10 days.
Investigations are ongoing into the records of upkeep and the shipyard where work was done.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5765
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 10:54 pm: | |
I caught that one a couple of hours ago. That's a lot of trouble they have with that ship. With hull plating appearing like it's ready to just fall off, you can bet some people are going to be facing some very tough questions.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1950
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 24, 2003 - 2:23 pm: | |
About three years ago the Coast Guard buoy tender Bramble went from fresh water to salt water for about three months. Upon her return they had to put a new bottom on her because the salt did quite the number on a boat that is used to fresh water.
Bottoms and bulkheads that go untreated and uninspected lend to disaster and this appears to be one of those cases.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1956
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 1:51 pm: | |
www.maritimematters.com has new information on the current state of the Pacific Sky.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5805
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 5:55 pm: | |
They have a few other articles there worth a look too.
ResidenSea's "The World" for example has canceled her trip to Singapore because of the SARS outbreak. The Aurora is continueing her transit of the Suez Canal without off loading passengers, but the Seabourne Spirit is going through empty.
According to the article; "The cancellation was based on a low 60% occupancy rate and the "added shakiness" of sailing through the region."
Hmmmmmmm....seems wars make people a tad nervous. Especially when transiting a potential combat zone in a large target that has no place to manuever.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1960
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 1:57 pm: | |
I have been assigned to an investigation where the Captains name is Edward J. Smith. If the ships name began with a T I would ask for a different assighnment.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5819
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 5:31 am: | |
Give E.J. my regards Erik.
In the meantime, Martime Matters reported that the Copa Casino, a 1950's vintage liner sank in 2500 metres of water off of the Dominican Republic while on the way to the breakers in Alang.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
Erik Wood
Moderator
Username: ewood
Post Number: 1963
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 - 3:22 pm: | |
Maritime Matters reports that the Pacific Sky has been cleared to sail and will resume her cruises tomorrow.
All the Best,
Capt. Erik D. Wood |
Michael H. Standart
Moderator
Username: mstandart
Post Number: 5849
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 - 7:23 pm: | |
I like the way P&O Cruises was said to be "relieved to announce" that the ship will resume her cruising schedule. I hope they take better care of her now. Having tons of hull plating seperate and fall off in mid-ocean could be...uh...embarrassing.
Cordially,
Michael H. Standart
Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon |
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