An odd choice of picture as it doesn’t show our vessel, however the photo tells its own story. These blocks mark out the exact positioning required for the Guinevere following arrival in the drydock so that when the water is removed the hull of the vessel can be inspected.
The cement blocks are around 6 foot high and topped with a soft layer to minimize damage to the hull. You can get an idea of their size from the various people, cars and forklifts on the floor of the dock.
Once preparations are complete, the sluice gates will be opened and the dock allowed to flood. The gates will then open fully and tugs will assist the Guinevere into position. Once secured in place, the water will be pumped out, the vessel settles onto the blocks, then when dry surveyors and workers can inspect the entire hull.
With a diameter of 66m there are very few drydocks capable of handling this lady and, as she’s quite likely to end working in West Africa, I hope that her first special survey in 5 years can be completed with a UWILD otherwise the closest suitable dock will probably be Cadiz.
5 years seems like a long time though it will come around soon enough.
