Page 32: of Marine News Magazine (September 2025)

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Feature

Ship Repair

It was a step in the right direction. We rebuilt and ? agged Rebuild the Fleet: Step-by-Step three RoRos during that program upgrade. Once the analysis is complete, scrap the remaining ton-

In 2019 Marad opened an unannounced “turbo-acti- nage. And we know the cost of that scrapping alone will vation” to test the system. Public reports indicated sig- affect the current funding. That said it reduces future ? eet ni? cant failures to operate or actually meet the “readi- maintenance costs and provides the program with vessels ness” requirement. Keep in mind this $6.2 billion now that perform the mission.

speaks to maintaining that RRF which is now six years With the vessel identi? cations complete, develop the older than the last activation and those public reports speci? cations to complete steel and coating repairs for a attacked the age of the ? eet at that time. This is a lesson- 10-year life extension with extensive ultrasonic gauging learned opportunity. and coating failures reports. Next research propulsion ca-

Begin with a complete round table analysis of what ves- pability. A vessel may qualify due to its cargo capability but sels within the 51 is: not with its steam propulsion. The same applies if the stern a) useful to Transcom section is capable but the cargo capability is out dated. b) structurally sound and sustainable to operate Identify if the stern section can be removed and replaced for the transition period and with an updated and current propulsion system – hybrid, c) economically feasible to meet extended diesel electric, medium speed or slow speed diesel. conversion and maintenance to meet those Work ? rst with US manufacturers – Cummins, John simple requirements. Deere, Wabtec, Fairbanks Morse Defense – most to con-

Gulf Marine Repair & Hendry Marine Industries 32 | MN September 2025