Page 72: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 1996)

Maritime Reporter/En»i n'cclKiliii

Cliche but never more true. This photo illustrates the tremendous damage suffered by Sea Empress when it ran aground, spilling approximately 70,000 tons of oil.

The ship's new residence is Harland and Wolff in Belfast, where the yard is attempting to push back the frontiers of ship repair.

With virtually the entire starboard side of her hull bottom ripped out and only a diver's report to go on, the setting of the drydock blocks alone became a major technical feat.

The yard has 214 days to return Sea Empress from a constructive total loss to DNV 1A1 class.

The strategic plan is to reinstate the strength of the vessel by repairing its damaged central tanks. The team will them move out to repair the starboard side of the hull bottom which disappeared from just forward of the engine room for practically its whole length and to a height of 15 ft. (4.5 m).

Sister company Harland and Wolff Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries will prefabricate approximately 3,000 tons of new steel and deliver the sections to the yard as required. Once the repair of the ship's central box girder sections has been completed, the contract will be highly labor intensive and is expect- ed to require up to 200 platers, burners, welders and fitters working in shifts.

For more information on Harland and Wolff

Circle 44 on Reader Service Card ("Oil Spill Technology" is covered in this edition, starting on page 110.)