Former royal yacht highlights yard’s versatility

Planned maintenance on Britannia was completed on schedule over 11 days in the Imperial dry dock. Around 30 personnel worked on Britannia around-the-clock, with the scope including washing and painting below the waterline, painting three masts and funnel; removal of old sewage tanks; various steel work repairs; internal alterations; empting tanks for survey work on the hull and ultrasonic thickness readings. A major tourist attraction, the vessel was safely returned to its nearby permanent berth.

Dales marine director and general manager, Michael Milne, said: “Britannia is obviously unique in the range of vessels handled since we refurbished and reopened the dry dock in 2010. Being involved with such a historic ship has been very special and has meant a great start to what will be another busy year.”

The ship repairer has completed the first of four double-dockings, Vos Discovery and Vos Seeker, for Vroon Offshore Services this year. Targe Towing’s Hopetoun then docked for two weeks, followed by Vos Iona and Vos Supplier together, with the third double-docking, Vos Defender and Vos Ranger, in March; all for class renewal surveys.

Dales Marine continues to develop its role in the fishing industry, with pelagic trawler, Kings Cross due into Leith in May for underwater painting and class renewal surveys

Following a successful 2011 when occupancy increased to around 80% capacity, the 168m x 21.3m x 7.7m Imperial dock is booked up until end-May and already 50% booked for this year, with annual occupancy expected to reach at least 90%.

At Aberdeen, the catamaran ferry, Pentalina berthed for her third annual visit for annual class renewal surveys; Sealion Shipping’s Toisa Daring underwent survey work and a DP2 upgrade, followed by an emergency docking for Sealion’s Toisa Defiant for re-alignment of rudders. Other oil-related vessels serviced this year include DOF UK’s Skandi Buchan, for inspection of seaboxes and a 10-year survey on Gulf Offshore Norge’s North Mariner, along with engine, painting and propulsion work.

First quarter contracts included Caledonian MacBrayne ferries Clansman and Hebrides from the west coast for annual class renewal surveys

The 112m x 21m x 6.5m Aberdeen facility is almost fully booked for the year, with vessels operating in the offshore industry featuring prominently.

Dales Marine makes occasional use of a small dry dock at the fishing port of Fraserburgh and undertakes alongside work at ports throughout the UK, including Montrose where it has a workshop to support activity.