The Client

The ship’s deck and a black water tank located deep in the bilges of the vessel required attention, as part of an extensive refit of the entire ship.

Challenges

• Limited access and working area.
• Access to the tanks was via two narrow manholes at the top of the tank, either side of a bulkhead: each access point measured only 7″ x 28″.
• Several baffle plates and obstructions within the tank sections.
• Provide a chemical-resistant tank lining for a harsh environment.

Pre-installation

Solution

Within the tank, there were internal baffles that split the tank into four sections, with small openings between the tank sections. These areas were abrasive grit blasted and cleaned by vacuum before receiving multiple coats of a chemically resistant resin. Each coat of resin was applied in different colours to ensure a complete coverage was achieved. We applied a protective anti-slip coating to the coach roof on the deck of the ship.

The Results

This was one of the most difficult projects we have worked on because of the small and cramped conditions. However, we achieved an excellent finish, which will extend the working life of the tank by many years.

Picture Courtesy of The Marine Society and Sea Cadets