Race Point has returned from another successful maintenance period at Fairhaven Shipyard Company on Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts.
Fishers Island Ferry District Manager of Marine Operations RJ Burns Report follows:
All scheduled and supplemental work was completed well under budget.
In addition to the “standard yard items”, a significant amount of work was completed by both the shipyard and ferry district staff.
- A large amount of (hull) bottom plate was renewed.
- Entire car deck and fore deck was blasted and any wasted metal replaced.
- Entire car deck and fore deck repainted.
- One new propeller shaft.
- All propeller shaft bearings replaced.
- Commercial, heavy duty (50,000 lb. capacity) cargo tie downs added to bulwarks and car deck to increase the ability to safely secure large vehicles, like fuel trucks in heavy weather. In certain situations, this modification will increase the number of trucks we can safely secure to the deck.
- All 3,984 pounds of machinery space deck plates were removed and reinstalled by the crew so they could be stripped of paint and then galvanized.
- Passenger cabin was overhauled, repainted, including fixtures replaced and LED lighting installed.
Most noticeable are the new additions to the car deck bulwarks. Bulwark mods (stacks) are the structures in the picture. These new stacks including fire dampers will greatly enhance Race Point’s operational safety, improve engine room ventilation, and sea-keeping ability. The stacks have been designed in anticipation of the future replacement of main engines and other machinery, are incorporated in the re-powering long-range plan, and meet Coast Guard compliance requirements.
The Fishers Island Ferry District will not be able to use Race Point for passengers or cargo until we receive certain paperwork from Coast Guard HQ – this could take up to three weeks.
While at the dock in New London, the Fishers Island Ferry crew will be very busy – working on cosmetics when the weather improves, and various other regular interior maintenance items. Having just completed the Munnatawket’s 5-year Coast Guard inspection in February, Race Point’s 5-year Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection Exam is early next month.
