UK-based marine engineering specialist SeaKing has completed extensive upgrade work on three cross channel ferries operated by DFDS Seaways.
The four-week project took place at Damen Dunkerque Shipyard in France involving the ‘Dunkerque Seaways’, ‘Dover Seaways’ and ‘Delft Seaways’.
The three passenger/ car ferries operate between Dover and Dunkerque.
SeaKing Electrical managing director Dave Gillam explained that a 10-man team of engineering specialists were sent to complete the job.
“Work consisted of electrical upgrades to improve entertainment reception to 80 cabins and fitting of VDSs (variable speed drives) to car deck vent fans,” he said. “A total of 16 VDSs were fitted on Decks 3, 5 and 10 on each ship. The existing drives had degraded, due to age and exposure to warm conditions. These drives play a vital role to help reduce fuel consumption, energy use and CO2 emissions.
“The project was made more complex due to the time scales and working across multiple vessels requiring careful planning and project management. It demonstrates SeaKing’s ability to provide a quick response project turnaround and flexibility to travel anywhere in the world whilst tackling an electrical engineering challenge. We take pride in delivering on time and on budget,” he said.
DFDS Fleet Manager, Nigel Cureton, said: “This was a highly demanding project due to the tight timescales. We commend SeaKing’s work ethic, performance and quality of workmanship, which were exceptional from start to finish. Our technical office in Dover and ships’ staff are thankful for the engineers’ support and we look forward to working with SeaKing again in the future.”
Gillam claimed that SeaKing benefited from a strong reputation in the ferry, cruise, naval and superyacht sectors with a global track record including projects in Portugal, Germany, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahrain, Dubai, Australia, Malaysia and the US.
“Our role frequently involves upgrades or new installations being taken from concept, surveying, manufacturing, modifying installation and refurbishing of marine electrical control equipment,” he said. “We further offer fault finding and repair services, on-key components, which include electric motors, electronic variable speed drives, generator switchgear, PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and accommodation services. All of our marine installations are carried out to meet class and SOLAS requirements.”
