Steve-N dredge back in service after a successful dry docking at GNIC

The Steve N is back in service after being repaired by the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC). The Steve N is the largest vessel owned by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and was dry-docked for the past eight weeks for repairs.

The works were completed on time, within cost and specification. According to a statement today from GNIC, the dredge is now available for use in dredging works in Guyana’s rivers after it was tested and handed over to MARAD.

When the vessel was dry docked 40% of its hull needed critical repair while several other areas were also in need of urgent attention. The dry docking and active repair took approximately one month and was completed within the eight-week period. Shipyard Manager, Mr. Jagdesh Ramjag, said that GNIC was able to fully complete all the work and bring the vessel up to specification; the work was described as routine since the GNIC has the full wealth of experienced staff.

GNIC said the scope of works carried out on the Steve-N included:

• Fabrication works to Hull, Hopper and Ballast Tanks.

• Repairs to propulsion System: Propeller Shafts, propellers, bushes and Rudder.

• Sandblasting and Painting of Hull, Hopper and Main Decks.

• Electrical Works including installation of three (3) 35,000 BTU Air Conditioning Units, Removal and Installing two (2) Generators and installing Echosounder system.

• Mechanical Repairs to Hopper Doors, Suction Drag Head Pipe, Dredge pump pipe and valves in engine room and pump room.

The dredge, Steve N started its life in the same Shipyard.  One of the very engineers that worked on it this time around was there when the steel for its hull was originally being assembled. Mr. Ronald Bourne, Consultant to the Shipyard Manager explained that over the years he has been privileged to have worked on conducting preventative maintenance on the dredge, which has a “creative” history with the yard. The work was described as routine since GNIC has a very experienced Shipbuilding and Ship repair Team of skilled staff.

CEO of GNIC, Mr. Clinton Williams said the company can be categorized as a mini industrial conglomerate with the following as its major areas of operations:  Shipbuilding and Repairs, Port Operations and Project Management.  He was pleased that the team was able to complete the job on time, within specification and costs. He noted that going forward, GNIC has the capacity, but will be looking to upgrade and expand its facilities. Additionally, the company will continue to work with the Board of Industrial Training to provide apprenticeship and on the job training in the areas of welding, fabrication, machining, marine and bench fitters, plumbers, carpentry etc. Training is one of the strengths of the company, over the years, has provided to more than 1,000 Guyanese.  The major challenge for the company right now is the illegal beach operators who put vessels at risk by dragging them up on beaches for repairs rather than a proper dry-docking. The company has been appealing to ship owners to avoid this unsafe practice as it puts unnecessary strain on the hull integrity of vessels. This could make them unseaworthy.

The company continues to tender for jobs and they are yet to be beaten on quality, price, experience and competence.

GNIC also alluded to the fact that it remains one of the main shipyards in the country and has a long history of shipbuilding in Guyana with the likes of the MV Malali and MV Torani being built in its shipyard. These two vessels were completely rebuilt and re-commissioned during the early ninety’s by Guyana National Engineering Corporation Limited (GNEC) – the predecessor company, with funding from the European Union. Notwithstanding a strong recommendation by a team of International Consultants that they had surpassed their useful service life and should be scrapped.