m/v BALTIC BREEZE was the first out to undergo this refurbishment during the year. She was berthed at COSCO Dalian Shipyard in China for this extreme make-over. In short, recycling the vessel means retaining the hull of the vessel while to a large extent renewing the equipment and the interior onboard. Considerably less material and energy than a newbuilding is required when this happens.
The crew quarters were rebuilt, the engines were overhauled, and new fan systems were installed. Renovating vessels like this is far from common: it’s an approach sometimes used on research or naval vessels, but seldom on commercial ships like a car carrier.
Here are some of the improvements which have been made:
- Modernisation of the cargo hold, increasing the capacity
- New fans in the cargo hold and machine rooms
- Installation of passenger lift from engine room to upper deck
- Renewal of steel in the ballast tanks plus painting to meet Lloyd’s requirements for life-cycle extension
- Built-in bridge with new equipment/room for electrical equipment
- Improved damage stability exceeding existing regulations
- Renewal of emergency generator
- New fire alarm in all areas and water mist local fire protection in the engine room
- Blasting and painting of exterior
- New windows installed
- Complete refurbishment of fittings, kitchen and storerooms
- New floorings as well as new wall and ceiling panels
- New furniture
- WC and shower have been installed in all cabins.
m/v BALTIC BREEZE was built in 1983 and is operated by short sea company United European Car Carriers. Wallenius Marine acts as technical consultants for that company.
After a renovation like this, the age of the vessel is reduced by approximately ten years. The vessel is classed as a ship built ten years later.