Stena Hibernia, Belfast

SYNOPSIS

The Stena Hibernia is a predominantly Freight Ro-Ro cargo Ferry operating between Heysham and Belfast built in 1996.

BRIEF

Thortech International were to complete the resurfacing of the weather deck, and complete surface repairs to ramps while the vessel was on a layover at Belfast. The timescale for this project was at 2-day intervals over 2 lay­overs in succession.

The surface on the weather deck to be replaced was a paint system which did not possess any anti-slip properties. The most economical and safe solution was to provide our chosen waterproofing and anti-slip system. Due to the nature of the trailers turning on the surface, the appropriate bauxite 1>2 mm was cho­sen as the preferred aggregate.

PROCESS

The old paint system was removed by Scarifier, Grinder and Hilti Breaker. With the steel deck then pre­pared by Enclosed Shot Blasting machines to a SA2.5 standard.

The steel was then immediately primed to ensure adhesion to the substrate and avoid contamination with brine and salt. After the primer had desiccated the substrate was then applied with an application of the specified system at the desired spread rate, which was immediately dressed with Guyanese bauxite chosen due to its technical performance.

OUTCOME

The total area completed was approximately 600m2, and the project was completed with a quick turn­around on schedule and on budget. The freight now continues to work efficiently with daily Ro Ro’s on its new Thortech International applied surface.