Fullers apologises for the delayed return of Superflyte and would like to explain why...
Media Release – 8 September, 2009
On Monday 31st August Superflyte returned back into service after heading out for her annual survey on Tuesday 30th June, for what was initially intended to be a five week period. Fullers apologises to its customers for any inconvenience due to her delay.
So what does a vessel survey entail?
To ensure a responsible service, Fullers has a statutory requirement with Maritime New
Zealand’s Safe Ship Management (SSM) program. This is comparable to a vehicle’s warrant of fitness, however applied on a much larger scale for commercial vessels. In order to continue satisfying the standards of SSM, Fullers is required to carry out surveys and audits, warrants of fitness, at regular intervals on all commercially operated vessels.
The age of a vessel and period of time it has been in service, determine the maintenance requirements and the vessel parts that need to be replaced or refurbished during each survey period. Superflyte’s annual survey, her annual “warrant of fitness”, entailed a full inspection of all safety equipment including life rafts and fire fighting equipment, an internal and external inspection of the hull including appendages and an operational inspection of all machinery within the vessel. These inspections are mandatory and are conducted by international & local surveyors in accordance with Maritime New Zealand requirements and ISO9001 Quality Assurance standards.
Mechanically, a new V16 (2500) BHP engine has been fitted on the port side as part of Fullers on-going exchange engine program. This engine cost in excess of half a million dollars and came from the Netherlands. Unfortunately, once it had been installed, technical faults were discovered which resulted in engineers having to be flown in from Australia to resolve the issues and a delay in her return to her normal operations.
Customers will also notice a reduction in vessel vibration due to extensive work done to the propellers and drive shafts. Upgrades to vessel equipment will be on-going and this year a new digital radar was installed giving Superflyte improved navigational visibility in poor weather conditions. Internally, Superflyte was commercially cleaned and modern graphical display media fitted at various locations around the cabins.
Her service has definitely been missed, but all for a necessary cause; adhering to SSM standards, but also to ensure the safe and comfortable transportation of customers. Customers have been admirably patient waiting for Superflyte’s return and this is greatly appreciated.
-ENDS-
