Update preparations

24 July 2023

News

Throughout the past week we have been quite busy. The new bowsprit has been placed, and the corresponding rigging has been updated. A lot of the woodwork was stripped bare and then given a fresh layer of lacquer. Inside the carpenters Jacob and Eli are putting in the final touches to the ‘science-corner’ that we had build for the journey. Here microscopes, camera’s, laptops and everything else that could be needed for the project can be found.

In the engine room Dirk has been busy for many, long days to improve our power network. We have new, specialist battery packs in replacement of our old ones. The new smart monitor system will ensure that we not only last much longer on the batteries (instead of using the generator), but additionally, when we do need the generators, it will help optimize their use. This seemingly is a great improvement in all regards, and if everything goes correctly, it will be a great step towards more sustainability.

In between all the work a lot needs to be inspected and approved. To highlight just one moment, last week we underwent an extra inspection from the flag state. When the multitude of surveyors left ship, they were all very satisfied, which off course always brings joy, but it does cost a lot of time unfortunately. These inspections will continue to keep us busy. upcoming week we expect visitation of inspectors of Radio surveillant, Classification office RHV to examine the underwater ship. As well as people of the Classification office of the RINA, surveyors from the office Veritas for the ISM-Audit, the municipality for ship sanitation and a company to take watersamples.

Saturday morning we left for Stellendam. Here we will lay in dock for the upcoming week. Mostly to clean and paint the under ship and some small welding jobs, but also for more inspections and approvals. If everything goes as planned the carpenters should finish their work on the first of August. The second and third of August all the supplies will be brought on board. And then, on the fourth of August the time is there, one thing is for surety, it will be a race against the clock.