Dorbyl Marine recently completed work on the Pride Barracuda offshore drilling barge. All work was carried out to Pride's Class and Safety Standards.

The contract included the renewal of the low-pressure mud line system and the installation of a new 55-ton mud pump on the port side of the vessel. In addition Dorbyl also undertook the renewal of all the fire-fighting lines and most of the piping onboard.

Having submitted an unique technical proposal, Dorbyl was contracted to refurbish the eight winches, which included the rebuild of all gypsies with stainless steel welding. The company also undertook the installation of four Caterpillar Gensets - a job that included the fabrication of new radiator platforms as well as the linking of the machinery to the auxiliary engines.

Maintaining high levels of safety throughout the 108 000 man hours, Dorbyl Marine completed the project in 93 days.

With most of the workforce working on the Polaris, Dorbyl realizes the importance of having a "hit and run" squad available for other work. The Wiking was a prime example when she was hit by a wave. With major damage to both anchor winches, her navigation mast completely broken and washed overboard, her steel breakwater also damaged and parts destroyed. Dorbyl completely re-manufactured both the breakwater and navigation mast. Both anchor winches has to be removed and overhauled. The foc'l store and bowthruster room were completely flooded for 4 days which resulted in all cables and electrical gear having to be replaced. All communication systems and navigation lights affected were also replaced.

Contracted to widen the vessel, Spirit of Namibia, Dorbyl Marine has completed the manufacture of sponson tanks designed to suit the existing shape of the hull. The tanks represent 200 tons of steel and will widen the vessel by 4.5 metres on either side - adding a total of 9 metres to the overall width.

The design of the sponson tanks proved challenging and the company made use of sophisticated CAD=KEY systems to accurately profile the tanks to fit the hull exactly. The steel will be blasted and primed ater installation, which is likely to take about five weeks.