[jnorm59]

Having served as Captain of the Welsh Piper for 15 years at the turn of the century I see that she is now in Avonmouth awaiting sale. Built in 1987 but re- engined and described as well maintained I would be interested in any information on the reasons for her sale or details on her replacement.

 

[hawkey01]

jnorm59,

extract below taken from Swansea Drydock co.



Welsh Piper

The Welsh Piper is a 25 year old dredger which required a 25 year special survey and repair. The 26 day project included steel replacement; dredge pump impeller renewal; tail shaft works including fitting of new forward and after seals, renewal of SKF coupling, rudder stock machining and fitting of new palm bolts, lower pintail shaft and renewal of new upper and lower bushes; thruster works. The project required major machining and a full blast and painting of the vessel to include the main decks and cargo hopper. Swansea Drydocks added value through the adoption of an innovative solution in the design and reworking of the dredge pump slewing.

Neville - Hawkey01

 

[JKB]

Mention of the "Welsh Piper" made me sit up and take notice. I worked on it several times when we were trying to get the original Mirrlees Blackstone ESL6 Mk.2 engine reliable. The engine just wasn't powerful enough for the vessel and to be honest it was a relief when it was re-engined. One Christmas at Swansea Drydock the weather was so bad there were large rocks being washed over the sea wall and one of the cranes was blown along the rails by the wind. We were told by the yard it was too rough for the cranes to operate so we'd have to carry the new cylinder liners (it took two men to carry them) over the gangway ourselves. Too rough for the cranes but safe for us didn't sound very Health & Safety so we declined their generous offer 😀

 

[r3dhat]

Having served as Captain of the Welsh Piper for 15 years at the turn of the century I see that she is now in Avonmouth awaiting sale. Built in 1987 but re- engined and described as well maintained I would be interested in any information on the reasons for her sale or details on her replacement.

Hey Captain, Do You maybe have a knowledge that vessel can screen a gravel or only sand? Regards, Simon

 

[jnorm59]

Hey Captain, Do You maybe have a knowledge that vessel can screen a gravel or only sand? Regards, Simon

While I was on the ship we screened various grades of sand in the Bristol Channel (which she was designed and built for) as gravel and stone was readily available from locally quarries. Why are you thinking of buying her?!

 

[Hefin]

jnorm59,

extract below taken from Swansea Drydock co.



Welsh Piper

The Welsh Piper is a 25 year old dredger which required a 25 year special survey and repair. The 26 day project included steel replacement; dredge pump impeller renewal; tail shaft works including fitting of new forward and after seals, renewal of SKF coupling, rudder stock machining and fitting of new palm bolts, lower pintail shaft and renewal of new upper and lower bushes; thruster works. The project required major machining and a full blast and painting of the vessel to include the main decks and cargo hopper. Swansea Drydocks added value through the adoption of an innovative solution in the design and reworking of the dredge pump slewing.

Neville - Hawkey01

Hi,
I have been offered a command on Welsh piper for a delivery job to BVI. Just wondering if she is capable of making the journey . Ia m an old captain at 70 years old .
Has she been maintained over her last few years . Definitely will need some aircon . How is accommodation and galley etc . main engines and bow thruster.