After a period of reduced activity on Waverley’s boiler refit throughout the Covid-19 lockdown, work has stepped up in the past week with several contractors returning.

On Thursday 11th June the final section of deck above the boiler room was welded in place. Today, Wednesday 17th June, the aft funnel was lifted into place. The refitting of the forward funnel is expected within a week.

Internally work is now focused on completing the electrical and boiler installation before the new equipment will be extensively tested.

If progress continues at the current pace Waverley will raise steam during July. Initial testing will take place while the ship is static at the quayside before extensive sea trials are carried out.

A sedge of cranes gather around the aft funnel.|Roy Tait

Taking up the slack.|Roy Tait

Dales Marine crane operators skillfully rotate the funnel.|WEL

Upright again after four months.|Roy Tait

The aft funnel moves forward.|Roy Tait

The funnel is swung aboard.|WEL

It fits!|Roy Tait

Sitting pretty.|Roy Tait

The funnel is tack welded into place.|WEL

Before and after. Waverley’s draft without boilers (left) and with her new boilers, a repainted hull and one funnel.|WEL & Roy Tait

Waverley is starting to look like Waverley again.|WEL