Waverley’s boiler refit has continued to progress with the ship now in dry dock. It had been the original intention to dry dock Waverley in mid-April after the new boilers were fitted. However, the decision was taken to dry dock the ship sooner and complete some steel renewals before installing the new boilers. The annual hull survey works and painting will also be completed during this dry docking period.

On Monday 2nd March Waverley was moved under tow from her berth in the James Watt Dock into Garvel dry dock.

Clyde Marine Services tugs Battler and Wrestler slowly moved Waverley astern and out through the dock entrance before moving her over to the gate to enter the dry dock.

Once Waverley’s bow was at the dry dock gate Wrestler was stood down and it was over to Waverley and her crew to move her up the dock. Owning to the fact the dry dock was to be shared by the Serco tug Resourceful, Waverley had to move well up the dock.

As she was eased up the dock her windlass could be heard making a rather different sound from what is usually heard as it was operating on compressed air rather than steam.

Once in dry dock steel work renewals have progressed quickly. The additional sea chest has been installed for the new 3rd alternator (generator).

Work is also progressing in the Dining Saloon and Galley as part of the aft hull survey which is due in the current winter refit period.

Electrical work is now well underway with the new main switch board being installed as well as the new synchronising unit in the engine room. A new switch board is also being installed for the emergency generator which is situated in the aft deck shelter.

After Waverley leaves dry dock work will move on to install the new boilers. The 2020 timetable will be published when further progress is made on this extensive refit.