STX Finland Oy’s Rauma Shipyard has completed all modification works on multipurpose deck cargo vessel Aura, owned by Oy Gaiamare Ab which is part of Meriaura Group. During the two-and-a-half-month long overhaul process the special cargo vessel underwent important modifications.
The vessel arrived at the Rauma Shipyard on 13 June 2012 and it was transferred to the drydock on 18 June. The ship was refloated on 8 Augusts, and the shipyard completed the project on September 7th 2012. The multipurpose deck cargo vessel has been equipped for dynamic positioning. Other additions include two diesel aggregates, deck cranes, additional superstructure module with accommodation for 36 people, and two bow thrusters in addition to one in existence. The navigation bridge has been expanded and hull extensions for improved stability and carrying capacity added on both sides over a length of some 70 metres. In addition, the ship’s two ballast tanks have been converted into fuel tanks.
“ Due to the tight schedule and short preparation period, the modification project has been challenging, but we have succeeded very well under the management of Project Manager Jukka Ahola. This project shows that, with the help of excellent internal and external cooperation, we are capable of completing quite demanding repair and conversion projects. At its height, the project provided labour to some 150 people ,” says Toivo Ilvonen, Director of STX Rauma Shipyard.
“ The domestic content of modification projects is notably high, which has thus provided an opportunity to test new kinds of technical solutions ,” reveals Jussi Mälkiä, Meriaura Group CEO.
“ The planning and implementation schedule was extremely tight, which drove our project team to maximum performance ,” says Xavier De Meulder, who was in charge of the project on Meriaura’s behalf.
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Offshore WIND staff, September 25, 2012; Image: stxeurope