THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022
Everett Ship Repair, LLC, in Washington announced earlier this year that it has purchased two new ultra-high-pressure water blasting systems to expand its surface preparation services. The 40,000 psi UHP systems were delivered to the shipyard and put into production in March.
According to the release, the system allows the facility to deploy up to four water blasters simultaneously in a wide variety of applications, including internal tank hydro blasting for cleaning and coatings removal. The UHP systems are capable of standard surface preparation and specialty applications.
The robotic system also reduces the need for manlifts and scaffolding to access and remove coatings from a ship’s hull and other structures. Additionally, the water blasting system minimizes labor and reduces the risk of injury or fatigue of personnel.
According to ESR, because UHP water blasting is a more cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to solid abrasive blasting materials, the equipment moves towards the shipyard’s goals and commitments to adopt sustainable techniques to protect the environment as a green shipyard.
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Everett Ship Repair |
Everett Ship Repair, LLC, in Washington announced earlier this year that it has purchased two new ultra-high-pressure water blasting systems to expand its surface preparation services. |
In terms of environmental impact, water blasting produces no air pollution, creates significantly less waste disposal over solid grit blasting and reclaims water through a separation system to leave non-hazardous sludge behind for disposal. Water blasting also create less noise compared to sandblasting and mechanical methods of coatings removal.
ESR reports that it will also use the UHP system outside the shipyard, in addition to offering surface prep services for removal of unwanted or contaminated surface materials. The shipyard also plans to perform pipe cleaning, tank cleaning and UHP surface preparation for marine and industrial customers.
New Drydock Opening
That same month, ESR announced the expansion of its operation with the addition of a new drydock, dubbed the Emerald Lifter. ESR is reportedly one of the four largest drydocks in the Pacific Northwest.
The drydock officially opened on May 4, with a naming and ribbon cutting ceremony. The Emerald Lifter was relocated to the facility at the Port of Everett in April and was put into operation on May 3 with its first drydocking.
The Emerald Lifter reportedly has a lifting capacity of 2,000 tons and a working deck of 220 feet by 62 feet. According to ESR, the drydock will provide services to both the Commercial and Government market segments with a focus on tugboats, fishing vessels and other workboats.
The facility’s other drydock, the Faithful Servant, has been in operation since 2019 and has a capacity of 8,000 tons and a deck of 430 feet by 110 feet. Additionally, ESR added a 150-ton capacity floating crane to service both of the yard’s drydocks.
“The expansion of capacity at Everett Ship Repair allows us, in combination with Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, to provide unparalleled services to the marine industry in the Puget Sound and surrounding areas” said Gavin Higgins, CEO. “Our combined history goes back to the 1960s and carries a long legacy of ship construction and ship repair.”
Tagged categories: Blasting; Environmental Controls; Everett Ship Repair; Paint and coatings removal; Program/Project Management; Rehabilitation/Repair; Robotics; Ships and vessels; Shipyards; Surface preparation; Surface Preparation; Surface preparation equipment; Tools & Equipment; UHP waterjetting; Water blasting