Alewijnse Completes Electrical Refit SCH 302
The extensive refit of the trawler SCH 302 Willem van der Zwan, burnt out completely in 2007, has been brought to a successful close as the ship left port on 30 October last. At the end of 2008, Alewijnse started renewing the complete electrical installation; technical systems were replaced and over 180 kilometres of cabling were installed.
In 2007 a big fire during a refit of the refrigeration/freezing installation caused a total loss of the SCH 302. The owner, W. van der Zwan & Zn. B.V., decided to have the trawler rebuilt because this would take less time than delivery of a new ship. After the large steel constructions had been finalized by Scheldepoort repair yard at Vlissingen, Alewijnse Marine Rotterdam started work in December 2008 in order to provide the huge trawler with a technical installation that will extend its life span by many years.
Although refits tend to focus on ‘building things the way they were’, in reality many small discrepancies turn up. In the case of an extensive refit, it is crucial to take measures limiting the impact of these discrepancies on the building process. Ben Bonte, managing director at Alewijnse Marine Rotterdam BV, comments: “We look beyond the mere electro-technical, and have the knowledge and skills to integrate existing and new installations into one fully functional system.” To give an example: Alewijnse started operating systems already when the building process was only 50% finished. And a team in place implemented any modifications and adjustments on the spot and kept delivery time to a minimum.
The stern trawler’s entire electro-technical installation has been replaced. This involved installing new distribution systems, replacing switchboards and generators, and manufacturing new consoles for the bridge and engineering room. A new frequency-regulated winch was installed and the refrigeration/freezing installation was completely renewed. The ship was also equipped with five refrigeration rooms, a fish processing and packing room, and accommodation for a crew of 54. Besides cabling for navigation, communications and fish processing equipment, Alewijnse also supplied a power management system as well as alarm, monitoring and fire alarm systems. To conclude: one of Holland’s largest stern trawlers is once again ready for many years at sea.