KAUST engaged Maritime Survey Australia to act as a project manager to oversee a major refit of the vessel, RV Thuwal which involved wiring upgrades, installation of new navigational equipment, a new galley, a scientific survey room and a vessel upgrade of the hydraulics, heating, ventilation and cooling systems.

1. RV THUWAL REFIT
PROJECT OVERVIEW
27/09/2017 – 02/02/2018
15 February 2018

2. RV Thuwal – Condition Summary
RV Thuwal operates in the Red Sea in harsh conditions. The vessel’s condition was a
reflection of heavy use, harsh conditions and extended dry-docking and maintenance
periods.
VESSEL HISTORY

3. PROJECT OVERVIEW
Vessel Refit Requirements and Yard Selection
A Scientific, Electrical and HVAC upgrade provided a trigger for a vessel refit.
After a broad search and using a rating system, six yards were considered based on
quality, price and location; it was decided that the Lusben Shipyard in Viareggio, Italy
was the preferred option.

4. Project deadlines
The vessel arrived at Lusben Shipyard, Viareggio on 27/09/2017 with a projected
departure date of 27/12/2017.
The three month refit project work list doubled quickly and many of the tasks that were
added were complex and required more time.
Project Manager Isabelle Bazile did not miss a day during this period and ensured the RV
Thuwal was a high priority vessel for the Shipyard and contractors.
PROJECT OVERVIEW

5. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Maritime Survey Australia appointed as project managers
Maritime Survey Australia managed the project using a cloud drive system enabling all
parties to monitor the project in real time.
The project time line was updated daily and images were uploading with specific dates
and locations.
Furthermore, a weekly report was sent to management and as the project headed
towards completion a daily report was also sent.
Maritime Survey Australia is happy to report that the project was a success.

6. WORKS COMPLETED
 Bilge pump system service
 Main engine throttle repair
 Fire system service
 Sea water valve service.
 Scientific equipment package
 Dimensional control survey
 Propeller shaft replacement
 Galley upgrade
 Refrigeration upgrade
 Mechanical seal replacement
 Fire Pump installation
 Electronic work package
 Navigation System
 HVAC work package
 Hauling and Standing
 Rudder shaft removal and service
 Water tank cleaning
 Anti-fouling paint application
 Diesel tank cleaning
 Seawater valves
 Hamilton jet routine service
 Propeller shaft removal and service
 Sewage treatment cleaning

7. CHALLENGES
Major tasks not included in the original work list.
• Hull plate replacement
• Galley upgrade
• Anchor winch overhaul
• Bow Thruster overhauled
• Hamilton jets
• Fresh Water system
• Bilge system and valve upgrade
• Main Engine Shaft driveline

8. Condition Assessment
Various holes were identified in the hull.
HULL

9. Actions
 Washing of the under waterline with
high pressure water machine.
 Hull blasting using Garnet 20/40
sand.
 Application of HEMPEL cycle epoxy
primer & antifouling.
 Cutting of the affected plates (six
areas).
 Welding of new hull plates (ALU
5083).
 Completed paint application on new
plates.
 Fabrication of new plates for existing
central keel blister & fitting of the
new deep sounder transducer.
 Supply of new zinc anodes.
HULL

10. Details of previous installation
• 3 Direct expansion units
(approx 60,000 BTU)
• Domestic Fancoil units
• No longer in legal production
R22 Refrigerant
• No condensate drainage
• No Fresh air make up ventilation
system
• Reduction in suction pressure
when multiple units in use.
HVAC UPGRADE

11. New installation
 360,000 BTU system sufficient
for Saudi Arabia
 25 Fancoil units were installed
 New piping system throughout
 Redundancy in system pumps
 Soft starting compressor which
reduce generator loads
HVAC UPGRADE

12.  Issuing of new
drawings.
 Blister fabrication and
welded on to the hull.
 Blister cycle paint.
 Transducers installation
(EM710; ADCP).
 Transceiver installation.
 Motion sensor
installation.
 Sound velocity sensor
installation.
 Cabling between all
units.
BLISTER &
SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT

13. BLISTER & SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT

14. Details of previous conditions:
• The existing shaft has been found out of round.
• The stern tube has been found badly corroded.
• Cutless bearing ceased on to the the surface.
MAIN ENGINE
PROPELLER SHAFT

15. Actions:
 Removal of the old shaft (4 days).
 Laser verification of the alignment from the engine to the propeller.
 Boring of the stern tube (outside and inside) to remove corrosion (4 mm)
 Fabrication of custom made cutless bearings.
 Installation of a new shaft in V174 steel.
 Installation of a mechanical seal (MICROTEM mod. MTM903 1150 S1NGDJ1J1)
MAIN ENGINE PROPELLER SHAFT

16. Details of previous conditions:
The vessel was not fitted with a dedicated fire pump prior to the refit.
Actions:
 New Bilge, Fire Pump and General Service Pump installed.
 Dedicated Fire pump in both main engine room and aft engine room.
Before After
BILGE FIRE SYSTEM

17. The company, Olectric was chosen after receiving three quotes. They were chosen
based on price, quality and availability.
The following projects were completed:
1. 425/220 upgrade (circuit breakers, governors, software, synchronizing units etc.)
2. Survey room upgrade (switchboards, cabling, switches, circuit boards etc.)
3. Navigation and communication upgrade (DC switchboard, Emergency switchboard,
Battery isolator, Navigation systems etc.)
ELECTRICAL UPGRADE

18. Pictured below is the condition of the wiring in the wheelhouse
ELECTRICAL UPGRADE
Before After

19. Survey room
Before After
ELECTRICAL UPGRADE

20. ELECTRICAL UPGRADE

21. Major Achievements:
 Safer vessel – Electrical stray currents and hazards identified and removed, Fire
system now compliant.
 Holes in the Hull have been repaired.
 Fuel Savings
 Energy Savings
 Scientific equipment upgrade
 Completed works including extra items in 4 months
 Crew comfort – HVAC upgrade, LED lighting, Galley condition
 Navigation Equipment upgrade
 Communication Equipment upgrade
 Anchor winch now safer and compliant
 Bow Thruster now operational
 Throttle control now provides Master with better stabilization for scientists.
For any further information for any future project email
mail@maritimesurveyaustralia.com.au