22 BOATYARD OPERATIONS


‘Sea-through’ NDT for superyachts A


major new develop- ment for the superyacht industry in the field of Non-Destructive Testing


(NDT) has been announced by Brookes Bell. Deck replacements in superyachts obviously leave many unanswered questions as to what lies beneath – the amount of cor- rosion to be treated and plate to be replaced can and does cause chaos. The biggest issue facing both superyacht boatyards and manage- ment companies is the ability to provide an all-encompassing and accurate quote for works during a refit or rebuild when it’s not possible to have a complete understanding of the scope of the works at the outset. The PEC Deck provides the


ability to ‘see through’ teak decks for problems underneath. It offers a practical and sensible approach to tackling the problem of hidden corrosion in superyachts. Taking into account the potential time and cost implications of knowing the condition of the deck plate – before removing the teak – and fully under-


PEC Deck with medium-sized probe.


standing the scope of works prior to yard time enables correct budget- ing, time lines and labour loadings throughout a project. PEC Deck technology itself is very


complex, but the execution and reporting are very simple. Scans can be done at up to 100 mm per second with a scan width up to 200 mm, which allows vast areas to be covered in a surprisingly short time frame.


Depending upon the area to be


scanned, a large probe the size of a very wide-headed vacuum cleaner can be used or a smaller ‘mouse-like’


probe can be employed for access to small areas such as tight corners and side decks. • The data provides a residual thick- ness reading and calculates wastage due to corrosion. • The results are then plotted on to a coloured ‘map’ of the deck, highlighting areas of concern. • The plotted map also shows the structure underneath the deck plate in way of stiffeners, frames, etc, shown in the image as heavy dark blue lines. The equipment is portable, so the scan can take place to suit the


PML report on anti-fouling


In a re-examination of anti- fouling test panels to determine the quantity of copper loss from different anti-fouling products to the environment, Coppercoat has outperformed its rivals. The assessment, which was carried out by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), found that Coppercoat leached significantly less copper over five years than the other coatings on test. The panels are the basis of a previous PML report in which Coppercoat emerged as the best-performing anti-fouling. In the ‘in situ’ trial of protective


coatings – conducted by the Energy Technologies Institute – two 3.5 tonne test pods covered in panels coated with a wide variety of anti-fouling systems were submerged in a tidal stream in the Fall of Warness, Orkney,


day. In addition, when the PML team examined the copper content alone (the active biocide), the loss from the Coppercoat was found to be a mere 1.42µg/cm2/day. What this means, in more basic


Scotland. A meticulous recent re- examination of the test panels has revealed that while conventional (self-polishing) anti-fouling


MARINA INDUSTRY • EURO-REPORT • DECEMBER 2019


paints typically exhibited a mean product loss rate of 0.099µm/day, the Coppercoat showed a mean product loss rate of just 0.0071µm/


terms, is that Coppercoat’s total product loss over a five-year period of constant immersion in an area of strong tidal flow with mineral scour was just one-fourteenth of that shown by traditional anti-fouling paint. Expressed as a percentage, Coppercoat demonstrated a coating loss of approximately 4.3% over the five years compared to other anti-fouling paints on test, which lost 90-100% of their copper- containing topcoat. Aquarius Marine Coatings Ltd info@coppercoat.com www.coppercoat.com


vessel’s movements. The superyacht does not have to be lifted out of the water or even moved from its berth. Although hi-tech, the equipment can easily be transported and is a one, or two-man job depending on the vessel’s size. The technology can be used for inspecting hulls above and below the waterline, as well as tanks, pipes of various low alloy steel – all without the need to remove cladding, insulation, paint- work and fillers. Brookes Bell superyachts@brookesbell.com www.bbsuperyachts.com


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