Wilco van Tiggelen

EP 2: docking the BKM 104 near Dubai

Last time, Wilco told us all about what it’s like to work as a technical superintendent for Boskalis. Today he takes us along to a docking in the United Arab Emirates. “Months of preparation come together during this major maintenance job.”

Wilco catches up with us from under the hot desert sun. Not from Boskalis’ office in Abu-Dhabi, but from the shipyard half an hour away from Dubai. After a brief visit in December and a long period of preparation in Papendrecht, this will be his home base for the next six weeks to manage the docking of the Multicat BKM 104.

“We keep two ships up and running in this region. Of course everyone knows about our impressive trailing suction hopper dredgers for ‘soft’ dredging and the cutter suction dredgers for tougher material. But the other vessels we use to support these giants are just as important.” Together with three colleagues from the cutter division, Wilco is responsible for this ‘smaller’ fleet.

Docking the BKM 104 

The Multicat BKM 104 is an indispensable work boat that we use for jobs such as transporting material to project locations and placing pipes and sinkers. She’s fifteen years old and ready for her legally required five yearly docking. “Two thirds of the time the ship is dry docked and we focus on the underwater ship: parts such as the rudders, propellers and coolers are all removed for a strict inspection. After that dry period, the ship is let back into the water for commissioning and testing everything so she can safely set sail again.”  

Expected and unexpected maintenance 

Most of the maintenance has been prepared step-by-step. Let’s say one of the cranes needs new bearings. Wilco has been through a whole process before the actual work starts. “What are we going to do and what do we need to make it happen? It’s up to me to write a repair plan, arrange the budget and make sure that everything we need arrives at the location on time. A new mast or upgraded navigation equipment has to be ready and waiting prefab to assemble. That’s how we get jobs done efficiently and move on to the next task.”

Regardless of all those months of preparation, it’s impossible to predict everything. You always bump into unexpected things during a docking like this one. That’s when Boskalis’ short lines really pay off, according to Wilco. “For instance, one of the anchor chains was too thin and needed to be replaced. Luckily I’m in direct contact with our purchasing department in Abu-Dhabi. Within two days, the new chain was on site and ready to be placed.”

International team 

Wilco’s practical experience really comes in handy while executing the maintenance on the BKM 104. Although he must admit, managing an international team can be quite challenging. “Good communication is essential when it comes to a safe and efficient work environment. It’s thereby vital to take cultural differences and varying knowledge levels into account with everything we do.”  

Relax by the pool 

Work goes on seven days a week and up to fourteen hours a day for Wilco. “But of course there’s a life here besides the docking”, he emphasizes. “We’re a close team and look out for each other, even after working hours. And now and then there’s definitely time for a drink by the pool. The good atmosphere we create here together makes up for the long work days.”

Curious to know how the docking in the Emirates turned out? Keep an eye out for Wilco’s next blog. 

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