SHIPYARD SURGERY

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 128, 1 June 1935, Page 26

SHIPYARD SURGERY

A classic instance of shipyard surgery is that provided towards the end of last century by'the construction and reconstruction of the Glenledi. Messrs. Swan, Hunter, and Wigham Richardson were commissioned to build the Glenledi for service above the Welland Canal, Ontario. She was designed to carry about 4830 tons on a draught of 18ft in fresh water, and her ultimate length was intended to be 379ft. At this measurement it was found that she would be too long to pass through the locks of the canal. She was therefore built to measure 235ft, but the remaining 144ft, which were omitted amidships, were also built, and this portion was conveyed in sections in the Glenledi herself when she set out for Canada. After passing through, the Welland Canal she was placed in dry dock and cut in two. The 144ft of amidships portion was then fixed in position.

At Messrs. Smith's Dock Company's yard on the Tees the Anchor-Brockle-bank liner Mathura, of 9775 tons gross register, and built on the Clyde in 1921, has been shortened by some 37 feet. The surgical operation involved the cutting out of a complete slice immediately aft of the bridge and sliding the forepart back. This was done on launching ways; the 2000 tons were hauled back by electric capstans ;in 50 minutes. The two portions have been 'joined together, and the vessel is expected to be ready for sea very soon; It is believed.that the Mathura is the" first vessel of her size to be shortened; and her example will be followed by three other ships of the same line. In. the present state 'of world -trade, with its quotas, restrictions, and exchange fluctuations, -it would seem that the merchant's transport needs, whether ashore or afloat, are best served on the principle of little and often, and it is probably fel,t that the alteration to the Mathura i» a step towards fulfilling that need..