Dart 4 Returns To Service Ahead Of Schedule

The 9,088 grt vehicle carrier Dart 4, which is operated by Ropner Shipmanagement (Dartford), suffered contact damage while providing service between Dartford (Kent) and Vlissingen (Holland) carrying cars from the U.K. to the European continent. While it was evident that delays in returning the vessel to service would be costly, A&P Group, on assessment of the damage, immediately transferred the vessel to Chatham, where A&P Shipcare, the specialist running and voyage repair arm of the A&P Group, commenced work on May 31, 2003.

Damage included the vessel's starboard forward hold, an area of approximately 8.5 x 3 m, and two patches measuring approximately 1 sq. m. one frame aft of the main damage. Also damaged, was one area forward on the soft nose in way of the forecastle store, which measured approximately 1.5 x 1 m.

The work was completed on June 6, approximately 16 hours ahead of schedule and to the original repair budget - the vessel returning to service immediately.