Fish Report for 3-31-2012
Royal Star Fish Report
3-31-2012
Royal Star
March 31, 2012
Well I suppose it is time to reveal the big maintenance project we are presently engaged in on Royal Star. Perhaps the most politically correct way to characterize it is that our re-power with brand new, state of the art machinery three years prior didn't work out as planned.
The main engines in our vessels are akin to the heart in our bodies - everything relies on the sound function of this centerpiece. For us Captain's, who travel thousands of miles at sea bearing the responsibility for any and every outcome, even a question about the mechanical heart of our vessel, even an inkling of doubt, is a cancerous seed of thought; and an even worse reality to balance our entire professional lives on.
Taking this into account, and as everyone reading can certainly imagine much, much more, Randy, Brian, and I made the difficult decision last October to move forward with another full re-power of Royal Star. While this option was the least desirable, all others were exhausted. After only three years we are again replacing our machinery - new main engines, new transmissions, new shafts, re- conditioned propellers - the works.
If there was ever any question in the minds of Royal Star customers about our dedication to the mechanical side of our operation this should erase any doubt. Once again Randy, Brian, and I are performing the vast majority of the work designing, fabricating, and installing all supporting systems. In addition to enjoying this kind of major mechanical challenge, our full participation pays big dividends when trouble shooting and/or repairs at sea are necessary. Every nut and bolt, every plumbing system, every electrical connection, every weld has our signature on it; and it is a good thing.
Today's photos feature a few highlights from the first week of the project that is proceeding on schedule. The old units are out, the new are in, and we are well on our way to having them up and running within the next few days. Enjoy these images and look for more as the project continues.
Tim Ekstrom
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Well I suppose it is time to reveal the big maintenance project we are presently engaged in on Royal Star. Perhaps the most politically correct way to characterize it is that our re-power with brand new, state of the art machinery three years prior didn't work out as planned.
The main engines in our vessels are akin to the heart in our bodies - everything relies on the sound function of this centerpiece. For us Captain's, who travel thousands of miles at sea bearing the responsibility for any and every outcome, even a question about the mechanical heart of our vessel, even an inkling of doubt, is a cancerous seed of thought; and an even worse reality to balance our entire professional lives on.
Taking this into account, and as everyone reading can certainly imagine much, much more, Randy, Brian, and I made the difficult decision last October to move forward with another full re-power of Royal Star. While this option was the least desirable, all others were exhausted. After only three years we are again replacing our machinery - new main engines, new transmissions, new shafts, re- conditioned propellers - the works.
If there was ever any question in the minds of Royal Star customers about our dedication to the mechanical side of our operation this should erase any doubt. Once again Randy, Brian, and I are performing the vast majority of the work designing, fabricating, and installing all supporting systems. In addition to enjoying this kind of major mechanical challenge, our full participation pays big dividends when trouble shooting and/or repairs at sea are necessary. Every nut and bolt, every plumbing system, every electrical connection, every weld has our signature on it; and it is a good thing.
Today's photos feature a few highlights from the first week of the project that is proceeding on schedule. The old units are out, the new are in, and we are well on our way to having them up and running within the next few days. Enjoy these images and look for more as the project continues.
Tim Ekstrom
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
Photo Here...
