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Quicksilver VIII takes a BOW

In an engineering first for the Quicksilver Group, the flagship vessel Quicksilver VIII with her bow dipping into the water and engines in the air, was a rare sight in the Meridian Marina at Port Douglas recently.

The innovative procedure, in which the centre bow of the 45 metre Wavepiercer was filled with water to raise the stern of the vessel out of the water, facilitated access to one of the main engine drive lines undergoing maintenance.

Peter Price Quicksilver Group Engineering Manager said, “The ability to do this was only possible due to the four new generation engines placed into Quicksilver VIII in July of last year which resulted in an 8 tonne weight reduction. By filling a void in the centre bow with water we were able to lift the stern of the vessel.”

This maintenance was completed with a crew of 6 engineering staff under the direction of Anthony “Nobby” Noble in one day, instead of what ordinarily would have required taking the vessel to slip in Cairns and being out of operation for 3 days.

“The cost savings to our operation was in excess of $20,000, so not only are her new engines more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly reducing emissions by 20%, we are also saving on maintenance costs.”

Tony Baker, Quicksilver Group Managing Director said the technique devised by the engineering team is testament to a culture of innovation and their expertise.