Problem
The Navy’s two flagship aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth, both needed painting whilst afloat in Portsmouth. These painting works included providing painters with access under the ship’s bow where a significant overhang prevents the use of other access systems. BAE, who managed the works, set very high standards of safety and before we were awarded the works we had to provide full designs, stability and structural assessments, an independent Cat 3 check, lift plan and a full and very detailed set of RAMS.
Solution
Working with our partner Denholm Industrial, we provided:
– An 8m x 6.4m ScaffFloat with 2 x 60hp high thrust outboards giving 0.8t of bollard pull and a 5 knot service speed.
– A skipper and crew to operate the pontoon and give painters access to first paint the boot top, and then with the addition of a tower, paint the area under the bow where there was a significant overhang which made other access options unviable.
