The Army Corps Dredge CURRITUCK is currently at Memphis District’s world class Ensley Engineer Yard where it’s getting a $9.6 million makeover by a team of master craftsmen.
This 18-month overhaul project includes replating of the hull and repairing significant structural damage found when hull plating was removed; fabrication of a new pilot house, deck house, fuel tanks, and two winch houses.
The project also calls for complete rewiring of the vessel; installation of new fuel lines, dredge lines, hydraulic lines, potable water system, generators, motors, z-drive propulsion units, and marine sanitation device; replacement of damaged structural members and bumper rails all the way around; realigning the entire vessel; and completely sandblasting and painting it.
According to the Corps, the last few weeks’ worth of work focused on completing the pilot and deck house. The team intends to turn it over to be painted by the end of this week.
“Now, the team is working on mounting fuel tanks, modifying doorways, as well as putting up handrails and stairwells. They also worked on putting on some finishing touches so the painters can paint the entire pilot and deckhouse without needing to come back for unfinished portions later,” said Welder Joey Cabay .
The completed project will return the CURRITUCK to its vital mission of dredging the shallow-draft ocean bar channels along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida.