VESSEL REFIT | Resolute – Bermuda government ferry re-enters service following upgrades

One of two high-speed passenger catamarans delivered by US-based Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding to the Government of Bermuda in 2002 recently returned to service following a compete refit. Operated by the country's Ministry of Transport under the SeaExpress brand, the 84- by 30-foot (27.7- by 9.2-metre), 250-passenger Resolute has received a number of upgrades to improve its performance, enhance the degree of comfort offered by its onboard accommodations, and extend its service life.

Among the numerous items that were removed, repaired, or replaced were the vessel's twin 956hp (712kW) MTU 12V2000 engines. These were replaced with new 1,205hp (898kW) MTU 10V2000M72 engines along with associated controls and monitoring systems. With new mechanical and electrical support systems, shafts, seals and bearings, the engines are paired with new ZF gears to turn five-bladed NiBrAl propellers.

Each of the two catamaran hulls is now also equipped with a Northern Lights 40kW generator, along with upgraded mechanical and electrical support systems. The existing hydraulic steering was replaced with a Kobelt hydraulic system. Gladding-Hearn said the repowered ferry now has a service speed of 27 knots with a fully-loaded deadweight of 20 tonnes at a conservative 85 per cent power.

The passenger accommodations were completely refreshed and updated. In the main cabin with seating for 110 passengers, the Beurteaux seats were reupholstered, interior bulkheads relined, and the carpeting replaced. New Dampa Marine ceiling tiles replaced the old linear panel ceiling, while all the windows were also replaced.

Throughout the vessel the AC and DC lighting were replaced with LED lighting. The existing 150,000Btu HVAC system received new condensers and evaporators. The two passenger heads were completely refitted with upgraded fixtures and linings, and the black- and grey-water-holding capacities were increased to comply with zero discharge requirements.

On the partially-covered upper deck, the 98 passenger seats were removed and reupholstered. An integrated audio/visual passenger information system was installed in the passenger accommodation spaces, and a CCTV security system was also fitted to enable the crew to monitor the entire vessel from the wheelhouse.

The added electronics and equipment include a Simrad GPS/radar, a Kongsberg AIS, and a Furuno loudhailer. Lastly, vessel's exterior paint was completely recoated with a new livery.

Serenity, Resolute's sister vessel, has been delivered to Gladding-Hearn's facilities for the same types of upgrades. The shipyard said that completion of these upgrades is scheduled before the end of March 2022. As is the case with Resolute, Serenity's refit is being managed on behalf of the Bermuda Government by its Marine and Port Services staff and inspected to Lloyd's Register class.