Docks in Hellevoetsluis.

On 3 March, 3 lectures were held at the Droogdok Jan Blanken in Hellevoetsluis. A historic place, with a unique, (still working) masonry dry dock.

The first lecture was given by Taco Mesdag, a former captain and pilot, who has studied the history of the Droogdok. He gave what was being done back then, based on the docking of two ships around 1850. The two ships (a brig and a steam racer-sailer) had to be docked and repaired. The work was described through a contract and, in fact, there was not such a tremendous difference in what was done at the beginning of the industrial revolution from what is done today. Of course, the steam engines of the time were particularly inefficient, manpower was particularly cheap, and there were a number of problems, which we are not familiar with today, but the profession has not changed substantially since 1850.

The second lecture was on the history of Kèppel Verolme. Mr Jan van der Slik (Operation Manager Projects at Kèppel Verolme) eagerly recounted how the visionary Cornelis Verolme, with a trade school education, managed to establish a new-building and repair yard on the island of Rozenburg thanks to his vision (and a great network) and how, thanks to continually adapting to the demands of the time, this yard still counts on a global level today.

This dovetailed seamlessly with the story of Wim Pruijssers, (senior Project Manager at Kèppel Verolme) how Kèppel Verolme won the order to provide the Oasis of the Seas with a new main engine in 13 days, and in the meantime, with some 3,700 extra men, the ship's interior was also violently rebuilt. This was certainly no sinecure, given all the safety, security and logistical measures that had to be taken. In addition, an extremely difficult technical job had to be done (e.g. moving a 30-ton engine into place, with only a few centimetres of space, without damage. The fact that some people did not comply with the Working Hours Act and that the Dutch press paid extensive attention to this, does not detract from this great piece of Dutch craftsmanship.

In short, an evening with 3 great lectures.

Description

The Maintenance Department, in cooperation with the Stichting Droogdok Jan Blanken, is organising an evening of interesting lectures.

A special programme component has been added especially and exclusively for the Maintenance Department.

Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for networking while enjoying a drink.

The meeting starts at 19.00 hrs.
Participation is free of charge. Members of the Maintenance Department will receive priority registration. Becoming a member of the Maintenance Department will cost KIVI members a maximum of €2.50 per year.

Location

Visitor Centre 'Droogdok Jan Blanken

Dokweg 5, 3221 AE Hellevoetsluis

Organiser

Maintenance

Name and contact details for information

Arie Quik

arie.quik@qed.nl