Latest update March 28th, 2025 12:10 AM
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$20M in repairs to be carried out on ferry-damaged Supenaam
Authorities are set to start repairs of the Supenaam stelling, Region Two, which suffered extensive
T&HD’s head,
Marcelene Merchant
when the ferry, M.V Sabanto, slammed into it back in July.
According to a statement from Government yesterday, a number of defective timber piles, badly damaged beams and steel plates will all be targeted for repairs.
General Manager of Transport and Harbours Department, Marcelene Merchant, explained that that the link span steel access bridge and steel pontoon incurred heavy structural damage.
Eight major structural steel beams and other steel members of the link span bridge have been damaged beyond repair.
Merchant further explained that there are 10 defective timber piles of the existing defective clusters that are to be cut off at the lowest tide. Ten timber piles which make up the new clusters are then to be re-driven and strapped.
Eight badly damaged beams are to be removed and replaced with new ones for the structural damage to the link span bridge. Defective vertical and diagonal steel ties and braces are also to be removed and replaced while the link span bridge will be realigned into position.
Damaged steel plates from the collision will be removed and replaced and structural framing of the pontoon will be reinforced. Major repairs and modification works will be undertaken in vital areas of the primary and secondary link span support that are damaged, Merchant highlighted.
In July, the M.V Sabanto collided with the Supenaam Stelling whilst trying to moor. When an assessment team visited the location to assess the damage to the facility, it was discovered that the vessel did not sustain major structural damage in the collision.
Rather, it was found that the vessel had collided with the cluster piles, which cushioned the impact, but unfortunately all the momentum was transferred to the pontoon and link span bridge causing severe damage, Merchant explained.
A portion of the concrete decking of the stelling has also been critically damaged due to the heavy impact, as has the catwalk, which is to be reconstructed and reinstalled. All the repairs will be carried out to the value of $20M.
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