Marine Railway Survey and Inspection Led to the Revival of Lunenburg Shipyard

INDUSTRY:
Marine/Shipyard

TYPE OF WORK:
Marine railway inspection, surveying, shipyard inspection, maintain, upgrades

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We needed to find the right partner to allow us to get in there and become operational. But can you go in and spend $2 million on an old railway that may or may not be the long term solution? It just wasn’t feasible, so we engaged with Enginuity, and analysed everything and decided the 1200 ton was the first one to get operational. We hauled a tall ship in the fall and then a trawler and we see a busy spring ahead!

Captain Bradison Boutilier, Owner
Lunenburg Shipyard

About the Client

Lunenburg Shipyard

Lunenburg Shipyard is nestled in the picturesque town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The shipyard is famous for the crucial role it historically played in Nova Scotia’s shipbuilding industry, most notably as the birthplace of the iconic Bluenose.

The shipyard has recently come under new ownership, and a concerted effort is being made to restore the shipyard to its original operational conditions, focusing on shipyard maintenance and marine railway installation.

Understanding the Problem

The Challenge

As a commercial operation, the Lunenburg Shipyard was not viable. After years of neglect, the marine railways had rusted and were in disrepair. The new owner wished to restore the shipyard to its original functioning grandeur. The state of the marine railway was uninsurable, as it was not known what load the roller and cradle structure could safely handle.

There were three key components of the structure to be inspected: the concrete, the wooden piles, and the steel rails. These inspections would be crucial in determining the viability of the marine railway installation.

Solving the Challenge

The Solution

Due to the complexity of the problem and the variety of components to be assessed, different skill sets were needed. Enginuity coordinated a contingent of three different disciplines: weld inspectors, civil engineers, and commercial divers. The Enginuity-led team inspected the concrete footing and caste rebar, looking for cracks, while also examining the coastal infrastructure to locate it in space, so that a new structure could potentially be dropped in place.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) was performed using ultrasound. Surveying and measurement of the whole assembly indicated substantial corrosion and varying thickness of the railway components. This assessment included a detailed rail corrosion assessment and rail inspection and maintenance.

The data was brought back to the Enginuity facility. By using hand calculations, finite elements, and survey data, a new load model was determined. This model was essential for planning the marine railway installation and ensuring the structure’s integrity for marine rail winch operations.

Summarizing the Outcome

The Conclusion

After a thorough inspection and assessment of the marine railway, a new safe operational working load limit was determined. These figures allowed the operator to satisfy insurance requirements. This comprehensive work allowed the client to immediately begin operations and generate a return on their investment.

Furthermore, with the shipyard now in operation, the owner could begin to offer employment to the local workforce, adding new jobs to the community that had been lost for a generation.

The project also showcased Enginuity’s capability in shipyard engineering services, providing robust solutions for dockyard maintenance, marine anchor winch installations, and ensuring the long-term viability of marine railway systems.

Read the Impact

Ports of Confidence: The Engineering of Economic Development

Key Takeaways

Efficient Infrastructure Survey

Surveying and examination of existing infrastructure allowed operator to operate without further capital investment.

Immediate Trade Approval

Insurance requirements were satisfied allowing the client to immediately begin doing trade

On-Time, On-Budget

High level project management ensured disciplines and trades remained on time and on budget.

Applying Expertise to Marine Railway Systems and Shipyard Maintenance

The Lunenburg Shipyard project showcases our ability to enhance operational efficiency, ensure structural integrity, and drive productivity in the maritime industry. By identifying structural weaknesses and providing tailored solutions, we restored the shipyard’s marine railway system to full operational capacity.

The strategies implemented can be adapted to improve:

Marine Railway Installation: Design and install marine railway systems tailored to shipyard needs, ensuring smooth operations and high safety standards.
Marine Railway Inspection: Conduct thorough inspections to assess the condition of existing railway systems, identifying maintenance or upgrade needs.
Shipyard Maintenance: Optimize maintenance processes, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure the longevity of shipyard infrastructure.
Marine Anchor Winch: Integrate advanced marine anchor winch systems to improve vessel handling and docking efficiency.
Dockyard Maintenance: Provide comprehensive maintenance services to ensure the dockyard remains in optimal condition, supporting various maritime activities.
Boat House Rail System: Design and install efficient rail systems for boathouses, ensuring easy and safe vessel storage.
Float Plane Rail System: Develop specialized rail systems for float planes, facilitating smooth and safe operations in maritime environments.

Our comprehensive range of services, including mechanical design, industrial automation, safety engineering, and manufacturing support, ensures that every aspect of your shipyard and maritime operations is optimized for efficiency and quality. These services allow us to provide holistic solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring seamless integration and maximum performance.