Dry Dock Update from the Senior Master, Rich Hudson

Repairs and maintenance of the Whatcom Chief are ongoing and are on schedule. At this time, we expect the Whatcom Chief to return to full service on Sunday, May 21st. If that should change, we will send out additional communications.

Some of the highlights from this year’s maintenance period:

• United States Coast Guard (USCG) inspections of the hull and internal compartments passed the examination. This exam keeps us current regarding USCG requirements.
• All critical path work is currently on schedule. This includes re-installing shafts, shaft seals, bearings, props, rudder posts, and rudders. Additionally, there is shaft cooling system maintenance, updating rudder feedback units, an in-frame overhaul of both main engines, top-end tune-ups of both generators, replacement of the throttle actuator box, reduction gear maintenance, spot prepping, and refreshing paint coatings. 

The Whatcom Chief is coming off dry dock and going pier side on Tuesday in preparation for start-up and to continue work. Please check out the annual dry dock webpage for a short slideshow of some pictures taken at the shipyard.

On behalf of the crew, we’re looking forward to a safe transit home on Saturday and returning to full service on Sunday. I appreciate your patience during dry dock. 

Respectfully,

Rich Hudson