The steel and aluminium structure of Scillonian IV is now over 95% complete, with all the main hull units fabricated. The cargo hatches, bow bulwark, funnels and radar mast, are all currently under construction in the fabrication workshops.

While the main hull continues to take shape in the building dock, three large mega blocks – MB03, MB05, and the bow megablock are being constructed on the dockside. These blocks, made up of multiple units, have been moved to the dockside to undergo outfitting including piping, ventilation, cable trays, blasting and painting.

MB03 and MB05 will be integrated with the main hull after the installation of  the major components of machinery into the engine room. This is made possible via a ‘soft patch’ – a removable section of deck above the machinery space that allows equipment to be craned into place and welded shut after installation.

So far, the following equipment has been successfully installed:

• Main engines and gearboxes
• Intermediate tailshafts
• Venitlation fans and trunking
• All three generator sets
• Both Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust treatment units
• Sewage treatment and vacuum toilet systems
• Refrigeration units for cold storage
• Air conditioning system
• Domestic hot water tanks (calorifiers) and air receivers

Mounting and alignment of these systems is ongoing.

At the bow, mega block integration is progressing steadily. This block is also being outfitted on the dockside and will be blasted and painted before final integration – scheduled to happen after Menawethan is launched in the autumn, freeing space in the dock.

Substantial progress continues with the manufacture and installation of pipework, cable trays, structural penetrations, and ventilation ducts.

Windows and portholes