MADONNA CONSTRUCTION - 33.0

Madonna engine room with pump switch boxes, upper left,
and wiring still to be connected. (Rich Ellefson photos)

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

One of the more interesting things to observe over a period of several months' construction is how the many pieces and parts, and skills and know-how of the builders, come together.  What seems at times a maze of wires, piping, and materials, gains order day-by-day until it becomes a workable (and one could almost say, "living") vessel.

In today's post, Rich Ellefson's photos show what to the casual observer's eye is still apparent chaos.  And yet, it will soon be sorted out, put in place.  Within another three weeks, this vessel will be underway, sea trialed, and delivered.

The photo above shows the Madonna after deck, with various fluids soon to be introduced into the ship.  Red barrels hold lube oil for engines and gears.  Black barrels hold coolant for the engine cooling loops, having special additives to reduce internal corrosion.  The red barrels hold hydraulic oil for various pumps and systems including steering and ramps.  The six boxes in the foreground are welding machines.  Deck fans--one is at lower left--help ventilate below deck spaces and bring fresh air to workers.

Passen ger cabin finish work continues. A filler product has
been added to level and smooth the steel deck inside
cabin.

Hydraulic manifold for fire and ramp systems.   

This morning, Thursday May 28 according to Rich Ellefson, the Madonna will be towed by tug from one berth to another, making room for another of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding's projects, a vessel for Interlake.  Remaining finish work for our ferry will take place at berth #2, at the south end of the shipyard.

Within the next week or so, a truck load of diesel fuel will be dropped into the fuel tank, after which generators can be started.  Main engine start-up will follow a bit later.  For safety reasons, fuel will not be introduced to the fuel tank and engine room lines until hot work there has been completed.


- Dick Purinton