MADONNA CONSTRUCTION - WINDING DOWN - 34.0

Pilot house console is in finishing stages but with a substantial amount
of wiring for switches and controls yet to be finished.
(All photos by Rich Ellefson/WIFL)

DETROIT HARBOR, WASHINGTON ISLAND -

Here we are in early June, and the ten-month-long construction project of the ferry Madonna at the Sturgeon Bay Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding facility is
nearing the final stages. Engines and shipboard systems are ready to be energized and tested.  Those evolutions will take place at pier side this coming week.

Once those accomplishments and adjustments have met with approvals, the new Washington Island Ferry Madonna should be cleared for underway sea trials.

A small winch and the block above it, shackled to
the ramp king post, are pieces of gear used in
assisting crew in a "man overboard" situation.
Ore boat moored in background is one of several
Great Lakes bulk carriers returned to port
during this prolonged economic slow down.

There is still, undeniably, a ways to go.  Wrinkles along the way can be expected, a part of such a project with this many pieces.  We're optimistically looking for a delivery sometime in the week of June 22.




 When will the Madonna be accepted by and then delivered to Washington Island Ferry Line?

Soon.  Very soon!

This set-up is for flushing and pressure testing the
various hydraulic lines.   (I had mistakenly indicated
in my first caption that it was for flushing the fuel tank: Not so!) 
Hydraulic valves and pumps operate under pressure of at least
several hundred pounds.  Small particles or slivers of metal
can ruin close tolerance ports.

-  Dick Purinton

The ship's anchoring system, like man overboard
equipment, must be examined and proven effective  to
a U. S. Coast Guard Marine Inspection
Office representative.

Graduated fuel level stick.

Just before sunup Thursday morning, a fuel truck dropped in a load of fuel to the 
freshly cleaned and calibrated fuel tank. This will enable start-up of generators
and main engines over the next few work days.

Shiny aluminum deck plates span framing
and provide safe engine room walkways.
Racor fuel filters are mounted at left.

Ramp hydraulics are connected and
ready for testing.