COASTERS & OTHER SHIPS REVIVED

Here as the GEMINUS on the 11th May 2000 outbound Delfzijl.
Photo:Frits Olinga-Delfzijl

Source:Frits Olinga-Delfzijl
Built by Scheepswerven West-Vlaamse NV., Oostkamp, Belgium, Yard-No.C69
BRT 474 NRT 246 DWT 564 – Loa.55.01m – 52.47 x 7.16 x 3.00m – Dg.2.42m
Engine:Stork-Werkspoor type:RH0216K 4 stroke 6 cyl.(210×300), 500 bhp, 10 kn
Launched:07-12-1971.Delivered: -12-1971
1971 DOLFIJN R.Schuring, Nld.(as inland cargo vessel.)
1973 DOLFIJN R.Schuuring Rotterdam, Nld.(PIFF) (as seagoing vessel.)
1975 VERITAS J.Switinck, Harlingen, Nld.
1979 BORNRIF H.Schurinck, Delfzijl, Nld.(PDFG)
1983 ZUIDERZEE J.G.W.M.Sieberg, Rotterdam, Nld.(PIYW)
1985 GEMINUS J.L.A.M.Wildenbeest, Rotterdam, Nld.(PEHG)
17-02-2003 GEMINUS Riversea Trading, Runcorn, Gbr.
2005 In use as GEMINUS under Nld.-flag between Liverpool and Manchester.
Dec.2007 PORT TRAFFORD Tae Marine Gibraltae, Gib.(2ASJ2)
*01-05-2008 POLLA ROSE Thames Shipping, Ltd., London, Gbr.
*Status of ship:In Service.Last update:19-10-2011
*Equasis
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New cargo vessel for River Thames
01 Sep 2008
A newly introduced cargo vessel has appeared on the Thames serving a wharf upriver of the Barrier.
The Polla Rose  is a 37year old Dutch built shortsea/river trader operated by Thames Shipping Ltd, a new subsidiary of Euromix Concrete. The vessel carries aggregates into Mohawk Wharf, Silvertown from JJ Prior’s quarry at Fingringhoe, Essex.

Polla Rose was given her MCA ticket in early July, following which the crew made a series of runs up and down the river so that both her skippers, Lewis Brown and Mark Lee, could earn their pilot exemption certificates.

The 1971 built vessel was built by Scheepswerven West-Vlaamse, Oostkamp, and measures 55m LOA with a 7.1m beam and maximum draft of 3m. The tonnage is 476gt/ 580 dwt with the current load line, although a summer deadweight of 600 to 700 tons should be achieved with a new ticket.

Previously named Geminus, the vessel was found by the skippers on the Manchester Ship Canal, where it was being advertised for sale as a possible houseboat conversion. It had been working there since 2002 in the inland grain trade for E Muller. Although it had originally been classed to work up to 50 miles offshore, the vessel was out of class and in May this year it was towed round to the Acorn shipyard in Rochester by the Griffin tug Princeton for a minimal refit, survey and MCA inspection.

The vessel was in remarkably good condition, as Lewis Brown said. ‘The only work needed was some double plating on the ballast line, replacing the forward accommodation ceiling, a general overhaul of the engines, replacing one generator and servicing the other two, some rewiring, testing and a general spruce up to get things ready for the hull inspection, renewing safety equipment, basic health and safety and paperwork needed for a load line exemption in confined waters.

‘She is a beautiful boat, she can swing in her own length. Up the Colne at Fingringhoe (where the river is narrow and congested) it can get interesting, because of her length, added Brown, who used to work for JJ Prior . ‘And we are very pleased with the accommodation, with three double cabins and all the modern conveniences.’

The vessel was renamed after the owner’s daughter and re-registered in London. The distinctive grey and yellow colour scheme has been retained. With two separate three man crews working one week on and one off, the intention is to work the Polla Rose round the clock seven days a week.

The round trip from the River Colne to London and back will take 36 hours as they will sit out one tide in London while discharging. Lewis Brown added, ‘As the last grab is taken she touches the ground.’ With practice it may be possible to speed up this process and turn around on the same tide.

Mohawk Wharf was previously used for paper waste. It is the primary wharf for Thames Shipping but the company is optimistic about the potential for river traffic in London and will be hoping to expand.
Source:http://www.maritimejournal.com/news101/new_cargo_vessel_for_river_thames