TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale Assisted in
Cruise Ship Stabilizer Repair
As passing Boaters observed the unusual operation alongside a large cruise ship in Port Everglades they could only see 4 large yellow objects being towed alongside the ship. What they could not see was the 30' long by 12' wide, 40,000 pound cruise ship stabilizer that had been removed for repair by the crew of Miami Divers.
Stabilizers are typically repaired while the vessel is dry docked. In this case, the stabilizer was removed while moored at Port Everglades by a commercial dive team. TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale was tasked with towing the harnessed stabilizer from beneath the ship without damaging the stabilizer or the cruise ship while being careful not to injure the divers in the water. Captain Travis Basom was directed to take up a light strain on the tow line perpendicular to the ship while maintaining position within the current as shown in the photo above. He recalled, "If I didn't keep my boat properly positioned, the operation may not have been a success so I was careful to follow the technicians instructions to the tee." He towed the stabilizer alongside the ship in 45' deep water for 1/4 mile to a land based crane positioned in front of the cruise ship. Captain Basom had to maintain his position again while the crane's hook was attached to a lifting harness rigged to the stabilizer by divers and successfully hoisted from the water to be transported for repair. When the repairs were complete one week later, TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale returned the stabilizer to the stern of the cruise ship for reinstallation performing the entire operation in reverse. TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale assisted with the stabilizer repair process under the direction of Miami Divers. "Our captains receive recurring training to increase their ability to perform everyday tasks as well as tasks that are out of the ordinary even in the most adverse conditions. We train them to foresee situations before they occur. Also, the ultimate success of any job may hinge on our captains ability to carefully follow our customers' directions," Kevin Collins, Director of Operations, stated while commending his crew. "These guys really take pride in getting it right!"
TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale is adept at solving problems for their customers on difficult operations like the one illustrated here. Other examples of services that they have been contracted to perform in the past include placement of Yokahama fenders prior to Navy ships mooring during fleet week. They have also assisted with the retrieval of a cable from the floor of the Port that was dragged by a ship from the anchorage to a petroleum berth. Whatever your need may be, TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale is capable of providing solutions to your problems. Their 24 hour dispatch is standing by to answer your questions and requests for service. To learn more about their capabilities, please visit their website at www.towboatusftlauderdale.com.
