SeaKing Upgrades Historic Lake District Steamer

SeaKing Electrical completed an upgrade project involving historic 142-ft., 251-ton Lake District steamer MV Teal, a Windermere Lake Cruises project that involved a range of repairs and upgrades to the three-deck passenger ferry during its winter layup period.

SeaKing Electrical business development manager Neil Mellenchip said the 31-day project required careful planning around a broader asbestos removal process.

MV Teal was built in 1936 by Vickers of Barrow. It carries up to 533 passengers operating alongside sister steamers MV Swan and MV Tern on Lake Windermere.

“We began by disconnecting the 440V switchboard and removing all deckhead and bulkhead fittings to prepare the engine room for specialists to carry out the asbestos removal,” said Mellenchip. “New insulation was then reinstated by one of our regular supply chain partners and fellow Merseyside marine specialist IPS Marine Fabrication. Following this process SeaKing’s own installation team began to repair and contain cabling which was damaged during the asbestos removal process. The vessel’s switchboards were then reconnected and tested.

"SeaKing engineers delivered a series of other small works including the installation of new battery boxes for the port and starboard generators and main engines. They also installed 14 LED fittings and two emergency light units to the engine room. New optical smoke detector heads were also installed while the fire detection panel was reconfigured to accommodate the new smoke detection heads. We phased engineers in throughout the project depending on requirements using up to five specialists at the busiest points,” said Mellenchip.

MV Teal is manned by seven crew and can reach a speed of 10 knots with its two 6-cylinder Kelvin diesel engines and two auxiliary generators. It offers passengers scenic views across England’s longest lake combining with other attractions.