Willem van der Zwan

 

On 30 January 2007 fire broke out on one of the largest fishing vessels of the Dutch fleet, the "Willem van der Zwan". The vessel burnt out completely and was declared total loss a few weeks later.

Willem van der Zwan

The 'From wreck to riches video'

 

Monday 18 February 2008 the vessel moored at Scheldepoort to be completely renovated. First all re-usable parts were removed, after which the demolition of the burnt top construction of the ship began.

 

 February 2008

 

 

  March and April 2008

 

 

 

After the rough demolition works alongside had been finished, the vessel was docked in the covered drydock at the yard. Because the vessel was in the covered drydock, accommodation, ship's shell and decks could be removed.

 

May 2008

 

 

 June 2008

 

 

After the vessel was cleaned, the re-building started. Various parts of the vessel have been replaced in large sections.

 

 July 2008 

 

 

 August and September 2008

 

 

All major parts of the vessel, such as accommodation, decks and shell have been put back, as well as the overhauled engines. Within a few weeks the vessel will leave the dock to be finished alongside one of the yard's quays. Then the fish processing equipment and accommodation will be fitted up.

 

October and November 2008

 

 

December 2008 and January 2009

 

 

"Willem van der Zwan" moored alongside the quay at Scheldepoort. Clearly visible are the new and remaining hull and accommodation sections. During the coming months, Scheldepoort will continue with assembling activities of the fish factory and engine room.   

 

February and March 2009

 

 

April 2009

 

 

After the paint work the "Willem van der Zwan" looks like new again.  In the same docking the propellor shaft was fitted back in to position.

 

May and June 2009

  

 

During this period the electrical installation of the new winches on board was finished. Furthermore the navigation and other bridge equipment was installed.

 

 July and August 2009

  

 

The accommodation of the ship was completed with new equipment and interior. The fish factory was finalized before commisioning.

 

September and October 2009

 

 

In the final phase of the rebuild, the ship had a seatrial during which the manoeuvring tests were executed. With good results!

 

November 2009

 

 

Within 21 months Scheldepoort completed the rebuilding of the "Willem van der Zwan". On November 9th the ship left the yard to go fishing again. Scheldepoort wishes to thank the owner for granting this challenging order and only because of good cooperation this project has been succesfully completed.