Amongst Digital Dry Dock’s latest projects have been a charitable job for the MV Balmoral Trust. With the help of Sunbelt Rentals, who kindly loaned us two Leica RTC360 laser scanners and software licences, we were able to provide the Trust with up-to-date and highly accurate point cloud data and 360 panoramic images to help assist with the management of the vessel moving forward.

VIEW THE DATASET HERE

The MV Balmoral is celebrated as one of the last surviving examples of a traditional British coastal excursion vessel. Its history reflects the changes in British leisure travel over the decades and the challenges of preserving maritime heritage. It was fitting that she should be dry docked in the historically significant Albion Dock in Bristol.

The MV Balmoral Trust is actively working to preserve and restore the vessel so it can be operational again in the near future.

History of MV Balmoral

The MV Balmoral is a historic excursion ship with over seven decades of maritime service.

Construction and early years (1949-1959)

Built in 1949 by the shipbuilding company John I. Thornycroft & Company, her original purpose was as a passenger ferry between Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

Bristol Channel Service (1959-1980s)

After ten years of operation, the ship was purchased by P&A Campbell. The MV Balmoral became a popular vessel for day trips from Bristol to coastal resorts in South Wales and the West of England. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s she was well-known to holidaymakers looking for short cruises.

Withdrawal and rescue (1980s-1990s)

With the decline of passenger numbers on ferry excursions, the ship was withdrawn from service in 1980 and used temporarily as a floating restaurant. In the late 1980s, the MV Balmoral was saved from potential scrappage by the charity Waverley Steam Navigation Co., who saw value in preserving the vessel as a heritage excursion ship.

Return to service (1990s-2000s)

Following significant restoration work, MV Balmoral resumed a schedule of coastal excursions around the UK in the mid-1990s. However, mounting financial and operational challenges have led to several temporary withdrawals from service.

Current status

Since 2017 MV Balmoral has been moored alongside at Bristol Harbourside near the SS Great Britain. She has a growing roster of educational activities onboard, becoming a floating classroom and interactive environment for schools in the region. In recent years the future of MV Balmoral has become uncertain, and the MV Balmoral Trust is doing great work to preserve the ship, alongside public support and Heritage Lottery funding grants.

Why donate 3D digital scans to an out-of-service vessel?

After some years out of action, we hope to assist the MV Balmoral Trust to get the ship back in commercial sea-going classification in line with MCA (Maritime Coastguard Agency) regulations.

Over four hours Digital Dry Dock was able to provide full survey data, including 131 scans and 1.1 billion data points.

This data can be used to update all ships plans, including the General Arrangement Plan and the Fire and Safety Plan, so that the vessel can become operational. Scans can also be used to model the hull and used to predict her stability to get a new stability book.

Get involved

If you’d like to visit the MV Balmoral or contribute to the restoration and preservation of this historic vessel, there are regular volunteering days and opportunities to donate.

If you’re interested in our 3D digital imaging services, please get in touch or visit our website to learn more.

The post M.V. Balmoral – Digital Dry Dock – 3D Laser Scanning for Maritime Heritage appeared first on Digital Dry Dock Ltd.

Why ornamental half models?

Originally used by shipyards to communicate design features to vessel owners before they were made, half hull models are often found mounted on a board. They are exact scale replicas of one half of the ship’s hull, without the rigging or other fixtures. Whilst today boats are designed using computer modelling, half hull models are often still built as nautical art after the boat is completed. They may also be used in competitive sailing as trophies, or as gifts for sponsors or commercial owners. For some, half hull models are also seen as collector items, with some fetching extremely high prices on the market.

Digital Solutions for Displaying Naval Architecture

Digital Dry Dock can quickly produce a digital half hull model from any vessel’s point cloud or 3D scan data. Depending on the purpose of the model there is the option to either CNC mill or 3D print them from a range of materials.

When requested for decorative purposes, we can CNC mill the designs from wood, to provide an elegant, solid and quality replica. There are a range of finishes which can be provided, or the finish can be left ‘raw’ for finishing by the boat owner if required.

In the instances where half hull models are still used for design concepts, there is the option to 3D print the hulls at a significantly lesser cost. This can help with visualising design features, particularly when the appearance of the vessel is priority, without spending more than is necessary.

Alternatively, we can supply just the digital half hull model should the customer want to find their own route to manufacture or where digital visualisation is enough.

Results

Regardless of finish, all half hull models are exceptionally accurate to-scale replicas of vessels, which can be provided with a quick turnaround.  Our scanning technology makes creating a 3D half model a relatively quick and easy process, particularly when compared with traditional methods of working from manual measurements.

CNC Milling of Wood laminate method.

If you’re interested in a half model design concept or replica of your vessel, get in touch at info@digitaldrydock.co.uk to see how we can create one for you.

The post Digital Solutions for Naval Architecture 3 – Creating Ornamental Half Models appeared first on Digital Dry Dock Ltd.

The post Butler’s Wooden Boats appeared first on Digital Dry Dock Ltd.

Tech used – 3D Laser Scanner

Date – Nov 2020

Project – Malpas (Heather Island) Quay Restoration Survey

The purpose of this survey was to document and measure the remains of the derelict quay off Heather Island in Malpas. The owners of this quay, Heather Island Preservation Group, are looking into the viability of a complete restoration of the quay.

This project gave the building contractors all the required information to facilitate an accurate quotation and estimate for the works.

Testimonial –

“Embarking upon an ambitious project to restore an ancient Cornish Quay, I  contacted Oliver at Digital Dry Dock for help and advice. He freely gave both in a helpful manner, suggesting the first step to determine feasibility would be to  undertake a Laser Scan Survey. Upon my consent he swiftly organised  this, arriving two days later with the complex equipment needed for the task.  The area in question is difficult to access and subject to tidal and tricky geographical considerations requiring Oliver to work under difficult underfoot conditions on uncertain rocky terrain. This did not faze him in the slightest and he carried out the work with diligence and precision in a calm, measured way which put me at ease. The end result was quickly delivered to me comprising the full Laser Scan Survey, a comprehensive written report and much useful and practical advice on how best to further proceed.

I simply cannot recommend Digital Dry Dock highly enough for their experienced, knowledgeable and professional approach and diligent execution of a difficult task. I would say the cost was most reasonable given the high levels of service, skill and advice tendered. I recommend Digital Dry Dock wholeheartedly and unreservedly.”

John Henwood – Heather Island Preservation Group Ltd.

The post Heather Island Preservation Group appeared first on Digital Dry Dock Ltd.