Moving a Seventy Ton, Eighty Foot Long Vessel

Shifting a seventy ton, eighty foot long vessel requires a significant logistics effort. 

Although it was thought that HDML 1321 to be out of trouble with a place to go for restorations to be undertaken, getting her there has proven to be far more challenging then any one would have suspected.

A crane was secured and then it was no longer available due to it being required at a paying job. Hopes for assistance with her relocation from other avenues were also dashed.

Despite some concern that her shoreline position may not be secure in poor weather, HDML 1321 has stayed steadfast despite all the crazy weather being reported in the news, including a cyclone, Darwin Earthquake and a Solomon Island quake which triggered widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific.

HDML 1321 Condition

The Superstructure

• The superstructure was not part of HDML 1321's wartime configuration.
• After spending a month on the bottom of the ocean the superstructure was in poor condition. 
• The superstructure adds to the difficulty of lifting the vessel by crane for the relocation due to both it's weight and height. 

The Hull

The hull appears to be in reasonable condition, however is partially filled with mud.

The Engines

• The engines are extremely heavy.
• One of the engines has come loose and is in an unknown position within the hull. 
• The loose engine makes for internal work and investigations of the hull more dangerous, best mitigated by placing her upon a hardstand. 

Lifting HDML 1321

Lifting HDML 1321 requires a large crane. A suitable crane was secured but then was no longer available which meant the King Tide date of 14 December passed. A smaller crane was brought in. 

Taking all of this into consideration the superstructure was removed on the 20 December in preparation for a lift the following morning.

On the 21 December high winds meant the lift had to be delayed to the following day. 

The positioning of the crane relative to the ship was not ideal, however was the best possible location considering the surrounds. 

On the 22nd of December lifting attempts commenced. Several sling positions were tried. However the old girl would not budge. The hull was showing evidence of the strain. The crane was simply not up to the task.

Nothing further could be done until after Christmas.

You can help by donating and asking your friends if they have a large crane they would be happy to be used for the lift.(sersiously!)

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