16th October 2020
WYM Group were delighted to see RMS St Helena back in the water as she emerged from an 18-month multi-million pounds refit.
The extensive project has been managed and overseen by our team in preparation for her to become the logistics hub for the new Extreme E global off-road racing series.
Led by Austen Brunton, Technical Project Manager, a team of 30 are closing in on completing the project, having finished work which included refurbishing the interior, renewing steelworks as necessary, hydro blasting and a full repaint of the hull and substructure.
Mechanically, all systems have been overhauled with the engines being completely stripped and all components renewed or replaced, and propellers refurbished to reduce friction and improve efficiency. The ship will also run on low sulphur marine diesel.
A new black and green livery, including the Extreme E logo, was seen for the first time recently as St Helena sailed along the River Mersey to Bidston dock, where the final interiors are now being completed.
The underwater hull has been painted in the most up-to-date self-polishing anti-fouling paint, meaning it is kept clean and makes her more streamlined, helping further reduce CO2 emissions.
“Everything you see on St Helena has been overhauled,” said Mr Brunton, who is based at WYM Group’s headquarters in Hessle, East Yorkshire.
“As a 30-year old ship she needed quite a lot of work to get her ready for her new role with Extreme E and some adaptions to make her suitable for both passenger and cargo use.
“Seeing her re-enter the water was a very proud moment for myself and all my team. We have spent 18 months working on her to get her into this condition and it has been great to see her finally back on the water, where she belongs.”
New race series will travel to remote places across world on St Helena
The Extreme E series, which is scheduled to start in 2021, will see teams of all-electric vehicles race in remote parts of the world.
St Helena will act as floating paddock, transporting the championship’s freight and infrastructure, including vehicles, to the nearest port in each of its four race locations in Saudi Arabia, Senegal Greenland, and Brazil. (You can check out the Extreme E website for more information www.extreme-e.com)
The remote locations have been chosen as they have each already been damaged or affected by climate issues, raising awareness of climate change and the need to help protect the planet.
Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton recently announced he is to have a team competing in the inaugural series, with the ‘environmental focus’ appealing to him.
It will be a complete contrast from St Helena’s days serving as a Royal Mail ship for the island of St. Helena, when she provided the only transportation for both people and cargo to and from the island before an airport was built in 2016.
WYM Group’s Ship Management division will oversee all aspects her operation for Extreme E, from technical management, crew management, accounting, operations, provisions, and insurance.
Managing Director Allan Wilson says they are exciting times.
“The St Helena was chosen by Extreme E as its freight and logistics hub due to her versatility and ability to carry a mixture of cargo, which will include the championship’s cars, as well as passengers in 62 cabins on board,” he said.
“It was really tremendous to see the new livery on display when she was back in the water to move shipyards recently and her transformation has been a credit to our team.
“There are many more challenging and exciting days ahead as we manage what will be a unique project in some ways, but one which also is essentially our daily bread and butter as a ship management specialist, ensuring vessels like St Helena have all the support and planning they need to safely navigate the waters and travel around the world, serving their purpose.”
The Extreme E championship chose to purchase the ship in 2018 as moving its freight via the sea will reduce emissions in comparison to air freight.
The final elements of the ship’s refurbishment will be completed in the next two months.
WYM Group have been managing our 200ft yacht since 2018 and we are totally satisfied with their services. They have a wealth of experience and are always efficient and diligent in all our dealings.
Scott, Owner's Representative
The complex aspects of managing any large yacht are no mean feat, but Allan and his team are always there to assist when needed. They handle everything with drive and knowledge, building the perfect environment for the owner and Captain to develop confidence and trust.
Oscar, Master Mariner
Thank you for your excellent service with the management of our client's 60 metre Feadship - we are pleased with how seamlessly you've done what we need.
Steve, Family Office Representative
