So begins the first part of the conversion process. We had decided to bring the hold height and length back to their original size. Wonderful job by Wilbert and the scheepswerf Het Anker team which entailed removing first the section welded on for the flat aluminium hatch covers, and then removing the middle section whilst keeping everything stable, and of, course, then re-welding everything together. We also removed the Kalffdek to restore the original gangway. Within the hold, we added two five-ton steel water tanks under the foredeck and then created a new watertight bulkhead which could be accessed from the office. Under the would-be office floor we also added a five-ton waste water tank (never put to use). Once that was done, we installed the central support beam and supports for the steel roof to keep the hold area dry.
Cutting the middle section out Bringing it back to the original height Middle section removed Brother Howard doing a sterling job New supports needed Bringing the hold back to original size Now leaving a good gap Adding an additional watertight bulkhead Building in a waste water tank Plating up the foredeck 7 Removing the Kalffdek Kalffdek supports Gangway shows no rusted areas The only rusted section found Difficult to find good staff Adding the steel roof Even Wilbert’s Dad helps with the welding Steel roof now finished… and so begins the work… in the hold to remove the cargo floor More light with the portholes Port water tank (rear) Starboard water tank (forward) The worst job was to clear out the detritus from the last 70 years that had seeped through the wooden cargo floor.