Working with JAG Alaska (operator of the Seward Ship Lift), Global deployed two four-person dive teams to support the dry docking of the University of Alaska Fairbanks research vessel, RV Sikuliaq. The Sikuliaq is an oceanographic research ship capable of bringing scientists to the ice-choked waters of Alaska and the polar regions; the large vessel has a LOA of 261’, beam of 52’ and tonnage of 3,429 GT.

This technical dry docking was successfully completed by JAG with Global’s support. During the process, two Global divers were deployed at the bow and two at the stern. Maintaining constant communications with the dive supervisor and JAG’s topside dry docking team, the in-water divers positioned fore and aft worked simultaneously to verify positioning of the vessel over the blocking system and support towers at the bow and stern. The team completed the complex maneuvering process over a period of 3 hours.

Due to the size and draft of the vessel, timing the project during a specific high tide was critical to the success of the operation; any delays in the process would have had significant impact on the project schedule and cost. The JAG and Global teams completed the dry docking without incident and to the client’s satisfaction.