N.S. Savannah departing from Norfolk, Virginia
May 7, 2008
Photo by MARAD

September 2008 Update

A lot has happened since our last update in January. Savannah completed a very successful drydocking period in late March; and remained at the BAE shipyard in Norfolk throughout April and the first week of May while Keystone contracted for a long-term layberth. After evaluating the bids received, Keystone awarded the contract to Canton Marine Terminals, a unit of the Vane Brothers Company in Baltimore. With options the layberth contract extends for three years.

Some of the highlights of the drydocking availability included the following:

• The ship’s entire exterior surface was prepared and recoated. The above-water livery (color scheme) was applied based on contemporary 1959 documents and color charts discovered through archival research.
• The ship’s external and internal structure was thoroughly examined, and generally found to be in excellent condition. Repairs that had been made to the underwater hull in 1994 were found to be intact, and no significant new repairs were required. To improve the performance of the cathodic protection system, the ship’s propeller was removed and the tailshaft / stern tube was capped.
• Surveys and inspections were conducted to bring the ship back into classification with the American Bureau of Shipping.
A number of improvements were made to support layberth operations. Among these were the fitting and installation of a stores davit and hatch, asbestos removal and remediation, access and egress modifications, and rehabilitation of public spaces.
• Miscellaneous preservation activities included the removal of the deteriorated ceramic tile and concrete deck coverings on the Promenade Deck, including the two shuffle board courts. The tile was retained. These deck coverings had been penetrated by water, and the removal was necessary to allow inspection, repair and coating of the steel decks.
• The removed ship’s propeller was placed on the number seven cargo hatch where it can be seen during tours and events. The ship’s bell was installed on the after cargo truss, where it is now a featured part of public ceremonies and activities.
   

N.S. Savannah Bell, aft of number 6 cargo hatch

The Savannah arrived at the Baltimore layberth facility on May 8, 2008. Almost immediately preparations commenced for a major event; the May 22, 2008 observance of National Maritime Day; and the fiftieth anniversary of the ship’s keel-laying ceremony. To commemorate these events a crew and program reunion was planned. This was the fourth reunion for the crew; the others were in 1983, 1992, and 1999. Many activities took place over the two-day reunion program. More than 250 people were onboard the ship on May 22, and about 200 were onboard on May 23. One highlight of the May 22 activities was the dedication of a new display featuring the ship’s historic marker plaques. Each plaque was rededicated by a representative of the organization that originally named the ship as a landmark; the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; the American Nuclear Society; and the United States National Park Service. Massachusetts Maritime Academy provided an honor guard for the festivities. Many other organizations, vendors and individuals contributed to the success of the event, and will be recognized more fully on the new web page.
 

N.S. Savannah dressed for National Maritime Day
May 22, 2008 at Baltimore, Maryland
Photo by Don McGee, Areva Federal Services
 

The Savannah Technical Staff and the ship’s crew are now settled into routine operations in Baltimore. The principal focus of our activities is to complete our administrative and technical license compliance tasks, and to execute the engineering and planning activities necessary to bring the Savannah into conformance with contemporary NRC requirements for nuclear facilities in retention (SAFSTOR). On July 9, 2008 the agency held a public information meeting at the Canton Branch of the public library to discuss these activities in detail. MARAD also published an Environmental Assessment and corresponding Finding of No Significant Impact that describe these activities in great detail. These and other Savannah documents will be made available in the reference library of the revamped website; in the meantime, copies of these documents can be provided upon request (see below for instructions for requesting documents).
 

N.S. SAVANNAH at layberth, Canton Marine Terminals Pier 13
Baltimore, Maryland - May 27, 2008
Photo by MARAD

Q. Is the Savannah open to the public? Can it be visited?

A. The ship is not open to the general public. It can be visited, however. The Savannah Technical Staff will receive requests to visit the ship, and will schedule periodic tours provided that these can be accommodated without interference to normal ship’s business. For more information about touring the ship, please email Savannah@dot.gov and include “tour request” in the subject line.

Q. I would like to receive a copy of the Savannah public meeting presentation. How can I get a copy?

A. If you would like a copy of the public meeting presentation, or other documents related to the Savannah, please send an email request to Savannah@dot.gov and include “document request” in the subject line.

Q. I don’t have email; how can I contact you?

A. If you don’t have access to email, you can contact us by telephone or regular mail. By telephone please call (410) 633-4973. Our fax is (410) 633-4974. The mailing address is:

Savannah Technical Staff
c/o Keystone Shipping; N.S. Savannah
Canton Marine Terminals, Pier 13
4601 Newgate Ave
Baltimore, MD 21224
 

What's New Archive:
- September 2006
- August 2006
- April 2006
- February 2007
- August 2007
- January 2008