The new service enables Yacht Solutions to create a climate-controlled environment in which to carry out painting and refitting projects on large yachts.
The Douce France was brought from Phuket to Bangkok for extensive painting and mechanical repair work. In preparation, the Yacht Solutions team was trained by Atlantic Shrink Wrapping Inc of Washington DC, one of the top shrink-wrapping companies in the US.
Simon Twist, Yacht Solutions’ Operations Director and project manager for the Douce France refit, said, “The only way to create the perfect environment for Douce France was to erect a 45m x 20m x 10m shrink-wrapped tent around her.
“This offered exceptional protection against environmental factors including rain, sun and wind. Shrink-wrap tents are now commonplace in the superyacht industry in America and Europe and so we are very happy to be pioneering superyacht shrink wrap tenting here in Thailand.”
Shrink wrap is a polyethylene plastic that is formulated to shrink when heat is applied to it. It then forms a tight seal to whatever it is wrapped around or secured to. In this case it was the scaffolding.
The shrinking process makes the plastic stronger, allowing it to withstand weather and other elements. Project managers can then work without worrying about the weather.
The yacht is protected from external contaminants and also, because the tent can be made airtight it can be vented to provide a temperature-controlled work environment. The tent also reduces the possibility of theft.
Gareth Twist, Yacht Solutions’s MD, said, “We have been in the marine refit and repair business in Thailand for 12 years, so offering a superyacht shrink wrapping service seemed a natural progression for us.
“The superyacht industry in Asia is growing and recent trends show that there has been a year-on-year increase in the number of superyachts either in the region or going through. By offering this service to international standards we believe will attract more vessels to Thailand all year round for refits, conversions and paintwork.
“With this shrink-wrapping ability we are able to compete with the European yards but with the distinct advantage of having lower labour costs. Our unique combination ensures international standards are maintained while owners receive exceptional value for money and service due to the efficiencies of operating in Thailand.”
The tent took seven days to create. Once the scaffolding was erected, the pieces of plastic were placed and welded together.
The plastic was then meticulously cut around the masts and the cables supporting the masts. Each cut was then sealed back together and reinforced.
The final step of the project was to put a skirt on the bottom of the structure to meet the ground. The shrink wrapped structure was then fitted with intake and exhaust fans and air conditioning.