Category: MS Aquarel

Aquarel – At the yard

1st May 2019 – I went to Lauwersoog in the Netherlands for a special reason. The Aquarel was at the yard by her new owners. She is being fully restored and repainted. A job I’ve never done. The owners managed last year to get the engine running. Now it was time to get a new survey.

I have a lot of respect for the current owners and what they have realised in such a short period.

Aquarel – Huizen

15th September 2018 – I wasn’t expecting the engine to run or even to see the Aquarel (now Marie-Louise) moving when I called the owner. They left Amsterdam when I called and we arranged to meet them in Huizen.

I arrived a little earlier then expected, but managed to take some great shots from the top of the harbour entrance. There were no words to describe how I felt. We talked for some time with the owners, went on board and had a look in the engine room and hold.

Aquarel – Visiting Zaandam

14th August 2017 – While I was in Amsterdam getting some books for my Library aboard Tordino, I stopped in Zaandam to have a quick look on the Aquarel.

She was looking good, but a bit squeezed in between two other ships. I was a bit disappointed about the paintwork of the hull. For a sandblasted ship which was coated with epoxy, I found red paint coming through on several locations. Something must have gone wrong during this process.

Or just have a look at the complete gallery:

Aquarel – Welding

16th December 2016 – Doing the repairs. The yard did the welding while I was the lookout in case there would be fire. Since most of the ship was built with the idea of welding in the hull, there was no risk of having a fire. Therefore, I decided to watch the welders and learn…

Aquarel – The survey

13th December 2016 – The surveyor came from Holland and did a check on the hull. The tunnel of the shaft needed doubling plates and a few old pipes had to be sealed. Not bad for a 100 year old ship!

Aquarel – Going to the yard

10th December 2016 – The Aquarel was pushed to the yard with a small tug. The engine is still not fixed and part of the deal to acquire the Tordino is a yard visit for the old lady. She is 100 years old! It took us six hours to get from Beernem to Zelzate.

Pusher ready
Turning on her mooring in Beernem
Leaving Beernem
Near Aalter