The Society for Conservation of Old Ships – also known as the Danish Veteran Ship Club - faced a difficult problem: their steamship, the m/s ”Skjelskør” was no longer capable of sailing due to a leaky boiler.

A new boiler is both expensive and not an original component, important considerations for a veteran club operating on a tight budget. The Society consulted FORCE Technology, who examined the problem and found a solution.

The veteran steamship ”m/s Skjelskør” was built in 1915. During the summer it sails with passengers from Frederikssund on visits around Roskilde Fjord.

Pressure test of boiler

In 2004, the steamship could no longer function properly because of a leak in the old steam boiler. Repairs carried out by a local company failed to solve the problem and once again the boiler was leaking. A new boiler, including the cost of engine room installation, would cost over DKK 1 million and would no longer be original.

Knowhow and expertise

The situation was improved after the boiler had been examined by FORCE Technology’s Corrosion and Metallurgy department.

We contacted the company International Combustion Engineering, who are worldwide specialists in the repair of ship boilers. Together, we found a financially viable and safe solution for repair of the old boiler.

FORCE Technology drew on its knowledge and expertise in the following areas:

• Boiler materials, and old steel types in riveted boilers
• Welding techniques
• Non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection
• Materials analyses and metallurgy
• Boiler designs.

FORCE Technology’s inspection department was responsible for quality control of the new weldings including subsequent NDT testing.

Competitive price

The end result was a full repair of the boiler, which thanks to the extraordinary goodwill of all those involved, cost under a tenth of the price of a new boiler installation.

Welding of riveted boiler - a job for specialists

In June 2005, the Society for Conversation of Old Ships – the Danish Veteran Ship Club - could once again raise pressure and after a successful pressure testing and a trial run, the steamer could recommence sailing passengers around the Fjord.

In connection with this task, FORCE Technology has also been consulted on effective corrosion protection of the boiler and engine room and the treatment of boiler water. Our NDT experts are also responsible for ongoing monitoring of the ship’s old steel hull plates when it docks.

Our expertise in the above areas has thus helped conserving and maintaining an important part of Denmark’s technical maritime heritage.