Enforced idle time for cyclists in Dresden
Revamped Recap:
Every autumn, the bustling refurbishment frenzy unfolds at Dresden's Laubegast shipyard, as vintage steamships glide in for an overhaul. The historic paddle steamers are set for a two-year modernization journey, with the iconic 'Gräfin Cosel' salon ship leading the charge in 2023, followed by the 'August der Starke' in 2025. Both ships will undergo comprehensive upgrades, from the interiors to the sun decks, ensuring the latest standards in technology and furnishings are met.
The transformation starts in January and runs through April, with a hefty investment of over one million euros per ship. Dresden boasts the world's largest and oldest paddle steamer fleet, and the 2024 season will see five vessels gracing the Laubegast shipyard.
Curious about this shipping makeover? Let's dive deeper into the behind-the-scenes action at the shipyard.
A shipyard is like a car garage on the water. While only two employees maintain the premises during summer, the crew swells in winter to work on, within, and beneath the ships. To catch them, slip cars are used – water-submerged platforms that the ships drive onto, raising them out of the water. The meticulous process takes up to an hour to get them out, depending on the ship's weight.
Once out, each ship receives a thorough cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner, followed by necessary repairs based on examination. One regular task at the shipyard is ensuring the hull's 6 mm thickness – if falling below the 4 mm mark, the steel needs to be replaced every two years.
As the ships take shape, they're slowly lowered back into the water, securely moored for additional work indoors or on the engine. Occasionally, the moorings themselves require renewal or repairs.
Steamships present a unique challenge, as many specialized parts have become obsolete and need to be custom-made or repaired. The job is further complicated by the harsh elements, often requiring tasks to be done under tarps, and weather delays when temperatures plummet, torrential rain pours, or storms brew.
In essence, restoring these historical gems requires precision, passion, and an unyielding commitment to preserving maritime heritage. The Dresden shipyard continues to lead the way, merging tradition with modernity to ensure the continued sailing of these architectural marvels.
- In the midst of the historically significant transformation, the Dresden shipyard, much like an automotive industry workshop, is tackling a special restoration project for a duo of ships—the 'Gräfin Cosel' and 'August der Starke'.
- The avant-garde finance that funds the endeavor is not only securing the latest standards in technology and furnishings for these vintage steamships but also supporting the transportation industry by maintaining the iconic paddle steamers, a symbol of Dresden's rich automotive heritage.
