MV Autosky Leaves Falmouth (UK)

A huge car carrier which has dominated the skyline at Falmouth Docks during August left the port, signaling the end of another successful ship repair contract for A&P Falmouth.

M/V Autosky, which is capable of carrying 2,080 cars and commercial vehicles, has been in dock since August 2 for a range of work including repairs, an overhaul of the bow thruster, removal of two Becker rudders, overhaul of trailing flaps and two Stabilizer trailing flaps, and a complete change of livery with new ship side logos.

The long-term relationship between the dockyard and United European Car Carriers (UECC) highlights the importance of repeat business for A&P Falmouth. In the past 15 years UECC has docked at least one vessel per year inFalmouth.

With a fleet of 21 owned and managed vessels, UECC (www.uecc.com) is the leading provider of short sea roll on roll off (roro) transportation in Europe, and A&P is well placed to provide maintenance and repair services for the fleet.

M/V Autosky’s Superintendent Dave Barker said: “A&P Falmouth was chosen in competition with other North European yards for the dry docking, maintenance and repairs of the Autosky.

“The project was carried out in a timely, efficient manner, with a very high standard of workmanship maintained. The cooperation with the management and repair teams has been excellent. The support we receive from A&P makes them one of our preferred suppliers inEurope.”

Peter Child, Managing Director of A&P Falmouth, said: “UECC has strong ties withFalmouth and we are delighted to celebrate the continuing success of the partnership and to showcase what has been achieved so far. For A&P the customer is king and our continued cooperation at all levels of the business ensures timely projects and value for money.

“The relationship with UECC helps provide A&P Falmouth – and it’s highly skilled employees – with vital security for the future. As we have proved we provide excellent value for money and a high standard of workmanship. We look forward to continuing this relationship and welcoming future vessels toFalmouth.”

In October 2011 the Autosky’s sister vessel, the 126m Autopremier, docked in Falmouth for maintenance and repair work after being laid up in the River Fal for almost two years.

Prior to being laid up, UECC had offered the Autopremier’s dry stores to Falmouth’s Mission to Seafarers Centre to assist other seafarers in case of an emergency. Coincidentally around that time, a distressed cargo vessel YEYA-1, on being inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency had been found to have only macaroni and flour onboard. The crew of YEYA-1 had also not heard from the ship’s owners for two months or been paid during that time.

Liaison between UECC, A&P and The Mission to Seafarers soon put the dry stores to good use and the crew of the YEYA-1 was delighted when a boat full of food arrived only a few hours after a call for help had been received.