Sea Heritage Dock
Kanangra and her placement on the Sea Heritage Dock (SHD) is classified as a ‘suspended load’ and is regarded as a high risk work environment. Kanangra, John Oxley and the SHD are classified as ‘Construction Sites’ and stringent safety requirements are to be adhered to.
In April 2022 Kanangra was placed on the Sea Heritage Dock — the condition of her hull was very concerning, and she was at risk of sinking.
The story
The SHD is a slave dock. It was built for the restoration of James Craig, and SHF cannot function without it. Vessels that have used the SHD: James Craig — 30 years; John Oxley — 24 years; and Kanangra.
John Oxley was not ready to come off the SHD, and there was a strong argument that she stay on the SHD until completed. But the risk to SHF if Kanangra sank forced the SWAP to proceed.
The sinking of Baragoola at Coal Loader / Waverton on 1 January 2022 increased the urgency to remove Kanangra from the water. Opposition to removing Kanangra from the water vanished.
John Oxley was removed from the SHD and floated on 30 March 2022. Kanangra was moved to GI and placed on the SHD in early April 2022, and relocated to Rozelle Bay in mid-April 2022.
The hull needs a complete replacement. The aim is to have a vessel that will operate for at least 80 to 100 years — that requires a major vessel restoration.
The deep dive
Foam and concrete removal
To keep the ferry afloat, concrete and foam were placed in the hull. Both are being removed from the vessel. It is a difficult, tiring process: the concrete is very hard, and the foam is sticky and produces toxic fumes when heated.
Double ended ferries
Construction of double ended ferries was pioneered in Sydney. The technology moved around the world, e.g. Hong Kong, Auckland, New York, Vancouver and Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is now a popular method of ferry operation.
1879 saw the construction of the first double ended propeller driven ferry in Australia — the Wallaby.
Double ended technology was important in the confines of Circular Quay. To reduce congestion, the Sydney Harbour Trust issued regulations restricting use of the Quay to only double-ended steamers from 30 June 1914.
Major refit
Just prior to the sale of the fleet to the State Government, Sydney Ferries Ltd decided to re-boiler Kanangra. Subsequent surveys found the extent of the necessary repairs were much greater than was originally envisaged. As many as 60 hull plates would have to be replaced plus additional structural repairs. The Transport Board seriously considered scrapping Kanangra and building a replacement; however, this option was rejected when the costs were compared. The work was carried out at Chapman’s Dock. The total cost was £65,000 and it was said that she would be good for another 30 years. Kanangra returned to service early in 1953.
Things that go bump!
Kanangra’s career almost ended on March 1, 1972. While being slipped at Sydney Slipway, Balmain, her keel fell off the cradle-keel blocks when about two-thirds out of the water. Fortunately, the only damage sustained by the stout old hull was a one-inch dent in the hull in way of the fuel compartment and some local distortion of frames. She was again passed fit for service.
Her last major incident occurred during a torrential rainstorm on November 5, 1984. While en-route from Circular Quay to Mosman during evening peak hour, Kanangra was struck on the port bow by the Manly ferry North Head, off Benelong Point. The bow of North Head tore into Kanangra’s hull, damaging her bulwarks and upper deck. Passengers rushed to the stern, grabbing life-jackets and preparing to swim for the steps of the Opera House. The crippled Kanangra worked her way slowly back to the Quay and unloaded her passengers safely.
The long wait
In December 1985 Kanangra was taken up onto one of the old building berths at Cockatoo Island, part of her weight being taken by the dockyard crane Titan. A detailed survey showed more work was required than had been envisaged, and Government suspended plans for restoration because the cost would exceed budget. She was quickly patched up and returned to the water.
Since 1997 Kanangra has been moored at Rozelle Bay awaiting funds for major hull restoration, her supporters watching and waiting as work finished on the James Craig allowed the Museum’s pilot steamer and buoy tender John Oxley to occupy the Sea Heritage Dock.
FROM THE COLLECTION
7 photos · tap to enlarge- Kanangra in dock, c.1958Credit to confirm
- Kanangra — damage re North Head / Opera House, 5 Nov 1984Credit to confirm
- Kanangra showing damage, Nov 1984Credit to confirm
- Kanangra showing damage, Nov 1984Credit to confirm
- Kanangra — damage after collision, Nov 1984Credit to confirm
- Balmain Yard — Kanangra returns, entering dock, Jan 1990Credit to confirm
- James Craig, re-commissioned 2000 — at 10.5 knots off Palm BeachCredit to confirm