QE2 Refit 28 October to 20 November 1975

[Lynda Bradford]

The QE2 Story would like to thank Michael Gallagher for giving his permission to extract information from information he had compiled on refits and allowing us to make this information available on the QE2 Story Forum. 

Timescale: 3 weeks
Date: 28 October – 20 November 1975
Contractor: Vesper Thornycroft, Southampton
Cost:
Captain: M Hehir


Summary of refit: Apart from routine cleaning, painting and surveys, a wide range of machinery overhauls was carried out and accommodation refurbished, with large areas of carpet renewed. High pressure water jets were used to clean the hull.

Dry Dock: QE2 entered Dry-Dock on 29 October and left on 12 November and relocated to the Ocean Terminal.

Behind the scenes and technical work:

 Launches
 Four new motor launches and their davits were installed
 Propellers
 A new glass reinforced plastics propeller cone was made by Marine Construction (UK) Ltd of Woolston, and fitted

It was at the time of this refit that Police found 400Ib of explosives at the Albion Towers block of flats not far from the Eastern Docks.  Because of the proximity of the ship there was suspicion that the ship may have been used to transport weapons or explosives between the USA and UK for terrorist use. 

Have a look at the video and discussions on The QE2 Story topic 17 November 1975: QE2 checked for bombs (IRA)